Oldenlandia corymbosa L.
| Etymology | Genus | After Henrik Bernhard Oldenland, a Danish botanist |
|---|---|---|
| Species | After corymb; a type of inflorescence arrangement | |
| Family | Rubiaceae | |
| Synonyms | Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam. | |
| Common Names | Siku-Siku, Old World Diamond Flower | |
| Status | Native: Least Concern | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Tropical Africa, Madacasgar, and India | |
Diagnostics:
Oldenlandia corymbosa is a very common herb that is commonly found growing out from the cracks of concrete pavements and drains, as well as a weed on lawns. The leaves are opposite and narrow. Tiny branched flowers or fruits of about 1mm are almost always present.
Interesting Facts:
Siku-Siku is now naturalised pantropically. Its leaves are said to be used traditionally as a poltice for the treatment of sores and sore eyes (Aguilar & Lemmens).
Narrow paired leaves.
Siku-Siku growing from a drain edge.
Tiny flowers of about 1mm. They may be white or with a slight tint of pink.
Top flattened fruits.
References
Aguilar NO & RHMJ Lemmens. (1999) Oldenlandia corymbosa L. In: de Padua LS, Bunyapraphatsara N & Lemmens RHMJ (eds). Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA) 12(1): 367 pp.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2014-10-04 / Modified: 2025-10-27
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