Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1849
Citation Micro:
Niger Fl. : 543 (1849)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000500786
Common Names
- Polyspatha paniculata
- Paniculata Polyspatha
- Paniculata Orchid
Synonyms
- Commelina paniculata (Benth.) Roberty [illegitimate]
- Polyspatha glaucescens (C.B.Clarke) Hutch. [unknown]
- Polyspatha paniculata glaucescens C.B.Clarke [unknown]
Description
Polyspatha paniculata (also called 'Panicled Polyspatha', among many other common names) is a perennial plant native to tropical Africa. It typically grows to a height of 0.3–0.6 m (1–2 ft) and has a basal rosette of leaves. It has yellow or white flowers with a dark center. It is found in moist, shady habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Polyspatha paniculata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. It has a low-growing habit and is drought-tolerant. The plant is also used medicinally to treat digestive issues and as an anti-inflammatory.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Polyspatha paniculata has small white flowers that are clustered in a panicle. Its seeds are small, winged and black in color. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polyspatha paniculata is a perennial plant that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought. Propagation is done by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring and division can be done in early spring or late summer.
Where to Find Polyspatha paniculata
Polyspatha paniculata can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
Polyspatha paniculata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Polyspatha paniculata?
Polyspatha paniculata
What is the common name of Polyspatha paniculata?
Paniculata
What is the natural habitat of Polyspatha paniculata?
Tropical rainforests
Species in the Polyspatha genus
Species in the Commelinaceae family
Aetheolirion stenolobium,
Amischotolype glabrata,
Amischotolype gracilis,
Amischotolype griffithii,
Amischotolype hispida,
Amischotolype hookeri,
Amischotolype irritans,
Amischotolype laxiflora,
Amischotolype marginata,
Amischotolype mollissima,
Amischotolype monosperma,
Amischotolype sphagnorrhiza,
Amischotolype tenuis,
Amischotolype barbarossa,
Amischotolype divaricata,
Amischotolype dolichandra,
Amischotolype hirsuta,
Amischotolype leiocarpa,
Amischotolype lobata,
Amischotolype parvifructa,
Amischotolype pedicellata,
Amischotolype rostrata,
Amischotolype strigosa,
Amischotolype welzeniana,
Aneilema acuminatum,
Aneilema aequinoctiale,
Aneilema alatum,
Aneilema angolense,
Aneilema aparine,
Aneilema arenicola,
Aneilema benadirense,
Aneilema beniniense,
Aneilema biflorum,
Aneilema brasiliense,
Aneilema brenanianum,
Aneilema brunneospermum,
Aneilema calceolus,
Aneilema chrysopogon,
Aneilema clarkei,
Aneilema dispermum,
Aneilema dregeanum,
Aneilema forskaolii,
Aneilema gillettii,
Aneilema grandibracteolatum,
Aneilema hirtum,
Aneilema hockii,
Aneilema homblei,
Aneilema indehiscens,
Aneilema johnstonii,
Aneilema lamuense,