Richardia brasiliensis

Richardia brasiliensis is a species of flowering plant in the coffee family known by the English common names tropical Mexican clover,[1] Brazilian calla-lily, white-eye,[2] and Brazil pusley.[3] In Brazil it is known as poaia branca.[4] It is native to South America.[2] It is an introduced species and sometimes an invasive weed in many other places, including Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand.[5] It is a weed of citrus groves in Florida.[6]

Richardia brasiliensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Rubiaceae
Genus:	Richardia
Species:	R. brasiliensis
Binomial name
Richardia brasiliensis Gomes

This plant may be an annual or perennial which grows from a deep root. The branching stems grow up to 40 centimeters long and lie prostrate or grow upright. The oppositely arranged leaves are oval with pointed or rounded tips. They are up to 6.5 centimeters long. The inflorescence is a cluster of up to 20 flowers, or sometimes more.[3] The petals are white or rose-pink.[5] The fruit is a hairy nutlet.[3]

The root is often a home to nematodes.[3]

In Brazil this plant is used medicinally as an antiemetic and for diabetes.[4]

References

1. Richardia brasiliensis. USDA Plants Profile.
2. "Richardia brasiliensis". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 25 January 2018.
3. Richardia brasiliensis. University of Florida IFAS Extension.
4. Pinto, D. S., et al. (2008). Secondary metabolites isolated from Richardia brasiliensis Gomes (Rubiaceae). Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia 18(3) 367-72.
5. Richardia brasiliensis. Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk.
6. Chandran, R. S. and M. Singh. (2003). Survey and control of Brazil pusley (Richardia brasiliensis) in Florida citrus. Proc Fla State Hort Soc 116 211-14.