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Vernonanthura polyanthes

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Vernonanthura polyanthes
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Vernonanthura
Species:
V. polyanthes
Binomial name
Vernonanthura polyanthes
(Spreng.) Vega & M.Dematteis
Synonyms
  • Chrysocoma phosphorica Vell.
  • Eupatorium polyanthes Spreng.
  • Vernonanthura phosphorica (Vell.) H.Rob.
  • Vernonia polyanthes Less.

Vernonanthura polyanthes is a species of Neotropical plant in the tribe Vernonieae.

Description

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It is a shrub or small tree, bearing white flowers in terminal heads during late winter (July to August).[1] Its vertical bole and dull green, oblong-lanceolate leaves may remind of a Eucalyptus species.

Range and habitat

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It is native to Brazil but was introduced to Sussundenga, Mozambique, in the early 1990s from where it quickly spread to Zimbabwe.[1] In Africa it is a dominant invasive species, but it appears to compete best in disturbed areas along roadsides or along forest margins. It has invaded higher altitudes in lower densities.[1]

Uses and agricultural impact

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Its ample nectar supplies nourishment to bees in winter. For that reason it was introduced to Mozambique, but it also takes over fallow lands, where their eradication is labour-intensive.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Hyde, Mark; et al. "Vernonanthura polyanthes (Spreng.) Vega & Dematteis". Flora of Zimbabwe. Retrieved 27 July 2018.