Status:
valid
Authors:
C.Ulloa & Homeier
Source:
tro
Year:
2008
Citation Micro:
Anales Jard. Bot. Madrid 65(2): 383 (-387; fig. 1) (2008)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001285985
Common Names
- Meriania franciscana
- Franciscana Meriania
- Franciscana Tree
Description
Meriania franciscana (also called Meriania franciscana, among many other common names) is a small shrub native to Central and South America. It has small, bright green leaves and white flowers. It grows in dry forests and scrubland.
Uses & Benefits
Meriania franciscana is used as an ornamental plant, as a groundcover, and for erosion control. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Meriania franciscana are small, white, and tubular. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Meriania franciscana is a hardy, evergreen shrub that grows up to 2 m in height. It is best propagated by seed, which should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil in a warm, sunny location. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are about 15 cm tall. The shrub should be watered regularly, and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a year.
Where to Find Meriania franciscana
Meriania franciscana is native to Central and South America. It can be found in moist forests and along streams.
Species in the Meriania genus
Meriania axinaeoides,
Meriania selvaflorensis,
Meriania horrida,
Meriania arborea,
Meriania calophylla,
Meriania calyptrata,
Meriania excelsa,
Meriania glabra,
Meriania involucrata,
Meriania longipes,
Meriania nobilis,
Meriania paniculata,
Meriania prunifolia,
Meriania pulcherrima,
Meriania quintuplinervis,
Meriania radula,
Meriania rigida,
Meriania robusta,
Meriania sclerophylla,
Meriania splendens,
Meriania tetraquetra,
Meriania urceolata,
Meriania weberbaueri,
Meriania hexamera,
Meriania rugosa,
Meriania macrophylla,
Meriania panamensis,
Meriania leucantha,
Meriania acida,
Meriania tomentosa,
Meriania tetragona,
Meriania crassiramis,
Meriania axinioides,
Meriania boliviensis,
Meriania vilcabambensis,
Meriania cuzcoana,
Meriania vargasii,
Meriania amischophylla,
Meriania sanguinea,
Meriania maxima,
Meriania acostae,
Meriania mexiae,
Meriania ampla,
Meriania pastazana,
Meriania campii,
Meriania drakei,
Meriania maguirei,
Meriania amplexicaulis,
Meriania kirkbridei,
Meriania costata,
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,