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spurgecreeper

Scientific Name: Dalechampia scandens

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Dalechampia scandens (Spurgecreeper)

Dalechampia scandens, commonly known as spurgecreeper, is a perennial vine found in various parts of the world.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is described as a nettle, which may cause irritation upon contact.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is described as a nettle, which may cause irritation upon contact.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Dalechampia scandens L.
  • Common Name: Spurgecreeper
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Dalechampia villosa Lam.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Central and South America, including the West Indies.
  • Also found in parts of Africa and Asia.
  • Specifically mentioned as present in the Neotropics and Central Nicaragua.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Growth Habit: Vine, Forb/herb.
  • Duration: Perennial.
  • Stems can reach up to 5 meters long and are usually twisted.
  • It can have a shrub-like development, forming a rounded shape.

Ecological Role

  • Reported as invasive in some regions according to the Invasive Plant Atlas.
  • Caterpillars of the Guatemalan Cracker butterfly (Hamadryas guatemalena) feed on the plant.

Quirky Facts

  • In the Neotropics, it's known as "La Mala".

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: Symbol DASC5
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Discover Life
  • British Database of World Flora and Fauna
  • Florida Natural Areas Inventory - www.fnai.org
  • USF Herbarium
  • Dave's Garden