Spermacoce alata


Spermacoce alata, the winged false buttonweed, is a species of plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is widespread across the warmer parts of the Western Hemisphere and naturalized in many other parts of the world.

Description

Spermacoce alata is a perennial herb, sometimes erect but other times decumbent. Stems are square in cross-section, with wings along the corners running lengthwise along the stem. Leaves are elliptical to oblong, up to 8 cm long. Flowers are white to very pale purple, formed in axillary clumps.

Distribution

Spermacoce alata is considered native to southern Mexico, Central America, a few islands in the Caribbean, and parts of South America. It is reportedly naturalized in tropical Africa, China, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, Java, Myanmar, Sumatra, Queensland, the Northern Territory, Fiji and Samoa.