Fameflower (Talinum paniculatum, Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 219 (1791))

Family: Talinaceae

Author: (Jacq.) Gaertn.

Bibliography: Fruct. Sem. Pl. 2: 219 (1791)

Year: 1791

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Talinum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Fameflower, scientifically known as Talinum paniculatum, is a member of the Talinaceae family, recognized for its captivating botanical features and widespread occurrence in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.

First documented in 1791, Talinum paniculatum was formally described in the publication “Fruct. Sem. Pl.” (volume 2, page 219) by the renowned botanist Gaertn., following the initial classification by Jacquin. This plant has since gained popularity not only for its intriguing aesthetic but also for its adaptive versatility in various climates and habitats within its native range.

Fameflower is characterized by its delicate, brightly colored flowers and succulent leaves, which make it a favored specimen among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. The plant typically blooms in myriad tiny, vibrant flowers that form airy, panicle-shaped inflorescences, which contribute to its common name, as these clusters resemble small flames or bursts of color amidst green foliage.

The habitat of Talinum paniculatum spans a substantial geographical area, thriving primarily in the warm and humid environments of tropical and subtropical America. Its ability to adapt to different soil types and conditions has enabled it to flourish in diverse regions, where it is commonly found in gardens, landscapes, and occasionally as a naturalized species outside its native zones.

In summary, Fameflower (Talinum paniculatum) stands out for its striking floral displays and robust nature, making it an excellent addition to any plant collection. Its historical significance and botanical charm continue to fascinate those who delve into its study and cultivation.

Common Names

Eng: jewels of opar, fameflower, jewels-of-opar, pink baby’s-breath
Swe: bärnstensvippa
Fra: gros pourpier, herbe onze heures
Hun: porcsinféle faj
Spa: rama del sapo
En: Fameflower, Jewels-of-Opar, Pink baby’s-breath, Jewels of Opar, Panicled Flameflower, Trans Pecos Flameflower, Big talinum
Zh: Tu ren shen
Fr: Herbe onze heures, Gros pourpier
Hu: Porcsinféle faj
Pt-br: João-Gomes, João-gordo, Maria-Gombe, Maria-Gomes, Maria-gorda, Bunda-mole
Es: Rama del sapo
Sv: Bärnstensvippa
: Jewels of opar

Synonyms

• Talinum spathulatum (A.Gray)
• Talinum dichotomum (Ruiz & Pav.)
• Talinum reflexum (Cav.)
• Talinum paniculatum f. variegatum (F.T.Hubb. & Rehder)
• Talinum purpureum (Fisch. ex Sweet)
• Talinum patens var. sarmentosum ((Engelm.) A.Gray)
• Talinum roseum (Dammann)
• Portulaca patens (L.)
• Helianthemoides patens (Medik.)
• Talinum reflexum f. sarmentosum ((Engelm.) Small)
• Talinum chrysanthum (Rose & Standl.)
• Portulaca reflexa (Haw.)
• Calandrinia andrewskii (E.Vilm.)
• Talinum paniculatum var. sarmentosum ((Engelm.) Poelln.)
• Talinum sarmentosum (Engelm.)
• Claytonia reflexa ((Cav.) Kuntze)
• Claytonia sarmentosa ((Engelm.) Kuntze)
• Claytonia patens (Kuntze)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arizona (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)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Zaïre (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.

Flower

Taken May 1, 2017 by Daniel Monteiro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2016 by Eduardo Mendes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 24, 2017 by Rafael González (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Jan 22, 2019 by Japra 01 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Kathleen Gilbert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Daly García (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2021 by Kevine N (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 5, 2014 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Karen Turpin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Lisa Milley (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Vinicius Castro Souza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Lisa Milley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2018 by Warren Hyde (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Villena Rojas Marcelo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2020 by López María (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2020 by López María (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by josee Menard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2021 by Natasha Mylonas (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 20, 2022 by Myosotis sylvatica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Silva Gerson Roberto da (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2020 by Silva Gerson Roberto da (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Miki G. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2022 by Profesor giovanny Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084672)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1007146-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth