Status:
valid
Authors:
F.Muell. ex Benth.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1873
Citation Micro:
Fl. Austral. 6: 123 (1873)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000877608
Common Names
- Cleistanthus semiopacus
- Semi-opaque Cleistanthus
- Semi-opaque Spear Grass
Description
Cleistanthus semiopacus (also called Semi-Opaque Cleistanthus, among many other common names) is an evergreen shrub native to tropical Africa and Madagascar. It grows to a height of up to 5 m and has leathery, oblong leaves. It prefers moist, shady habitats such as rainforests and woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Cleistanthus semiopacus is used as a fodder crop for livestock and is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Cleistanthus semiopacus is a small, yellow spikelet with a single floret. The seed is a small, round grain that is dark brown in color. The seedling is a small shrub with a single stem and narrow, pointed leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cleistanthus semiopacus is a perennial shrub that is native to South America. It is a low-growing species that typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). It has a woody root system and can spread slowly. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils. Propagation is usually done by cuttings or by seed. Seeds should be sown in spring in a sunny location and kept moist until germination occurs.
Where to Find Cleistanthus semiopacus
Cleistanthus semiopacus is native to India, China, and Southeast Asia. It can be found in moist, grassy areas, such as meadows, pastures, and along roadsides.
Species in the Cleistanthus genus
Cleistanthus acuminatus,
Cleistanthus angustifolius,
Cleistanthus annamensis,
Cleistanthus apodus,
Cleistanthus bakonensis,
Cleistanthus balakrishnanii,
Cleistanthus baramicus,
Cleistanthus beccarianus,
Cleistanthus bipindensis,
Cleistanthus boivinianus,
Cleistanthus bracteosus,
Cleistanthus brideliifolius,
Cleistanthus capuronii,
Cleistanthus carolinianus,
Cleistanthus caudatus,
Cleistanthus celebicus,
Cleistanthus chlorocarpus,
Cleistanthus collinus,
Cleistanthus concinnus,
Cleistanthus contractus,
Cleistanthus coriaceus,
Cleistanthus cunninghamii,
Cleistanthus curtisii,
Cleistanthus dallachyanus,
Cleistanthus decurrens,
Cleistanthus denudatus,
Cleistanthus discolor,
Cleistanthus diversifolius,
Cleistanthus dolichophyllus,
Cleistanthus duvipermaniorum,
Cleistanthus eberhardtii,
Cleistanthus ellipticus,
Cleistanthus elongatus,
Cleistanthus erycibifolius,
Cleistanthus everettii,
Cleistanthus evrardii,
Cleistanthus ferrugineus,
Cleistanthus flavescens,
Cleistanthus floricola,
Cleistanthus gabonensis,
Cleistanthus glaber,
Cleistanthus glabratus,
Cleistanthus glandulosus,
Cleistanthus gracilis,
Cleistanthus helferi,
Cleistanthus hirsutipetalus,
Cleistanthus hirsutulus,
Cleistanthus hylandii,
Cleistanthus indochinensis,
Cleistanthus inglorius,
Species in the Phyllanthaceae family
Actephila alanbakeri,
Actephila saccata,
Actephila albidula,
Actephila anthelminthica,
Actephila aurantiaca,
Actephila collinsiae,
Actephila daii,
Actephila dolichopoda,
Actephila excelsa,
Actephila foetida,
Actephila grandifolia,
Actephila latifolia,
Actephila lindleyi,
Actephila longipedicellata,
Actephila macrantha,
Actephila mearsii,
Actephila merrilliana,
Actephila mooreana,
Actephila nitidula,
Actephila ovalis,
Actephila petiolaris,
Actephila pierrei,
Actephila platysepala,
Actephila puberula,
Actephila sessilifolia,
Actephila subsessilis,
Actephila trichogyna,
Actephila bella,
Actephila championiae,
Actephila flavescens,
Actephila plicata,
Actephila traceyi,
Actephila venusta,
Actephila vernicosa,
Actephila forsteri,
Amanoa almerindae,
Amanoa anomala,
Amanoa bracteosa,
Amanoa caribaea,
Amanoa congesta,
Amanoa cupatensis,
Amanoa glaucophylla,
Amanoa gracillima,
Amanoa guianensis,
Amanoa muricata,
Amanoa nanayensis,
Amanoa neglecta,
Amanoa oblongifolia,
Amanoa sinuosa,
Amanoa steyermarkii,