False meadowbeauty (Pterolepis glomerata, Comm. Phytogr. 2: 78 (1840))

Family: Melastomataceae

Author: (Rottb.) Miq.

Bibliography: Comm. Phytogr. 2: 78 (1840)

Year: 1840

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pterolepis

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Trop. America

Description

False meadowbeauty, known scientifically as Pterolepis glomerata, is a captivating plant belonging to the Melastomataceae family. With its origins tracing back to the richly biodiverse regions of Southern Tropical America, this species thrives in the warm, humid environments typical of its native habitat.

First documented in the mid-19th century by prominent botanist Miquel, who build upon Rottbøll’s earlier classification, Pterolepis glomerata is scientifically recorded in the Commelinaceae and later listed in the 1840 publication Comm. Phytogr., where it is described in detail on page 78.

The False meadowbeauty is distinguished by its vibrant and lush appearance, a characteristic feature shared with many members of the Melastomataceae family. This botanical wonder typically showcases an array of small yet vividly colored flowers that contribute to the scenic beauty of the tropical landscapes where it is found.

Pterolepis glomerata holds a specific ecological niche, contributing to the tapestry of life in Southern Tropical America. Its role within its ecosystem includes interactions with various pollinators, adding to the complex web of biological interactions that maintain the ecological balance.

Garden enthusiasts and botanists alike admire the False meadowbeauty for its resilience and the splash of color it brings to natural and cultivated spaces. Its study adds valuable insight into the diverse family of Melastomataceae and highlights the intricate relationships within tropical plant communities.

Whether viewed through the lens of scientific inquiry or appreciated for its visual appeal, Pterolepis glomerata remains a significant and beautiful component of the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: false meadowbeauty
En: False meadowbeauty, False Meadow-Beauty

Synonyms

• Pterolepis paludosa (Cogn.)
• Chaetogastra glomerata (Benth.)
• Osbeckia glomerata var. albiflora (DC.)
• Tetrameris brachyandra (Naudin)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. sherardioides ((DC.) Cogn.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. saldanhaei (Cogn.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. peruviana (Cogn.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. microphylla (Cogn.)
• Rhexia capitata (Rich.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. martiana (Cogn.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. longifolia (Cogn.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. glaziovii (Cogn.)
• Arthrostemma salzmannii (Naudin)
• Arthrostemma glomeratum ((Rottb.) Cham.)
• Rhexia angusturensis (Rich.)
• Pterolepis maritima var. genuina (Cogn.)
• Arthrostemma brachyandrum (Cham.)
• Chaetogastra sherardioides (DC.)
• Pterolepis capitata (Miq.)
• Pterolepis sipaneoides (Cogn.)
• Osbeckia glomerata ((Rottb.) DC.)
• Rhexia glomerata (Rottb.)
• Pterolepis salzmannii (Cogn.)
• Pterolepis hostmannii (Steud.)
• Osbeckia sipaneoides (DC.)
• Chaetogastra callichaeta (Benth.)
• Pterolepis maritima (Cogn.)
• Arthrostemma capitatum (Naudin)
• Osbeckia maritima (A.St.-Hil.)
• Pterolepis maritima var. robusta (Cogn.)
• Arthrostemma angusturense (DC.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. angusturensis ((Humb. & Bonpl.) Cogn.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. brachyandra ((Cham.) Cogn.)
• Pterolepis glomerata var. angustifolia (Cogn.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Guy Plant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Brazil Coruja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Guy Plant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 20, 2021 by Martine Martine Souriau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2018 by Yves Demouy (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 11, 2018 by Yves Demouy (cc-by-sa)

© 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/5420897)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30048126-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pterolepis glomerata (Rottb.) Miq.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth