Small coastal germander (Teucrium cubense, Enum. Syst. Pl.: 25 (1760))

Family: Lamiaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Enum. Syst. Pl.: 25 (1760)

Year: 1760

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Teucrium

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Mexico, Costa Rica, Caribbean, S. Brazil to N. Argentina

Description

The Small Coastal Germander, scientifically known as Teucrium cubense, is a remarkable plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. First documented in “Enum. Syst. Pl.: 25” in 1760 by the renowned botanist Jacq., this plant has garnered attention for its unique characteristics and expansive geographic distribution.

Thriving predominantly in the coastal regions, Teucrium cubense is native to a broad range including Central and Southern Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, and extending from Southern Brazil to Northern Argentina. This extensive habitat range highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climates and soil conditions.

The Small Coastal Germander is an integral part of the coastal ecosystems where it is found. Its structure and lifecycle contribute significantly to the biodiversity of these regions. The plant displays the distinctive square stems and aromatic foliage typical of the Lamiaceae family, which aid in distinguishing it from other coastal flora.

Ecologically, Teucrium cubense plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil in sandy coastal environments and providing habitat and food sources for various insects and pollinators. Its presence is indicative of healthy, robust ecosystems and underscores the biodiversity intrinsic to the areas it inhabits.

Conservation efforts are essential to preserve the natural habitats of Teucrium cubense, given the pressures of urbanization and climate change affecting coastal regions worldwide. Protecting this plant ensures the maintenance of ecological balance and the sustenance of the intricate web of life within its native areas.

In summary, the Small Coastal Germander is more than just a plant; it is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the coastal regions it calls home. As such, it deserves both study and conservation to continue flourishing in its natural environment for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: small coastal germander
En: Small coastal germander

Synonyms

• Teucrium cubense subsp. depressum ((Small) E.M.McClint. & Epling)
• Teucrium cubense subsp. laevigatum ((Vahl) E.M.McClint. & Epling)
• Teucrium cubense subsp. cordobense (Epling)
• Melosmon cubense ((Jacq.) Small)
• Teucrium cubense var. laevigatum ((Vahl) Shinners)
• Teucrium chamaedrifolium (Mill.)
• Teucrium cordobense ((Epling) B.L.Turner)
• Teucrium grisebachii (Hieron. ex Epling)
• Melosmon laevigatum ((Vahl) Small)
• Teucrium cubense subsp. chamaedrifolium ((Mill.) Epling)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Uruguay (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 2014 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 26, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 30, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 25, 2014 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 3, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 3, 2014 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 16, 2015 by EOL − Tim Guida (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 30, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2926900)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:460353-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Teucrium cubense Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth