Tropical burnweed (Erechtites valerianifolius, Prodr. 6: 295 (1838))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: (Link ex Spreng.) DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 6: 295 (1838)

Year: 1838

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erechtites

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Tropical burnweed, scientifically known as Erechtites valerianifolius, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. Originally detailed in 1838 within the sixth volume of “Prodr.” by (Link ex Spreng.) DC., this plant finds its habitats stretching from Mexico down to Tropical America, adapting well to diverse climates and environments within this expansive range.

Characterized by its vigorous growth and distinctive appearance, Erechtites valerianifolius showcases features typical of the Asteraceae family, which includes a wide variety of flowering plants. The plant’s foliage is reminiscent of valerian plants, which might be a contributing factor to its scientific nomenclature.

Primarily thriving in tropical climates, Tropical burnweed is frequently observed in areas where warmth and moisture provide ideal growing conditions. Its adaptability to different tropical regions underlines its resilience and the ease with which it can colonize new areas.

Given its distribution from Mexico to tropical regions of the Americas, the plant has integrated into both natural and disturbed ecosystems. This widespread presence underscores the plant’s ecological versatility and ability to flourish across a broad geographic area, making it an intriguing subject for botanical study and plant enthusiasts alike.

In summary, Erechtites valerianifolius, or Tropical burnweed, is a vibrant representation of the Asteraceae family, with a rich historical documentation dating back to 1838, and a broad presence from Mexico to the tropical Americas. Its adaptability and distinct characteristics make it a plant of significant interest within its native regions.

Common Names

Eng: brazilian fireweed, ceylon thistle, tropical burnweed
En: Tropical Burnweed, Brazilian fireweed, Ceylon thistle
Zh: 败酱叶菊芹, 飛機草
Zh-tw: 飛機草
Zh-hant: 敗醬葉菊芹

Synonyms

• Eupatorium angosturae (Pol.)
• Erechtites gardnerianus (Cabrera)
• Senecio paludicola (Steud.)
• Crassocephalum valerianifolium ((Link ex Spreng.) Less.)
• Sonchus erythropappus (Meyen & Walp.)
• Gynura rosea (Ridl.)
• Erechtites valerianifolius f. reductus (Belcher)
• Erechtites organensis (Gardner)
• Erechtites valerianifolius var. organensis ((Gardner) Baker)
• Senecio valerianifolius (Link ex Spreng.)
• Erechtites ambiguus (DC.)
• Erechtites valerianifolius f. organensis ((Gardner) Belcher)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Assam (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kazan-retto (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Ogasawara-shoto (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by Coutinho Ivonete (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2020 by Coutinho Ivonete (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2021 by Eve Idrissi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2022 by Fernando Maus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 3, 2020 by FERREIRA DIEGO CÉSAR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2020 by FERREIRA DIEGO CÉSAR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Fernando Maus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (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/8199967)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:203365-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erechtites valerianifolius (Wolf) DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth