| Etymology | Genus | Seed point; referring to the capsular fruits sitting on pointy calyxes |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Leaves resembles Basil (genus Ocimum) | |
| Family | Rubiaceae | |
| Synonyms | Bigelovia gracilis Spreng., Borreria ocymoides (Burm.f.) DC., Spermacoce domingensis C.Wright | |
| Common Names | Basil-like Button Weed | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Tropical Africa, Mauritius, India, Myanmar, Java, Peninsular Malaysia, Philippines | |
Diagnostics:
Spermacoce ocymoides is an erect herb and like most Spermacoce species, the leaves are oppositely arranged and flower clusters between them. It should be relatively easy to differentiate from other species with its broadly elliptic (sometimes lanceolate) leaves which have depressed venation, as well as the numerous small white flowers clustering at each point.
Interesting Facts:
The sap from leaves are used to treat ringworm infection and eczema in Nigeria (Ebana, 1991).
Erect form of the Basil-like Button Weed.
Leaf shape and venation.
Inflorescences consists of numerous white flowers on pointy calyxes
The stem is convered with fine white hairs.
References
Ebana RU, BE Madunagu, ED Ekpe & IN Otung. (1991) Microbiological exploitation of cardiac glycosides and alkaloids from Garcinia kola, Borreria ocymoides, Kola nitida and Citrus aurantifolia. The Journal of Applied Bacteriology, 71: 398-401.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-03-17 / Modified: 2017-12-25
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