Dogtail (Buddleja asiatica, Fl. Cochinch.: 72 (1790))

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Author: Lour.

Bibliography: Fl. Cochinch.: 72 (1790)

Year: 1790

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Buddleja

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. China to Trop. Asia and Marianas

Description

Dogtail, scientifically known as Buddleja asiatica, is a fascinating and unique plant that belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. First described in 1790 by Lour, this species has garnered interest for its distribution and characteristics.

Buddleja asiatica is native to a range extending from Central and Southern China to Tropical Asia and the Marianas. This broad geographical spread indicates its adaptability to different climatic conditions and terrains. It thrives particularly well in tropical regions, where it can fully develop its distinctive features.

The plant is commonly referred to as Dogtail due to its long, slender inflorescences that resemble the tail of a dog. These inflorescences typically bear clusters of small, fragrant flowers that attract various pollinators, including butterflies, hence another common association with the Buddleja genus is its name as “butterfly bush”. The lush foliage and the striking appearance of its blooms make it a desirable addition to botanical gardens and landscape projects.

Historically, the Buddleja asiatica has been documented in various botanical records, including the significant reference work “Fl. Cochinch.: 72”, penned in 1790. This publication plays an essential role in understanding the botanical traits and classification of this species.

The Dogtail’s ecological benefits are noteworthy. By providing nectar, it supports the local pollinator population, which in turn aids in the pollination of other plants in the environment. Additionally, its robust growth helps in preventing soil erosion, making it an ecologically valuable species.

In conclusion, Buddleja asiatica, or Dogtail, is more than just an attractive plant; it is a vital component of its native habitat. Its ability to adapt to various environments, combined with its ecological benefits and ornamental value, underscores its significance in both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: dog tail, dogtail
En: Dogtail, Asian sagewood, Dog tail, Asian Butterfly-bush, White Butterfly Bush
Zh: Bai bei feng, 揚波, 白埔姜, 駁骨丹
Ne: भिमसेनपाती
Zh-tw: 揚波

Synonyms

• Buddleja amentacea (Kraenzl.)
• Buddleja serrulata (Roth)
• Vitex esquirolii (H.Lév.)
• Buddleja acuminatissima (Blume)
• Buddleja sundaica (Blume)
• Buddleja salicina (Lam.)
• Buddleja subserrata (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don)
• Buddleja discolor (Roth)
• Buddleja neemda var. philippensis (Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Buddleja asiatica var. brevicuspa (Koord.)
• Buddleja densiflora (Blume)
• Buddleja arfakensis (Kaneh. & Hatus.)
• Buddleja asiatica var. salicina ((Lam.) Koord. & Valeton)
• Buddleja asiatica var. sundaica ((Blume) Koord. & Valeton)
• Buddleja asiatica var. densiflora ((Blume) Koord. & Valeton)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by sumanth suresh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by PLANTE MAN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by PLANTE MAN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by PLANTE MAN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (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.

Leaf

Taken Feb 20, 2022 by Patricia Warwick (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Yasin istanbullu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Acosta García Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 6, 2019 by Quyền Nguyễn Hùng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Afrah Jahan (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 6, 2019 by Quyền Nguyễn Hùng (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 15, 2019 by Ureña Suleika (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3173333)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:545686-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Buddleja asiatica Lour.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth