Nettleleaf velvetberry (Stachytarpheta urticifolia, Bot. Mag. 43: t. 1848 (1816))

Family: Verbenaceae

Author: Sims

Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 43: t. 1848 (1816)

Year: 1816

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stachytarpheta

Vegetable: False

Observations: Caribbean to N. Brazil

Description

The Nettleleaf Velvetberry, scientifically referred to as Stachytarpheta urticifolia, is an intriguing botanical specimen belonging to the Verbenaceae family. Originally detailed in botanical literature in 1816, its presence was formally documented by the noted botanist John Sims in the Botanical Magazine, volume 43, table 1848.

This plant is predominantly found across a wide geographical range spanning the Caribbean to Northern Brazil. Its natural habitats extend across diverse environments characterized by tropical and subtropical climates, contributing to its robust adaptability.

The Nettleleaf Velvetberry features a distinctive appearance with its nettle-like leaves, a characteristic that contributes to its common name. These leaves are typically serrated and can vary in size, providing a lush, textural quality to its foliage. The plant is noted for its attractive inflorescences, often showcasing vibrant flowers that can draw the interest of both botanists and horticulture enthusiasts alike.

The ecological role and adaptability of Stachytarpheta urticifolia make it a subject of interest in various botanical studies, particularly concerning its interactions within its ecosystems and potential uses in garden cultivation and landscape design. Its ability to thrive in a broad range of conditions from moist, rainforest environments to the drier, more saline-affected areas speaks volumes about its versatility and hardiness.

Despite its more common use and recognition in ornamental horticulture, it is paramount to understand both the aesthetic and ecological significance of the Nettleleaf Velvetberry. This plant stands as a testament to the varied and vibrant biodiversity present within the Verbenaceae family and continues to be a plant of interest for both scientific exploration and ornamental usage.

Common Names

Eng: nettleleaf velvetberry
En: Nettleleaf velvetberry, Rattail

Synonyms

• Verbena salisburyi (Endl.)
• Zappania urticifolia ((Sims) Poir.)

Distribution

• Brazil North (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bismarck Archipelago (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Gilbert Is. (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Line Is. (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Maluku (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Ogasawara-shoto (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Sulawesi (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Tokelau-Manihiki (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Wake I. (introduced)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by selondjor (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/2925457)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:864837-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stachytarpheta urticifolia (Salisb.) Sims)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth