Easter flower (Securidaca diversifolia, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 23: 594 (1923))

Family: Polygalaceae

Author: (L.) S.F.Blake

Bibliography: Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 23: 594 (1923)

Year: 1923

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Securidaca

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

The Easter flower, known scientifically as Securidaca diversifolia, is a captivating plant belonging to the Polygalaceae family. Renowned for its delicate and vibrant blossoms, this species is native to a range that extends from Mexico down through Tropical America.

Described and classified in the early 20th century, this plant was prominently cataloged in the Contributions from the U.S. National Herbarium in 1923 by the botanist S.F. Blake, providing crucial taxonomic information about the species and solidifying its place in botanical literature.

The Easter flower thrives in a variety of habitats typical to its broad geographical distribution. This adaptability speaks to its diverse morphological characteristics, ranging from its distinctive foliage to the vivid hues of its floral displays. As such, Securidaca diversifolia contributes significantly to the biodiversity and visual appeal of the regions it inhabits.

Adapted to various climates within its range, the Easter flower can be observed flourishing in both light woodlands and open areas, where it often forms part of the understory. Its ecological role and interactions with local wildlife, including pollinators, make it an integral component of its native habitats.

In summary, the Easter flower is a notable species for both its ecological contributions and its ornamental beauty. It remains a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, serving as a splendid example of the rich floral diversity found throughout the Americas.

Common Names

Eng: easter flower
En: Easter flower

Synonyms

• Securidaca macrostachya (Turcz.)
• Badiera diversifolia ((L.) DC.)
• Elsota diversifolia ((L.) S.F.Blake)
• Securidaca schlechtendaliana (Walp.)
• Securidaca fendleri (Chodat)
• Polygala diversifolia f. elliptica (Chodat)
• Elsota schlechtendaliana ((Walp.) Kuntze)
• Securidaca lamarckii (Griseb.)
• Securidaca myrtifolia (Chodat)
• Elsota lamarckii ((Griseb.) Kuntze)
• Securidaca pubescens var. ovata (DC.)
• Securidaca pubescens var. obovata (DC.)
• Securidaca acuminata (Schltdl.)
• Securidaca venosa (Rusby)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Puerto Rico (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.

Bark

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 15, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 18, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 23, 2022 by Ely Oliveira (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 18, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 18, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:231560-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5421445)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Securidaca diversifolia (L.) S.F.Blake)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Vine

Growth