Summary ²

Scorpion's tail is a somewhat weedy understory herb that grows in coastal hammocks and thickets. Typically grows to 1-3 ft. in height. Usually taller than broad, but sometimes spreading or falling over. The leaves are approximately 1 in. long and 1/2 in. wide and arranged alternately. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate with an acute leaf apex and dentate leaf margin with deep showy veins, and covered with coarse, tiny hairs. It is easily recognized by its floral inflorescence. The ⅛-inch tiny flowers are arranged in 2 rows along the rachis of the terminal. The calyx has 5 unfused green petals. The corolla has 5 fused white petals with a yellow center, with one lobe slightly larger than the others. There are 5 stamens fused to the base of the corolla. These multiple and numerous flowers attract several species of butterfly for the nectar.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) t_kok, all rights reserved
2. (c) t_kok, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• African Plants - a photo guide
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Catalogo de Plantas y Líquenes de Colombia
• eFloras.org
• Flora of North America (beta)
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• HOSTS - a Database of the World's Lepidopteran Hostplants
• IPNI (with links to POWO, WFO, and BHL)
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• SEINet Symbiota portals
• Tropicos
• USDA PLANTS database
• World Flora Online

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