Status:
valid
Authors:
Amorim, Michelang. & R.Goldenb.
Source:
tro
Year:
2009
Citation Micro:
Syst. Bot. 34(2): 324 (-329; fig. 1) (2009)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001033255
Common Names
- Physeterostemon thomasii
- Thomas' Physeterostemon
- Thomas' Elephant's Head
Description
Physeterostemon thomasii (also called Thomas' Physeterostemon, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant native to South America. It has long, trailing stems with small, white flowers. It grows in moist, shady areas, such as near streams and in the understory of forests.
Uses & Benefits
Physeterostemon thomasii is used in traditional medicine for treating fever, headaches, and stomachaches. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Physeterostemon thomasii are small, white, and bell-shaped. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings have narrow, linear leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Physeterostemon thomasii is an evergreen shrub that is native to Central America. It is hardy to USDA Zone 10 and prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or layering. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a cold frame.
Where to Find Physeterostemon thomasii
Physeterostemon thomasii can be found in India.
Species in the Physeterostemon 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,