Family: Asteraceae
Author: Cav.
Bibliography: Icon. 3: 34
Year: 1795
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Heterosperma
Vegetable: False
Observations: Arizona to Texas and Nicaragua, C. Colombia to NW. Venezuela.
Description
Wingpetal, scientifically known as Heterosperma pinnatum, is a captivating plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This diverse and widespread family is known for its composite flower heads and significant ecological role in various environments.
The natural range of Wingpetal spans a vast geographical area, extending from Arizona to Texas and continuing southward to Nicaragua. Further into South America, this species can be found in central Colombia and as far as the northwestern regions of Venezuela. This extensive distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to different climatic conditions and terrains.
Wingpetal is distinguished by its unique morphological features, which contribute to its common name. The plant typically flourishes in open and sunny habitats, where it can take full advantage of its environmental niche. Its flowers are small yet vibrant, embodying the diverse beauty that characterizes members of the Asteraceae family.
Observations have shown that Wingpetal exhibits a resilient growth pattern, enabling it to thrive in the varied landscapes of the Americas. From the deserts of Arizona to the humid regions of Venezuela, Heterosperma pinnatum’s presence marks it as a species of ecological importance and botanical interest.
The species was first described and classified by the botanist Cav., with a detailed illustration provided in Icon. 3: 34. This historical documentation underscores the longstanding recognition of Wingpetal within the scientific community.
In summary, Wingpetal (Heterosperma pinnatum) is a notable species within the Asteraceae family, celebrated for its extensive range and distinctive features. Its ability to inhabit such a wide variety of environments speaks to its evolutionary success and ecological versatility.
Common Names
Eng: wingpetal
Swe: spädskära
En: Wingpetal
Sv: Spädskära
Synonyms
- Heterosperma tagetinum (A.Gray)
- Heterosperma pinnatum var. typicum (Kuntze)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Texas (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Maryland (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Rudd (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Feb 5, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 2, 2016 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (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.
Fruit
Taken Feb 5, 2015 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 10, 2016 by EOL − Wynn Anderson (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 6, 2014 by EOL − Alexis López Hernández (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3114386)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:214021-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Heterosperma pinnatum Cav.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
