Jump to content

Weldenia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Weldenia candida
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Commelinales
Family: Commelinaceae
Subfamily: Commelinoideae
Tribe: Tradescantieae
Subtribe: Thyrsanthemineae
Genus: Weldenia
Schult.f.
Species:
W. candida
Binomial name
Weldenia candida
Synonyms[1][2]

Weldenia is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Commelinaceae, first formally described in 1829. It has one single species: Weldenia candida,[3] which grows natively in Mexico and Guatemala.[1][4][5]

This herbaceous perennial has broad green, strap-shaped leaves growing in a rosette. The central, three-petalled, bright white flowers are borne over a long period in late spring and summer. Hardy down to −5 °C (23 °F), in temperate zones it prefers mild sheltered locations in full sun, with neutral or acid well-drained soil.[6] It requires dry conditions over winter, so is best grown in an alpine house or similar, where protection can be provided.

The Latin specific epithet candida means "shining white".[7]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Weldenia". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Retrieved 25 August 2009.
  2. ^ "Weldenia candida". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Retrieved 2009-08-25.
  3. ^ The International Plant Names Index
  4. ^ Davidse, G., M. Sousa Sánchez & A.O. Chater. 1994. Alismataceae a Cyperaceae. 6: i–xvi, 1–543. In G. Davidse, M. Sousa Sánchez & A.O. Chater (eds.) Flora Mesoamericana. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, D. F.
  5. ^ Standley, P. C. & J. A. Steyermark. 1952. Commelinaceae. 24(3): 1–42. In P. C. Standley & J. A. Steyermark (eds.) Flora de Guatemala, Part III, Fieldiana, Botany. Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago.
  6. ^ "Weldenia candida". RHS. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  7. ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 978-1845337315.