Categories: Hydroleaceae

Spiny false fiddleleaf (Hydrolea spinosa, Sp. Pl.: 328 (1753))

Family: Hydroleaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 328 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hydrolea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The plant commonly known as Spiny False Fiddleleaf, scientifically referred to as Hydrolea spinosa, is an intriguing species that falls under the Hydroleaceae family. The plant was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often noted simply as “L.”, in his 1753 publication, “Species Plantarum”.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Hydrolea spinosa is adapted to warm climates and is often found in wet, marshy environments. The geographical distribution highlights its preference for humidity and consistent moisture, making it a typical resident of wetlands and areas close to water bodies.

The plant’s name takes inspiration from its distinct physical characteristics. “Spiny” refers to the presence of spines or thorn-like structures, which serve as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores. The term “False Fiddleleaf” is derived from the resemblance its leaves bear to those of true Fiddleleaf plants, albeit with notable differences that set it apart.

Hydrolea spinosa showcases vibrant blue to purple flowers, a captivating feature that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the otherwise spiny plant. The leaves are typically arranged alternately along the stem, contributing to its bushy, sprawling growth habit. This unique combination of beauty and defense makes Spiny False Fiddleleaf a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

The plant’s ability to thrive in specific climatic conditions signifies its specialized adaptation mechanisms. Whether it’s the efficient water retention structures or the formidable spines, every aspect of Hydrolea spinosa is a testament to the intricate web of natural evolution.

In summary, Spiny False Fiddleleaf (Hydrolea spinosa) is a fascinating representative of the Hydroleaceae family, notable for its intriguing physical attributes, striking floral displays, and regional specificity to tropical and subtropical America. Its study offers valuable insights into plant adaptation and survival strategies in wetland ecosystems.

Common Names

Por: carqueja-do-pântano
Eng: spiny false fiddleleaf
En: Spiny false fiddleleaf
Pt: Carqueja-do-pântano

Synonyms

  • Nama spinosa ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

  • Argentina Northeast (native)
  • Argentina Northwest (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)
  • Cuba (native)
  • Ecuador (native)
  • El Salvador (native)
  • French Guiana (native)
  • Guatemala (native)
  • Guyana (native)
  • Honduras (native)
  • Jamaica (native)
  • Mexico Central (native)
  • Mexico Gulf (native)
  • Mexico Northeast (native)
  • Mexico Northwest (native)
  • Mexico Southeast (native)
  • Mexico Southwest (native)
  • Nicaragua (native)
  • Panamá (native)
  • Paraguay (native)
  • Peru (native)
  • Suriname (native)
  • Texas (native)
  • Trinidad-Tobago (native)
  • Uruguay (native)
  • Venezuela (native)
  • Windward Is. (native)
  • Jawa (introduced)
  • Sri Lanka (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 8, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jul 8, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Sep 14, 2021 by Jean-Yves Goret (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (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/2928286)
  • POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:432240-1)
  • PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hydrolea spinosa L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

gauday

Welcome to Gauday.com, your premier online destination for all things related to plants. With a comprehensive database of over 7,000 plant species, updated regularly, we pride ourselves on being one of the most extensive and reliable sources of botanical information available.

Share
Published by
gauday

Recent Posts

Moreton bay-ash (Corymbia tessellaris, Telopea 6: 402 (1995))

Family: Myrtaceae Author: (F.Muell.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson Bibliography: Telopea 6: 402 (1995) Year: 1995 Status:…

3 months ago

Congo coffeetree (Coffea canephora, Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 1: 237 (1897))

Family: Rubiaceae Author: Pierre ex A.Froehner Bibliography: Notizbl. Bot. Gart. Berlin-Dahlem 1: 237 (1897) Year:…

3 months ago

Shirasawa’s maple (Acer shirasawanum, J. Coll. Sci. Imp. Univ. Tokyo 32(1): 38 (1911))

Family: Sapindaceae Author: Koidz. Bibliography: J. Coll. Sci. Imp. Univ. Tokyo 32(1): 38 (1911) Year:…

3 months ago

Bigelow’s sneezeweed (Helenium bigelovii, Pacif. Railr. Rep.: 107 (1857))

Family: Asteraceae Author: A.Gray Bibliography: Pacif. Railr. Rep.: 107 (1857) Year: 1857 Status: accepted Rank:…

3 months ago

Caspian manna (Alhagi maurorum, Vorles. Churpfälz. Phys.-Ökon. Ges. 2: 398 (1787))

Family: Fabaceae Author: Medik. Bibliography: Vorles. Churpfälz. Phys.-Ökon. Ges. 2: 398 (1787) Year: 1787 Status:…

3 months ago

Toothed latticevein fern (Thelypteris serrata, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1932: 309 (1932))

Family: Aspleniaceae Author: (Cav.) Alston Bibliography: Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1932: 309 (1932) Year: 1932…

3 months ago