Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Dioscoreales
Genus:
Species:
pauciflora
ID:
756015

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Klotzsch) Hand.-Mazz.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1936

Citation Micro:
Symb. Sin. 7: 1220 (1936)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000755348



Common Names

  • Few-Flowered Star Grass
  • Few-Flowered Aletris
  • Few-Flowered Colic Root


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Description

Aletris pauciflora (also called Star Grass, Blazing Star, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the southeastern United States. It has a thick, fleshy, white rootstock and a single, erect stem bearing a terminal spike of small, white flowers. It grows in moist, sandy soils in open woods, thickets and roadsides.

Uses & Benefits

Aletris pauciflora has been used in traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, fever, and skin irritations. It has also been used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Aletris pauciflora var. khasiana (Hook.f.) F.T.Wang & Tang
Aletris pauciflora var. pauciflora

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Aletris pauciflora has small, white, star-shaped flowers with six petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are short and slender.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Aletris pauciflora is a perennial plant that is best grown in full sun or partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought. Propagation is done by division or by seed. The seeds should be sown in late spring or early summer in a warm, humid environment and kept moist until germination occurs.

Where to Find Aletris pauciflora

Aletris pauciflora is native to South Africa and grows in sandy soils.

Aletris pauciflora FAQ

What is the scientific name of Aletris pauciflora?

Aletris pauciflora

What is the common name of Aletris pauciflora?

Few-flowered Star Grass

What is the habitat of Aletris pauciflora?

Dry woods and thickets

References

Heinrich von Handel-Mazzetti (1882-1940): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Hand.-Mazz.' in the authors string.
Johann Friedrich Klotzsch (1805-1860): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Klotzsch' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:527503-1: Based on the WCVP April 2023 data release.