Boerhavia scandens L.

  • Authority

    Acevedo-Rodríguez, Pedro. 2005. Vines and climbing plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 51: 1-483.

  • Family

    Nyctaginaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Boerhavia scandens L.

  • Description

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    Description - Clambering herb with pseudodichotomous branching, attaining 1-2 m in length. Branches cylindrical, brittle, glabrous. Leaves opposite, in pairs of the same size, 2-5 x 0.8-4 cm, deltoid, ovate, or broadly ovate, chartaceous, the apex obtuse or acute, the base cordiform or truncate, the margins undulate and ciliate; upper surface glabrous; lower surface puberulent; petioles canaliculate, 0.5-2.7 cm long. Inflorescences umbelliform, axillary; peduncles glabrous, 5-12 cm long; bracts and bracteoles minute, lanceolate, deciduous; pedicels unequal, 2-8 mm long. Calyx: basal part claviform, 1-1.5 mm long, glabrous, green; upper part or limb infundibuliform, white or yellowish green, green or with a pink tinge inside, 2-2.5 mm long; stamens 2, white; pistil white. Anthocarps long-pedicellate, green, claviform, dry, 12-13 mm long, with a ring of sticky stipitate glands on the distal portion.

    Phenology - Collected in flower in January and September and in fruit in January.

    Conservation Status - Native, locally common.