Status:
valid
Authors:
Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.
Source:
tro
Year:
1833
Citation Micro:
Bot. Misc. 3: 167 (1833)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001262584
Common Names
- Plectrocarpa tetracantha
- Tetracantha Plectrocarpa
- Tetracantha Plectrocarp
Description
Plectrocarpa tetracantha (also called Four-spined Plectrocarpa, among many other common names) is a small shrub native to South America. It is a hardy plant, growing to a height of 1-2 metres, with small, white, star-shaped flowers. It prefers well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade, and is drought and frost tolerant.
Uses & Benefits
Plectrocarpa tetracantha is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat skin diseases and wounds.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Plectrocarpa tetracantha has small yellowish-green flowers that are arranged in clusters. The seeds are small and black in color. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with two opposite leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Plectrocarpa tetracantha can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Where to Find Plectrocarpa tetracantha
Plectrocarpa tetracantha is native to the tropical regions of South America.
Species in the Plectrocarpa genus
Species in the Zygophyllaceae family
Balanites aegyptiaca,
Balanites angolensis,
Balanites glabra,
Balanites maughamii,
Balanites pedicellaris,
Balanites rotundifolia,
Balanites roxburghii,
Balanites triflora,
Balanites wilsoniana,
Balanites aegyptiacus,
Balanites wilsonianus,
Bulnesia chilensis,
Bulnesia foliosa,
Bulnesia retamo,
Bulnesia rivas-martinezii,
Bulnesia schichendanzii,
Bulnesia schickendantzii,
Guaiacum coulteri,
Guaiacum officinale,
Guaiacum palmeri,
Guaiacum sanctum,
Guaiacum unijugum,
Guaiacum nellii,
Kallstroemia pubescens,
Kallstroemia maxima,
Kallstroemia californica,
Kallstroemia grandiflora,
Kallstroemia hirsutissima,
Kallstroemia parviflora,
Kallstroemia perennans,
Kallstroemia adscendens,
Kallstroemia tucumanensis,
Kallstroemia tribuloides,
Kallstroemia incana,
Kallstroemia rosei,
Kallstroemia boliviana,
Kallstroemia pennellii,
Kallstroemia peninsularis,
Kallstroemia standleyi,
Kallstroemia mexicana,
Kallstroemia curta,
Kallstroemia hintonii,
Kelleronia gillettiae,
Kelleronia splendens,
Kelleronia revoilii,
Larrea simulans,
Larrea ameghinoi,
Larrea divaricata,
Larrea cuneifolia,
Larrea nitida,