Eleutheranthera ruderalis (Sw.) Sch. Bip.

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

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Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-02-14 / Modified: 2017-12-25


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