Melampodium (Melampodium divaricatum, Prodr. 5: 520 (1836))

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

Growth