Java aerva (Aerva javanica, J.J.Roemer & J.A.Schultes, Syst. Veg. 5: 565 (1819))

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: (Burm.f.) Juss. ex Schult.

Bibliography: J.J.Roemer & J.A.Schultes, Syst. Veg. 5: 565 (1819)

Year: 1819

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aerva

Vegetable: False

Observations: Africa to Myanmar

Description

Java aerva, scientifically recognized as Aerva javanica, is a fascinating plant species that holds significant botanical interest. Described in the pivotal work Systema Vegetabilium by J.J. Roemer and J.A. Schultes in 1819, this species boasts a rich history of academic attention. The official botanical author designation is (Burm.f.) Juss. ex Schult., indicating its classification origins and the contributions made to its scientific nomenclature.

Aerva javanica is geographically widespread, thriving across a vast region from Africa to Myanmar. This extensive distribution underscores its adaptability and the diverse ecological niches it occupies. The plant belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, a group known for its hardy species that are often found in arid and semi-arid environments.

Throughout its native range, Java aerva is appreciated for its robust nature and its ability to flourish in challenging conditions. Its presence across multiple continents signifies its ecological importance and the role it plays in the habitats it populates. Whether for botanical study or ecological interest, Aerva javanica is a remarkable species that continues to intrigue scientists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

En: Java aerva, Kapokbush, Pillow-weed
Ar: Ra’, Tirf, Tuwaim
He: לובד המדבר

Synonyms

• Illecebrum javanicum ((Burm.f.) L.)
• Achyranthes javanica ((Burm.f.) Pers.)
• Ouret persica var. javanica ((Burm.f.) Kuntze)
• Iresine javanica (Burm.f.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Chad (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Western Sahara (native)
• Yemen (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by naturalist thar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by naturalist thar (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Abdul Ghaffar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2021 by Joyry Binoya (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2014 by Naushad B M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2022 by Binoya Joyry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 12, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Florian FRAIX-BAVUZ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Abdul Ghaffar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Abdul Ghaffar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Abdul Ghaffar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Abdul Ghaffar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© 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/7925519)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:59030-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss. ex Schult.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085016)

Specifications

Growth