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stiff buttonweed

Scientific Name: Diodia apiculata

Family: Rubiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Stiff Buttonweed (Diodia apiculata)

Discover the intriguing world of Stiff Buttonweed, also known scientifically as Diodia apiculata. This perennial subshrub, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, offers a fascinating glimpse into plant taxonomy, distribution, and morphology.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text explicitly states a "No" rating regarding the safety of Stiff Buttonweed for dogs and cats.

Considerations for Children

  • The text explicitly states a "No" rating regarding the safety of Stiff Buttonweed for children.
  • The leaves are described as stiff and bearing bristles, and the plant has stiff-branched panicles, which might be a physical irritant.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Diodia apiculata (Willd. ex Roem. & Schult.) K. Schum.
  • Accepted Name: Diodella apiculata (Willd. & Roem. & Schult.) Delprete
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Diodella rigida (Willd. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes) Small
    • Diodia rigida (Willd. ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes)
  • Taxonomic Status: Current Standing (for Diodella apiculata) and Accepted (for Diodia apiculata)

Common Names

  • Stiff Buttonweed
  • Carretilla (mentioned in relation to Diodia dasycephala, a related species)
  • Slender Buttonweed (mentioned in relation to Diodia ocymifolia, a related species)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Central America (Caribbean Basin) and Northern South America.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Duration: Perennial
  • Growth Habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb
  • Leaves:
    • Opposite
    • Entire
    • Narrowly lanceolate to linear
    • 0.8 to 1.6 inches long
    • 1/8 to 1/3 inch wide
    • Stiff
    • Mostly sessile
    • Margins rough
    • Stipules with long, stiff bristles
  • Flowers: Small, white to pinkish-purple with stiff petal-like lobes up to 12 mm.
  • Seedhead: Stiff-branched panicle

Related Plants

  • Diodia dasycephala (Carretilla Buttonweed)
  • Diodia ocymifolia (Slender Buttonweed)
  • Diodia teres (Rough Buttonweed, Poor Joe)
  • Diodia virginiana (Virginia Buttonweed)

Resources

  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Diodia apiculata.
  • New England Wild Flower Society: Information regarding related species.