| Etymology | Genus | Free (eleutheros) anthers (anthera) |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Of waste areas; likely referring to the wastelands where it flourish in | |
| Family | Asteraceae | |
| Synonyms | Eleutheranthera discoidea (Less. ex Less.) M.Gómez, Wedelia discoidea Schltdl. | |
| Common Names | Ogiera, Pakaka | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Tropical America | |
Diagnostics:
Eleutheranthera ruderalis is erect herb with oppositely arranged leaves which are arranged 90° away from the next pair. The leaf is serrated at the margins and have a rough sandpaper-like texture. It bears a very close resemblance to Synedrella nodiflora, but the flower cluster of S. nodiflora has ray florets, which is absent in E. ruderalis.
Interesting Facts:
This is a common herb found in open areas, from manicured grasslands, roadsides to shrublands.
Form of Eleutheranthera ruderalis, growing out from a concrete gap.
The leaf has serrated margins.
The leaf is covered with sparsely distributed hairs, giving a sandpaper feel.
The branching is dichotomous.
Flower cluster. Note that ray florets are absent.
References
-Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-02-14 / Modified: 2017-12-25