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bartlettina

Scientific Name: Bartlettina

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bartlettina sordida: An Overview

Bartlettina sordida, known by the common names Purple Torch and Blue Mist Flower, is a shrub native to cloud forest habitats. This plant is noteworthy for its striking appearance and ecological impact in some regions.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has upright stalks and stems that are deep maroon/purple.
  • The text mentions that the plant has soft, velvety leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant has upright stalks and stems that are deep maroon/purple.
  • The text mentions that the plant has soft, velvety leaves.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Bartlettina sordida
  • Family: Asteraceae (Daisy Family)
  • Synonyms: Eupatorium sordidum, Neobartlettina sordidum, Eupatorium megalophyllum, Eupatorium atrorubens, Eupatorium ianthinum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bartlettina sordida is endemic to cloud forest habitats in Mexico.
  • It is also native to tropical regions of Mesoamerica and South America.

Ecological Role

  • In some regions, such as Queensland, Bartlettina sordida is considered a pest weed and is listed as a non-declared weed under Queensland legislation. This suggests it can be invasive in certain environments.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Bartlettina sordida is a fast-growing perennial erect shrub, typically growing to over 2 meters in height.
  • The stems are described as densely reddish-tomentose (covered in hairs).
  • Leaves have a long petiole (up to 5 cm) and a lamina (leaf blade) up to 15 cm long, with an ovate shape, cuneate (wedge-shaped) base, and coarsely toothed margin.
  • The very upright stalks & stems are deep maroon/ purple.
  • The leaves are large, velvety, heart-shaped, and purplish green with purple veining.

Quirky Facts

  • It is called Purple Torch of the Clouds because it hails from the misty cloud forests of Mexico.
  • One source says that just the two common names of this plant are reasons enough to grow it.

Additional Information

  • Further information on Bartlettina and its species list can be found in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
  • More information may be available at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, where Bartlettina sordida is known to grow.