Juba’s-bush (Iresine diffusa, Sp. pl. 4(2):765. 1806)

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 4(2):765. 1806

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Iresine

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Juba’s-bush, scientifically known as Iresine diffusa, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. This attractive and resilient plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of America. Its ecology spans a variety of climates and environments, showcasing its adaptability.

Juba’s-bush is distinguishable by its striking foliage and vibrant, lush leaves, which can transform any landscape with their presence. The leaves are often broad and host a rich, green hue, occasionally offering hints of other colors depending on specific growing conditions and environmental factors.

This species holds a historical notation, having been documented in 1806 in the bibliographic work “Sp. pl. 4(2):765” by renowned botanists Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. Their careful study and classification of Iresine diffusa have been pivotal in understanding its distribution and characteristics.

In gardening and landscaping, Juba’s-bush is appreciated for its decorative value and relatively low maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soils with moderate watering. Its adaptability makes it a popular choice among gardeners in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly because it can withstand variations in temperature and humidity.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Iresine diffusa may also possess uses in traditional practices of various cultures within its native range. However, such ethnobotanical information typically requires further research to substantiate historical and anecdotal claims fully.

Overall, Juba’s-bush (Iresine diffusa) stands out as a robust and appealing plant, with a rich botanical heritage and presence across many American landscapes. Its enduring popularity in cultivation reflects both its aesthetic charm and its ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions.

Common Names

Eng: juba’s bush, juba’s-bush
En: Juba’s-bush, Juba’s bush
Ar: ايجاب جبيلى, شجرة الاثلب, عيجاب (عَيْجاب), عيلاب جبيلى
Pt: Fafia
Pt-br: Bredinho-difuso
Es: Camarón

Synonyms

• Iresine celosia var. diffusa ((Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Suess.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Texas (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Assam (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Maluku (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sulawesi (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Vietnam (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 Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2007 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 10, 2009 by EOL − Michael Kesl (public)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 29, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2016 by OTS – Zahawi, Zak (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2016 by OTS – Zahawi, Zak (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:129900-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085038)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Iresine diffusa Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth