Brazilian vervain (Verbena brasiliensis, Fl. Flumin. 1: t. 40, 17 (1829))

Family: Verbenaceae

Author: Vell.

Bibliography: Fl. Flumin. 1: t. 40, 17 (1829)

Year: 1829

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Verbena

Vegetable: False

Observations: Brazil to Chile

Description

Brazilian vervain, a species scientifically known as Verbena brasiliensis, finds its habitat spanning from Brazil to Chile. This plant, a member of the Verbenaceae family, was first described in the early 19th century and meticulously detailed in the seminal work “Flora Fluminensis,” authored by Vell. in 1829.

Recognizable for its tall, slender stems that can reach impressive heights, Brazilian vervain is adorned with clusters of small, violet to lavender flowers, which create a striking visual appeal. The plant’s delicate, feathery leaves contribute to its elegance and add texture to its overall appearance.

Thriving in a variety of climates and soils, this versatile species has adapted well beyond its native regions, often found in gardens and naturalized landscapes around the world. Its resilience and ability to grow in diverse conditions make it a popular choice among horticulturists and gardeners.

The Brazilian vervain is not only valued for its aesthetic qualities but also for its role in ecosystem support. The blooms attract a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to biodiversity and the health of nearby flora.

While it flourishes naturally across a wide range of South American countries from Brazil to Chile, this plant’s adaptability has seen it become a beloved ornamental in regions far from its origin. Its graceful presence and ecological benefits ensure that Verbena brasiliensis remains a plant of both beauty and significance in various botanical and gardening contexts.

Common Names

Eng: brazilian vervain
En: Brazilian vervain
Zh: 狹葉馬鞭草
Fr: Verveine, Verveine du Brésil
Pt: Verbena
Zh-tw: 狹葉馬鞭草

Synonyms

• Verbena litoralis f. angustifolia (Chodat)
• Verbena quadrangularis (Vell.)
• Verbena litoralis var. brasiliensis ((Vell.) Briq. ex Munir)
• Verbena chacensis (Moldenke)
• Verbena litoralis var. congesta (Moldenke)
• Verbena approximata (Briq.)
• Verbena hansenii (Greene)
• Verbena isabellei (Briq.)
• Verbena litoralis f. congesta ((Moldenke) Moldenke)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Botswana (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Lesotho (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Michèle P (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Lea Segond (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by Logan Whalen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Quentin Vedrenne (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 21, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Regis PELTRAULT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − J LAUNAY (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 28, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by EOL − mmkimberly (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 28, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Regis PELTRAULT (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 9, 2021 by Flor Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Léo Drevet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2021 by kris tidblom (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2020 by dannyterreaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2020 by 由美子 MiS (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Christina Evilsizer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2022 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2016 by EOL − Jonathan Carpenter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 6, 2020 by Mihai Tatusescu (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 21, 2012 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Paula Soldavini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Joanna BÉGIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Joanna BÉGIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Joanna BÉGIN (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2925518)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262945-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Verbena brasiliensis Vell.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth