Family: Asteraceae
Author: (Rich.) DC.
Bibliography: Prodr. 5: 520 (1836)
Year: 1836
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Melampodium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Brazil
Description
Melampodium, scientifically known as Melampodium divaricatum, is a delightful flowering plant cherished for its vibrant blooms and hardy nature. First chronicled in 1836 under the botanical citation Prodr. 5: 520 by the esteemed botanist (Rich.) DC., this plant has since become a popular choice among gardeners and botanists alike.
Originating from regions stretching from Mexico to Brazil, Melampodium thrives in warm climates and is adaptable to various growing conditions, making it a versatile plant for gardens around the world. As a member of the Asteraceae family, it shares lineage with other well-known and beloved plants such as sunflowers, daisies, and asters.
Melampodium is recognized for its lush, green foliage and its profusion of small, golden-yellow flowers that bloom continuously throughout the growing season. These bright blossoms not only add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is drought-resistant once established, making it a low-maintenance addition to any garden. Gardeners often appreciate Melampodium for its ability to self-seed, providing new growth and ensuring year-round enjoyment without the need for replanting.
In landscape design, Melampodium is often used as a border plant or ground cover, thanks to its compact growth habit and continuous flowering. Whether planted in garden beds, borders, or containers, Melampodium offers enduring beauty and resilience, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Common Names
Spa: boton de oro
Swe: medaljongblomster
En: Melampodium, Boton de oro
Fi: Kesäkaulus
Es: Boton de oro
Sv: Medaljongblomster
Synonyms
- Alcina ovatifolia (J.Jacq.)
- Dysodium divaricatum (Rich.)
- Dysodium radiatum (Desf.)
- Eleutheranthera divaricata ((Rich.) Millsp.)
- Melampodium berteroanum (Spreng.)
- Melampodium flaccidum ((Benth.) Benth.)
- Melampodium panamense (Klatt)
- Melampodium pumilum (Benth.)
- Melampodium ovatifolium (Rchb.)
- Melampodium tenellum var. flaccidum (Benth.)
- Zarabellia rhomboidea (Cass.)
- Melampodium rhombifolium (Sessé & Moc.)
- Melampodium paludosum (Kunth)
- Spilanthes guatemalensis (Vatke)
- Wedelia minor (Hornem.)
- Wedelia ovatifolia (Willd.)
- Melampodium copiosum (Klatt)
- Alcina minor (Cass.)
- Alcina ovalifolia (Lag.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Philippines (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Seychelles (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Vinicius Castro Souza (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2021 by Mancalossi Ana Laura (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2019 by LT Pepe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Mike Stewart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2021 by Santos Ana Elene (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 22, 2019 by Joshua Nugroho (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 12, 2020 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 22, 2018 by José Martí Rosales Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 25, 2020 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Luis Oscar Herrera Valdez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Rafał Olszański (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Haddad Oscar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Jesus José Onaldo de Jesus (cc-by-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/3138949)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:156179-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Melampodium divaricatum (Rich. ex Rich.) DC.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb