small squareweed
Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC.
Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC., commonly known as small squareweed, is an annual herb in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Mexico and tropical America and has been introduced to Africa, Asia, and other tropical regions. The plant is typically found in seasonally dry tropical biomes and is characterized by small, white, funnel-shaped flowers that grow in leaf axils.
Description
Mitracarpus hirtus is distributed across regions including Brazil, Colombia, South Carolina, and various parts of Asia and Africa. It was first published in 1830 and is recognized for its ecological adaptability in tropical climates. The species is often discussed in botanical literature, with relevant notes in works by Verdcourt, Nicolson, and Howard. It is a member of the genus Mitracarpus and is known for its herbaceous growth form and distinct floral features.
Other common names
Tropical girdlepodsmall squareweed
Distribution
BR · CO · SC · PW · BI · CD · KM · SG · Sabana de Torres · IN · MY · MG · CN · AU · Curieuse · Mare Aux Cochons · Morne Seychellois National Park · TL · Antioquia, Boyacá, Cauca, Chocó, Huila, Meta, Valle, Vichada · TW · the Democratic Republic of the Congo · SV · HN · GT · FJ · Hawaii · conterminous 48 United States · Alabama · Angola · Argentina Northeast
Synonyms
Mitracarpus bakeriMitracarpus diffususMitracarpus pallidusMitracarpus pilosusMitracarpus scaberMitracarpus senegalensisMitracarpus simplexMitracarpus stylosusMitracarpus torresianusMitracarpus verticillatusMitracarpus villosusSpermacoce cephalotesSpermacoce crassifoliaSpermacoce declinataSpermacoce diffusaSpermacoce diffusaSpermacoce gracilisSpermacoce hirtaSpermacoce stylosaSpermacoce villosaStaurospermum verticillatumBorreria ferrugineaBorreria remotifoliaMitracarpus hirtus var. remotiflorusMitracarpus villosus var. glabriorMitracarpus schizangius var. angustifoliusDiodia villosaMitracarpus diffususMitracarpus hirtus var. sessilis
