Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 3 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000568087
Common Names
- Boerhavia scandens
- Climbing Spiderling
- Pale Spiderling
Synonyms
- Boerhavia grahamii A.Gray [unknown]
- Boerhavia sarmentosa Willd. [unknown]
- Commicarpus scandens (L.) Standl. [unknown]
Description
Boerhavia scandens (also called Red Spiderling, among many other common names) is an herbaceous perennial plant native to tropical regions of the Americas. It has small, bright red flowers and is found in open, disturbed areas, such as roadsides and pastures.
Uses & Benefits
Boerhavia scandens is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, skin diseases, and urinary tract infections. It is also used as a soil conditioner and to promote soil fertility.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Boerhavia scandens is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, thin, and have a light green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Boerhavia scandens is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant annual that can be grown from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed, which should be sown in spring or early summer. The seed should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination occurs. The seedlings should be thinned to a spacing of about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Where to Find Boerhavia scandens
Boerhavia scandens is native to Central and South America and can be found growing in dry, rocky, and sandy soils.
Boerhavia scandens FAQ
What is the scientific name of Boerhavia scandens?
Boerhavia scandens
What is the common name of Boerhavia scandens?
Climbing Spiderling
What is the natural habitat of Boerhavia scandens?
Boerhavia scandens is found in dry, sandy soils in tropical and subtropical regions.
Species in the Boerhavia genus
Boerhavia hualienensis,
Boerhavia acutifolia,
Boerhavia africana,
Boerhavia alamasona,
Boerhavia alata,
Boerhavia albiflora,
Boerhavia ambigua,
Boerhavia angustifolia,
Boerhavia anisophylla,
Boerhavia arabica,
Boerhavia australis,
Boerhavia boissieri,
Boerhavia bracteosa,
Boerhavia brandegeei,
Boerhavia burbidgeana,
Boerhavia capitata,
Boerhavia chinensis,
Boerhavia chrysantha,
Boerhavia ciliata,
Boerhavia coccinea,
Boerhavia cordobensis,
Boerhavia coulteri,
Boerhavia crassifolia,
Boerhavia crispa,
Boerhavia crispifolia,
Boerhavia decipiens,
Boerhavia deserticola,
Boerhavia diandra,
Boerhavia dichotoma,
Boerhavia diffusa,
Boerhavia discolor,
Boerhavia elegans,
Boerhavia erecta,
Boerhavia fallacissima,
Boerhavia fistulosa,
Boerhavia gardneri,
Boerhavia glabrata,
Boerhavia glandulosa,
Boerhavia gracillima,
Boerhavia graminicola,
Boerhavia grandiflora,
Boerhavia greenwayi,
Boerhavia heimerlii,
Boerhavia helenae,
Boerhavia herbstii,
Boerhavia hereroensis,
Boerhavia heronensis,
Boerhavia hiranensis,
Boerhavia hirsuta,
Boerhavia hitchcockii,
Species in the Nyctaginaceae family
Abronia alba,
Abronia alpina,
Abronia ameliae,
Abronia ammophila,
Abronia angustifolia,
Abronia argillosa,
Abronia bigelovii,
Abronia bolackii,
Abronia carnea,
Abronia crux-maltae,
Abronia elliptica,
Abronia fragrans,
Abronia gracilis,
Abronia latifolia,
Abronia macrocarpa,
Abronia maritima,
Abronia mellifera,
Abronia micrantha,
Abronia minor,
Abronia nana,
Abronia nealleyi,
Abronia parviflora,
Abronia pogonantha,
Abronia turbinata,
Abronia umbellata,
Abronia villosa,
Abronia insularis,
Abronia neurophylla,
Abronia platyphylla,
Abronia variabilis,
Acleisanthes acutifolia,
Acleisanthes angustifolia,
Acleisanthes anisophylla,
Acleisanthes chenopodioides,
Acleisanthes crassifolia,
Acleisanthes diffusa,
Acleisanthes lanceolata,
Acleisanthes longiflora,
Acleisanthes nana,
Acleisanthes nevadensis,
Acleisanthes obtusa,
Acleisanthes palmeri,
Acleisanthes parvifolia,
Acleisanthes purpusiana,
Acleisanthes somalensis,
Acleisanthes undulata,
Acleisanthes wrightii,
Allionia choisyi,
Allionia incarnata,
Allionia viscida,