Status:
valid
Authors:
Triana
Source:
tro
Year:
1872
Citation Micro:
Trans. Linn. Soc. London 28: 34 (1871 publ. 1872)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001079183
Common Names
- Desmoscelis calcarata
- Spurred Desmoscelis
- Winged Desmoscelis
Description
Desmoscelis calcarata (also called Spiny Desmoscelis, among many other common names) is a shrub that can reach up to 1 m in height. It is native to the Caribbean and Central America and is found in dry forests and scrublands.
Uses & Benefits
Desmoscelis calcarata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is drought tolerant and has a long flowering period, making it an ideal choice for landscaping. The plant is also used as a medicinal herb to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, colds, and digestive issues.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Desmoscelis calcarata are white and bell-shaped, with five petals and a yellow center. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are light green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Desmoscelis calcarata is a perennial herb that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate light shade and dry conditions. It is best grown in a sheltered location to protect it from strong winds. It is drought tolerant once established.
Where to Find Desmoscelis calcarata
Desmoscelis calcarata is native to the Caribbean and is found in moist forests, along streams, and in wet ravines. It is also found in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Species in the Desmoscelis genus
Species in the Melastomataceae family
Acanthella sprucei,
Acanthella pulchra,
Acanthella conferta,
Aciotis polystachya,
Aciotis purpurascens,
Aciotis acuminifolia,
Aciotis annua,
Aciotis rubricaulis,
Aciotis cordata,
Aciotis indecora,
Aciotis paludosa,
Aciotis circaeoides,
Aciotis ornata,
Aciotis circaeifolia,
Aciotis wurdackiana,
Aciotis olivieriana,
Aciotis ferreirana,
Aciotis viscida,
Aciotis pendulifolia,
Aciotis brachybotria,
Acisanthera pulchella,
Acisanthera quadrata,
Acisanthera boliviensis,
Acisanthera variabilis,
Acisanthera uniflora,
Acisanthera alsinaefolia,
Acisanthera paraguayensis,
Acisanthera alata,
Acisanthera hedyotoidea,
Acisanthera glazioviana,
Acisanthera quadrata,
Acisanthera ayangannae,
Acisanthera divaricata,
Adelobotrys ciliatus,
Adelobotrys atlanticus,
Adelobotrys adscendens,
Adelobotrys barbatus,
Adelobotrys ciliata,
Adelobotrys macrophylla,
Adelobotrys praetexta,
Adelobotrys tessmannii,
Adelobotrys boissieriana,
Adelobotrys fuscescens,
Adelobotrys macrantha,
Adelobotrys rotundifolius,
Adelobotrys subsessilis,
Adelobotrys jefensis,
Adelobotrys linearifolia,
Adelobotrys ayangannensis,
Adelobotrys scandens,