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spotflower

Scientific Name: Acmella

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Creeping Spot Flower

This entry focuses on Spilanthes americana, also known as Creeping Spot Flower and Oppositeleaf Spotflower.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Spilanthes americana
  • Family: Asteraceae (Composite Sunflower Family)
  • Synonyms: Acmella oppositifolia var. repens, Acmella oppositifolia (Lam.) R.K. Jansen var. repens (Walter) R.K. Jansen, Acmella repens.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Acmella paniculata (closely related) is reported from south and southeast Asia, and southern China, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Papua New Guinea, and Peru.
  • Acmella repens has been observed in south-central Arkansas (USDA Zone 7b).
  • Five Spot flower (Nemophila maculata) is native to the United States and can be found growing naturally.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Creeping Spot Flower spreads freely in suitable habitats, forming a ground cover.
  • Acmella repens is a rhizomatous, creeping perennial.
  • The Five Spot flower plant is a low-growing annual, suitable as a carpet or bedding plant.

Ecological Role

  • Creeping Spot Flower serves as a nectar source for bees and butterflies.

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions a "Bum-spot Flower Chafer (Popillia bipunctata)," showcasing an insect interaction with a similarly named flower.
  • The text also references various Orla Kiely designs featuring "Spot Flower" patterns in home goods, clothing, and accessories.