Family: Lamiaceae
Author: Poit.
Bibliography: Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. 7:465. 1806
Year: 1806
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hyptis
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Lesser roundweed, scientifically known as Hyptis brevipes, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Known for its distinctive round, aromatic leaves, this plant is native to a range extending from Central Mexico to tropical regions of the Americas.
First described by Poiteau in 1806, as noted in the Annales du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Hyptis brevipes thrives in warm climates, showcasing the adaptability of many tropical plants. It is often found in open fields, and along roadsides and disturbed areas, where it can benefit from the abundant sunlight.
Lesser roundweed typically features a series of small, tubular flowers that may vary in color, adorning the plant and adding to its aesthetic value. These flowers play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive process, attracting various pollinators including bees and butterflies.
In addition to its botanical interest, Hyptis brevipes has garnered attention in ethnobotanical studies. Local communities within its range have historically utilized the plant for various medicinal purposes. It is commonly employed in traditional remedies, where the leaves and stems are used to concoct teas and poultices believed to alleviate a spectrum of ailments.
Though often overlooked due to its common growth habit, Lesser roundweed contributes to the biodiversity of its native habitats, sustaining wildlife and maintaining ecological balance. Its ability to grow in poor soil conditions makes it an important species for soil stabilization and erosion control in its native range.
Thus, Hyptis brevipes or Lesser roundweed is not merely a common roadside plant but a species of significant ecological and ethnomedical importance, shining light on the intricate connections between flora, fauna, and human life in tropical America.
Common Names
Spa: chibolita
En: Lesser roundweed
Zh: 短柄香苦草
Pt: Fazendeiro, Hortelã-brava(BA)
Es: Chibolita
Zh-tw: 短柄香苦草
Synonyms
- Thymus biserratus (Blanco)
- Leucas poggeana (Briq.)
- Lasiocorys poggeana ((Briq.) Baker)
- Mesosphaerum melanostictum ((Griseb.) Kuntze)
- Hyptis brevipes var. serrata (Briq.)
- Hyptis acuta (Benth.)
- Hyptis melanosticta (Griseb.)
- Leucas globulifera (Hassk.)
- Hyptis brevipes var. glabrior (Benth.)
- Mesosphaerum brevipes ((Poit.) Kuntze)
- Hyptis brevipes var. robusta (Loes.)
- Hyptis brevipes var. remotidens (Briq.)
- Pycnanthemum subulatum (Blanco)
- Hyptis brevipes var. vulgaris (Briq.)
- Hyptis radiata (Kunth)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Borneo (introduced)
- Cambodia (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Nansei-shoto (introduced)
- Philippines (introduced)
- Sulawesi (introduced)
- Sumatera (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 13, 2020 by Elys Sumiyati (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 16, 2020 by One Pride (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by soares marco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2020 by Coutinho Ivonete (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 13, 2020 by Elys Sumiyati (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2020 by Coutinho Ivonete (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2020 by Coutinho Ivonete (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2020 by Coutinho Ivonete (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2022 by Machado Simone (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 14, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
© 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/7306536)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:447982-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hyptis brevipes Poit.)
