Brazilian vervain (Verbena litoralis, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 276 (1818))

Family: Verbenaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 276 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Verbena

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to S. Trop. America

Description

Brazilian vervain, scientifically known as Verbena litoralis, is a notable species within the Verbenaceae family. First described by Kunth in the early 19th century, its initial classification can be traced back to the comprehensive works in “Nov. Gen. Sp.” authored by esteemed botanists F.W.H. von Humboldt, A.J.A. Bonpland, and C.S. Kunth in 1818.

This resilient plant is predominantly found thriving from Mexico down to southern tropical regions of America. Its hardy nature enables it to adapt to diverse environments, contributing to its widespread distribution across the Americas. Brazilian vervain is often recognized for its contribution to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystems.

Throughout its range, Verbena litoralis is appreciated not only for its ecological importance but also for its unique characteristics and beauty. The plant bears slender, modestly tall stems with small, clustered flowers that exhibit a delicate yet vibrant appearance, making it a charming addition to any garden or wild habitat.

In summary, the Brazilian vervain is a plant of significant ecological and aesthetic value, known for its wide geographical distribution from Mexico to the southern tropical parts of America and its inclusion in the extensive botanical documentation by Kunth and his colleagues.

Common Names

Eng: brazilian vervain, seashore vervain, common verbena
En: Brazilian vervain, Common verbena, Seashore vervain, Blue vervain
Qu: Hatun wirwina
Es: Verbena

Synonyms

• Verbena paucifolia (Turcz.)
• Verbena longifolia (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Verbena lanceolata (Willd. ex Spreng.)
• Verbena litoralis f. magnifolia (Moldenke)
• Verbena nudiflora (Nutt. ex Turcz.)
• Verbena litoralis var. caracasana ((Kunth) Briq.)
• Verbena litoralis var. leptostachya (Schauer)
• Verbena affinis (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Verbena litoralis var. glabrior (Benth.)
• Verbena litoralis var. portoricensis (Moldenke)
• Verbena litoralis var. melanopotamica (Hauman)
• Verbena cajamarcensis (Binder ex Molinari)
• Verbena litoralis var. pycnostachya (Schauer)
• Verbena litoralis var. subglabrata ((Moldenke) N.O’Leary & Múlgura)
• Verbena bonariensis var. litoralis ((Kunth) Hook. ex Müll.Berol.)
• Verbena integrifolia f. albiflora (Moldenke)
• Verbena longifolia var. pubescens (Moldenke)
• Verbena longifolia f. albiflora (Moldenke)
• Verbena minutiflora var. peruviana (Moldenke)
• Verbena brasiliensis var. subglabrata (Moldenke)
• Verbena sedula var. darwinii (Moldenke)
• Verbena litoralis var. albiflora (Moldenke)
• Verbena litoralis f. albiflora ((Moldenke) Moldenke)
• Verbena sedula (Moldenke)
• Verbena sedula var. fournieri (Moldenke)
• Verbena carolina var. glabra (Moldenke)
• Verbena caracasana (Kunth)
• Verbena gentryi (Moldenke)
• Verbena glabrata var. tenuispicata (Moldenke)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (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)
• Peru (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Easter Is. (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Pitcairn Is. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Southwest Caribbean (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 22, 2021 by Jimi Dias Maggi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Kiera O’Halloran (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by Chum Colorado Gerson Manuel Isaac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 5, 2016 by EOL − tangatawhenua (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 5, 2016 by EOL − tangatawhenua (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 17, 2013 by EOL − Chris Brown (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 18, 2015 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2015 by EOL − JK Johnson (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken May 9, 2011 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2015 by EOL − JK Johnson (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2925494)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30007120-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Verbena litoralis Kunth)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth