Arrasa con todo (Gomphrena serrata, Sp. Pl.: 224 (1753))

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 224 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Gomphrena

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. & SC. U.S.A. to C. America, Lesser Antilles to Tobago, Ecuador to Paraguay

Description

The plant known commonly as “Arrasa con todo” is a fascinating species belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. Scientifically named Gomphrena serrata, this plant is marked by its versatility and widespread distribution. Gomphrena serrata was first described in 1753, and its naming can be attributed to the botanist L., recognized for contributing significantly to plant taxonomy.

Arrasa con todo is appreciated not only for its resilience but also for its extensive geographical range. This plant flourishes in the southeastern and south-central regions of the United States and finds its habitat extending through Central America. It is also prevalent in the Lesser Antilles to Tobago, and further south, it thrives from Ecuador to Paraguay, demonstrating an impressive adaptability to diverse climates and environments.

The robust nature of Gomphrena serrata allows it to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a plant of particular interest for both horticulturists and botanists. Its ability to spread and dominate various ecosystems is somewhat reflected in its common name, which translates to “wipes out everything,” hinting at its vigorous growth habit.

In summary, Gomphrena serrata is not only a botanical marvel due to its widespread range but also a testament to the plant’s endurance and adaptability. Whether studied for its ecological impact or appreciated in a cultivated garden, Arrasa con todo stands out as a remarkable member of the Amaranthaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: arrasa con todo
Spa: arrasa con todo
En: Arrasa con todo, Batchelor’s button, Prostrate globe-amaranth
Bn: সাদা মোরগফুল
Zh: 假千日紅
Pt-br: Perpétua
Es: Arrasa con todo
Zh-tw: 假千日紅
Th: บานไม่รู้โรยป่า

Synonyms

• Gomphrena bicolor (Moq.)
• Gomphrena flava (Pav. ex Moq.)
• Gomphrena trispicata (Pav. ex Moq.)
• Gomphrena ixiamensis (Rusby)
• Xeraea decumbens ((Jacq.) Kuntze)
• Celosia decumbens (Moq.)
• Amaranthoides decumbens ((Jacq.) M.Gómez)
• Celosia procumbens (Moq.)
• Xeraea lancifolia ((Pav. ex Moq.) Kuntze)
• Gomphrena decumbens subvar. nitida (Stuchlík)
• Celosia prostrata (Moq.)
• Achyranthes ternata (Host ex Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.)
• Gomphrena decumbens f. nitida (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena decumbens f. obovata (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena perennis f. simplex (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena decumbens subvar. genuina (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena decumbens f. magnifolia (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena lancifolia (Pav. ex Moq.)
• Gomphrena argentea (Moq.)
• Xeraea serrata ((L.) Kuntze)
• Gomphrena prostrata (Desf.)
• Gomphrena decumbens f. erecta (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena decumbens f. lanceolata (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena dispersa (Standl.)
• Gomphrena decumbens f. foliatissima (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena decumbens var. genuina (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena diffusa (Pav. ex Moq.)
• Gomphrena decumbens var. pringlei (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena decumbens subvar. parvifolia (Stuchlík)
• Gomphrena decumbens (Jacq.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Texas (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• West Himalaya (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.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by Jade Stevens-Poire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by nicolino lucas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Araújo Villiana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2020 by gomes juliane (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Araújo Villiana (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2020 by arafat medagui (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Citlali Ramírez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2021 by Sun Flower (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Baños Rolf (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − J.M.Garg (cc-by)

Taken Jun 24, 2015 by EOL − dale_denham_logsdon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 20, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 24, 2015 by EOL − dale_denham_logsdon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 24, 2017 by vini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 22, 2022 by Garofalo Vera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2015 by EOL − dale_denham_logsdon (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jan 8, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 8, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:112097-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084909)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Gomphrena serrata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth