English babytears (Nertera granadensis, Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4: 637 (1917))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: (Mutis ex L.f.) Druce

Bibliography: Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4: 637 (1917)

Year: 1917

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nertera

Vegetable: False

Observations: Madagascar, Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Pacific, Caribbean, Mexico to S. South America, Subantarctic Is.

Description

English babytears, scientifically known as Nertera granadensis, is a fascinating and widespread member of the Rubiaceae family. This plant, characterized by its tiny, delicate leaves, forms a dense mat of foliage that makes it a popular choice for ground cover in gardens and terrariums.

Originating from a wide range of geographical locations, English babytears can be found in diverse habitats spanning Madagascar, tropical and subtropical regions of Asia stretching to the Pacific, as well as the Caribbean, and from Mexico down to southern South America. The plant has also made its mark in the Subantarctic Islands, showcasing its remarkable adaptability to varying climatic conditions.

First appearing in the botanical literature in 1917 as noted in the Bot. Soc. Exch. Club Brit. Isles 4: 637, English babytears was formally described by the botanists Mutis and L.f., with the official botanical nomenclature later attributed to Druce. This historical documentation underscores the plant’s long-standing recognition and importance within the botanical community.

As a member of the Rubiaceae family, Nertera granadensis shares a lineage with other notable plant species, yet it remains distinct with its lush, cushion-like growth and ornamental appeal. Its diminutive leaves create a soft, verdant carpet that not only enhances the visual appeal of an area but also contributes to its greening.

In cultivation, English babytears thrives in a moist, shaded environment with rich, well-drained soil. These conditions mimic its natural habitats, allowing it to spread effectively and maintain its vibrant appearance. Whether used in garden landscapes, terrariums, or as indoor potted plants, Nertera granadensis brings a touch of nature’s intricate beauty to any setting.

Common Names

Spa: coralito
Eng: english babytears, beadplant, coral beadplant, coral-moss, makole
Cym: nertera
En: English babytears, Beadplant, Coral beadplant, Coral-moss, Makole
Es: Coralito
Cy: Nertera

Synonyms

• Gomozia granadensis (Mutis ex L.f.)
• Coprosma granadensis ((Mutis ex L.f.) Heads)

Distribution

• Antipodean Is. (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Falkland Is. (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Hawaii (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Juan Fernández Is. (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Society Is. (native)
• South Australia (native)
• South Sandwich Is. (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Tristan da Cunha (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Vietnam (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Tompkins Mr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by tinieah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Isabel (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 8, 2019 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by eric zammit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2020 by Rafa Casares (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Flo Anne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2019 by AB MC (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 4, 2016 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 4, 2016 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 4, 2016 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 4, 2016 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 4, 2016 by Daniel Barthelemy (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/2911624)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:757486-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nertera granadensis (Mutis ex L.f.) Druce)

Specifications

Growth