Spermacoce

Spermacoce or false buttonweed[1] is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. It comprises about 275 species found throughout the tropics and subtropics.[2] Its highest diversity is found in the Americas, followed by Africa, Australia and Asia.

Spermacoce
Spermacoce ocymoides
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Asterids
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Rubiaceae
Subfamily:
Rubioideae
Tribe:
Spermacoceae
Genus:
Spermacoce

Type species
Spermacoce tenuior

Description

The species are herbs or small shrubs with small- to medium-sized, four-lobed flowers arranged in capitate inflorescences. Some have a brightly coloured calyx and are eye-catching, particularly the Australian species. The corolla is variable in colour, often white, but also all shades of blue, pink and maroon. The fruit is usually a two-seeded capsule, sometimes a schizocarp or nut.[3]

Selected species

Spermacoce is a highly diverse genus with about 275 species in many tropical and subtropical places around the globe.[2] North American species include:[4][5]

References
  1. "Spermacoce". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  2. Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  3. Davidse, G., M. Sousa Sánchez, S. Knapp & F. Chiang Cabrera. 2012. Rubiaceae a Verbenaceae. 4(2): i–xvi, 1–533. In G. Davidse, M. Sousa Sánchez, S. Knapp & F. Chiang Cabrera (eds.) Flora Mesoamericana. Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis.
  4. Alftervista Flora of North America
  5. Biota of North America Program
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