Family: Loasaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 516 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Mentzelia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
The Tropical blazingstar, scientifically known as Mentzelia aspera, is an intriguing member of the Loasaceae family. Originally cited in the seminal botanical text “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by Linnaeus (indicated by the notation “L.”), this plant has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Mentzelia aspera thrives primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, showcasing its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. This resilient plant is often found in regions with abundant sunlight, utilizing its unique physiological characteristics to flourish in sometimes harsh environments.
Characterized by its striking star-shaped flowers, the Tropical blazingstar boasts a vivid display of bright yellow petals. These flowers, which give the plant its common name, provide a stunning visual contrast against its often spiny or rough-textured foliage. The plant’s name, “aspera,” aptly refers to its rugged leaf texture, which can deter herbivores and contribute to its survival in less hospitable terrains.
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the Tropical blazingstar also plays a role in supporting local ecosystems. It attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are essential for the reproduction of many other plant species. This symbiotic relationship underscores the plant’s ecological importance beyond its immediate beauty.
The Tropical blazingstar’s presence in tropical and subtropical America highlights the diverse botanical landscape of these regions. Its ability to thrive in such varied climates makes it an excellent subject for further botanical study and conservation efforts. By understanding and appreciating plants like Mentzelia aspera, we gain insight into the rich tapestry of natural life and the intricate mechanisms that sustain it.
Common Names
Spa: pega-pega
Eng: tropical blazingstar, tropical stickleaf
En: Tropical blazingstar, Tropical stickleaf
Es: Pega-pega
Synonyms
- Mentzelia aspera var. lobata (Andersson)
- Mentzelia aspera var. canescens (Andersson)
- Acrolasia squalida (Hook.f.)
- Mentzelia fragilis (Huber)
- Mentzelia aspera var. virescens (Andersson)
- Mentzelia propinqua (F.Aresch.)
- Mentzelia corumbaensis (Hoehne)
- Mentzelia pedicellata (C.Presl)
- Mentzelia triloba (Ruiz & Pav.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Aruba (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Galápagos (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Cape Verde (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 8, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Amorim Ciça (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Amorim Ciça (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Pina Adilson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Feb 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Mar 13, 2016 by EOL − Carianne (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5331416)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:545374-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mentzelia aspera L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
