Status:
valid
Authors:
Spreng.
Source:
tro
Year:
1823
Citation Micro:
Bull. Sci. Soc. Philom. Paris 1823: 54 (1823)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001086823
Common Names
- Hairy Reichenbachia
- Hairy Reichenbachia Cactus
- Hairy Reichenbachia-Cactus
Description
Reichenbachia hirsuta (also called Hairy Reichenbachia, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 8 m (26 ft) tall. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, and is found in the Amazon Basin, the Guianas, and the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. It grows in humid forests, often near rivers, and is also found in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Reichenbachia hirsuta is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is also used as a food source and for its oil, which is used in cosmetics and perfumes.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Reichenbachia hirsuta has small, white flowers with four petals and yellow anthers. Its seeds are small, black and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small, with thin, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Reichenbachia hirsuta can be propagated by seed or by cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and rooted in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Both methods require bright, indirect light and temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
Where to Find Reichenbachia hirsuta
Reichenbachia hirsuta can be found in South America, from Colombia to Peru.
Species in the Reichenbachia genus
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,