Oldman's cap
Polycarpaea corymbosa (L.) Lam.
Polycarpaea corymbosa is an annual herb belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family, commonly known as Oldman's cap. It is widely distributed across various regions including Angola, Brazil, and parts of the United States. This species is typically found in grassy savannahs and disturbed areas.
Description
Polycarpaea corymbosa is an annual herbaceous plant that thrives in open, grassy environments. It is characterized by its small, clustered inflorescences and is often found in disturbed sites. The plant is adapted to a variety of ecological conditions and is commonly observed in savannah habitats.
Habitat
This species is commonly found in grassy savannahs and disturbed areas. It is well adapted to open, sunny environments and can often be seen in regions with seasonal rainfall patterns.
Cultivation
Polycarpaea corymbosa is not typically cultivated for ornamental or agricultural purposes. It is a hardy plant that can thrive in disturbed soils and is often found in naturalized settings. It does not require special care and can grow in a range of soil types.
Uses
Oldman's cap is not widely used in horticulture or agriculture. Its primary significance lies in its ecological role as a pioneer species in disturbed habitats. It contributes to the biodiversity of grassy savannahs and is often used as an indicator of open, well-drained soils.
Other common names
Oldman's cap
Distribution
BR · TW · ZA · KM · MG · Kruger National Park · conterminous 48 United States · Angola · Argentina Northeast · Bangladesh · Benin · Bolivia · Botswana · Brazil Northeast · Brazil North · Brazil Southeast · Brazil South · Brazil West-Central · Burkina · Burundi · Cambodia · Cameroon · Caprivi Strip · Central African Repu · Chad · China South-Central · China Southeast · Congo · Eritrea · Ethiopia
Synonyms
Lahaya corymbosaMollia aristataMollia corymbosaPolycarpa corymbosaAchyranthes corymbosaCelosia corymbosaPolycarpaea corymbosa var. corymbosaPolycarpaea nebulosaPolycarpaea filifoliaLahaya corymbosaMollia spadiceaPolycarpa brevifoliaPolycarpaea atherophoraPolycarpaea brasiliensis var. ramosissimaPolycarpaea brevifoliaPolycarpaea corymbosa var. brevifoliaPolycarpaea corymbosa var. typicaPolycarpaea densifloraPolycarpaea indicaPolycarpaea spadiceaPolycarpaea subulata
