Tropical threefold (Trixis inula, Inst. Rei Herb. 1: 329 (1766))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Crantz

Bibliography: Inst. Rei Herb. 1: 329 (1766)

Year: 1766

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trixis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Texas to Venezuela, Caribbean

Description

The Tropical threefold, scientifically known as Trixis inula, is a captivating plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. This vibrant plant has a notable presence, spreading from Texas down through Central America, extending its range all the way to Venezuela, and even flourishing in the Caribbean.

First formally described by the renowned botanist Crantz in 1766, as cited in the “Instit. Rei Herb. 1: 329,” the Tropical threefold has caught the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike due to its distinctive characteristics and broad geographic distribution.

Trixis inula thrives in a variety of climates and landscapes within its extensive range. In Texas and other parts of the southern United States, it is often encountered in open woodlands and along roadsides, adding a splash of color and botanical diversity to these areas. As one moves southward into Central America and down to Venezuela, the Tropical threefold adapts well to the warmer, tropical environments, where it enhances the natural flora with its resilient and adaptable nature. Additionally, its presence in the Caribbean underlines its versatility and ability to thrive in diverse ecological niches.

The aesthetic appeal of Trixis inula lies in its vibrant floral displays, which attract a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a significant role in the local ecosystems where it is found. Its ability to grow in different climates and soil types makes it a plant of both ecological interest and horticultural value.

In summary, the Tropical threefold, or Trixis inula, is a remarkable species with a broad distribution from Texas to the Caribbean and down to Venezuela. This member of the Asteraceae family has been recognized since the 18th century for its unique qualities and adaptability, making it a significant plant both in its natural habitats and for botanical studies.

Common Names

Eng: mexican trixis, tropical threefold
Spa: hierba del aire
En: Tropical threefold, Mexican trixis
Es: Hierba del aire

Synonyms

• Tenorea berteroi (Colla)
• Tenorea calyculata (Bertero ex Colla)
• Trixis havanensis ((Kunth) Spreng.)
• Trixis mexicana (Moc. ex Less.)
• Solidago fruticosa (Mill.)
• Trixis ehrenbergii (Kunze)
• Inula trixis (L.)
• Trixis frutescens var. latifolia (Less.)
• Dumerilia frutescens (Colla)
• Trixis frutescens var. obtusifolia (Less.)
• Trixis deamii (B.L.Rob.)
• Trixis frutescens var. subglabra (Kuntze)
• Perdicium corymbosum (Sessé & Moc. ex D.Don)
• Trixis adenolepis (S.F.Blake)
• Trixis frutescens (P.Browne ex Spreng.)
• Trixis chiantlensis (S.F.Blake)
• Trixis frutescens var. glabrata (Less.)
• Trixis glabra (D.Don)
• Trixis laevigata ((P.J.Bergius) Lag.)
• Prenanthes fruticosa (Willd. ex DC.)
• Trixis radialis var. subglabra (Kuntze)
• Trixis radialis var. pubescens (Kuntze)
• Trixis radialis ((L.) Kuntze)
• Perdicium radiale (L.)
• Perdicium havanense (Kunth)
• Trixis frutescens var. angustifolia (DC.)

Distribution

• Aruba (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 3, 2022 by Far Os (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alexander Rodríguez (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alexander Rodríguez (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alexander Rodríguez (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 5, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 5, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

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 May 3, 2022 by Far Os (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Sep 29, 2015 by OTS – Padilla, Sergio (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2015 by OTS – Padilla, Sergio (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2015 by OTS – Padilla, Sergio (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 16, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 29, 2015 by OTS – Padilla, Sergio (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2015 by OTS – Padilla, Sergio (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5398966)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:256729-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trixis inula Crantz)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth