Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC.
| Etymology | Genus | Probably a commemorative for the name Emily |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Having leaves (folia) like those in the Sonchus (sonchi) genus | |
| Family | Asteraceae | |
| Synonyms | Gynura ecalyculata DC. | |
| Common Names | Cupid's Shaving Brush | |
| Status | Native: Least Concern | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Eastern and southern Asia | |
Diagnostics:
Emilia sonchifolia is a very common weed in manicured grasslands. The best way to identify it is to look for its distinctive flower head, which consist of a long green vase-shaped bracts topped by a tint of pink flower clusters. It shares the same habitat with and appear similar to Cyanthillium cinereum but the latter has purple flower heads mounted on short bracts.
Interesting Facts:
The leaves are very variable (Henderson, 1959). The lower leaves are normally triangular or pinnately-lobed with a stalk, while the upper leaves are arrow-shaped and narrower.The Cupid's Shaving Brush is now a widely naturalised plant distributed pantropically.
Form of the Cupid's Shaving Brush on a lawn patch.
Long vase-shaped flower bracts.
The flower cluster close-up.
A leaf form that is toothed and arrow-shaped.
A leaf form that is pinnately-lobed.
References
Henderson MR. (1959) Malayan Wild Flowers: Dicotyledons. Malayan Nature Society, Kulau Lumpar, Malaysia. 478 pp.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-02-24 / Modified: 2025-10-28
Google Ads