Family: Rubiaceae
Author: Gomes
Bibliography: Mem. Ipecacuanha Bras.: 31 (1801)
Year: 1801
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Richardia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Ecuador to N. Argentina
Description
The Brazilian calla-lily, known scientifically as Richardia brasiliensis, is a captivating plant species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This enchanting flora has garnered attention for its unique beauty and adaptability across diverse regions of South America.
Richardia brasiliensis was first described by the botanist Gomes in his 1801 work, “Mem. Ipecacuanha Bras.: 31.” Since then, it has been observed thriving in various environments ranging from Ecuador in the north to northern Argentina in the south. Its robust nature enables it to flourish in a wide array of habitats, displaying a remarkable resilience that is characteristic of many members of the Rubiaceae family.
Despite its common name, the Brazilian calla-lily is not a true lily but shares some aesthetic similarities with the well-known calla lilies, particularly in the elegance of its blooms. The plant’s delicate flowers and lush foliage make it a favorite among horticulturists and plant enthusiasts.
In addition to its ornamental appeal, the Brazilian calla-lily plays a significant role in its native ecosystems. It contributes to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits and supports various forms of wildlife. Its presence is a testament to the rich botanical diversity found within South America and serves as an intriguing subject for both botanical research and casual observation.
Overall, Richardia brasiliensis embodies the natural beauty and ecological diversity of its native range. Its continued study and appreciation help deepen our understanding of the complex web of life that thrives in South America’s verdant landscapes. Whether admired for its aesthetic charm or studied for its ecological significance, the Brazilian calla-lily remains an enduring and captivating species.
Common Names
Eng: brazilian calla-lily, mexican-clover, tropical mexican clover, tropical mexican-clover, white-eye
En: Brazilian calla-lily, Tropical Mexican-clover, White-eye, Mexican-clover, Tropical Mexican clover, Mexican richardia
Zh: 巴西拟鸭舌癀, 巴西擬鴨舌癀
Zh-tw: 巴西擬鴨舌癀
Zh-hant: 巴西擬鴨舌癀
: Tropical mexican clover
Synonyms
- Richardsonia sericea (Walp.)
- Spermacoce ascendens (Sessé & Moc.)
- Richardia villosa (Sessé & Moc. ex DC.)
- Richardsonia rosea (A.St.-Hil.)
- Richardia emetica ((Mart.) Schult.)
- Richardsonia emetica (Mart.)
- Richardia rosea ((A.St.-Hil.) Schult.)
- Richardia adscendens ((DC.) Steud.)
- Richardia sericea (Walp.)
- Richardsonia adscendens (DC.)
- Spermacoce hexandra (A.Rich.)
- Richardsonia brasiliensis ((Gomes) Klotzsch)
- Richardia rosea f. lilacina (Kuntze)
- Richardia rosea f. albiflora (Kuntze)
- Richardsonia brasiliensis var. dubia (Beauverd & Felipp.)
- Spermacoce adscendens (Pav. ex DC.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Burkina (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Free State (introduced)
- Georgia (introduced)
- Ghana (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Ivory Coast (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Malawi (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Mexico Gulf (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- New Guinea (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Nigeria (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- South Carolina (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Uganda (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Zambia (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
- Zimbabwe (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Sep 12, 2022 by Annie Gingersnaps (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Didier Dossou-yovo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 11, 2021 by Zakaria Daim (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 8, 2015 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 6, 2016 by EOL − cdmar10 (cc-by)
Taken Oct 22, 2014 by EOL − Laura Clark (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 18, 2021 by SORIANO DE ANDRADE EGMON (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 7, 2022 by Dos Santos Vinicius (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 11, 2019 by Quyền Nguyễn Hùng (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5337499)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:764657-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Richardia brasiliensis Gomes)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb