Common name: Purpletop
Verbena bonariensis L. APNI* Synonyms: Verbena bonariensis var. conglomerata Briq. APNI*
Verbena bonariensis L. var. bonariensis APNI*
Description: Herb 0.6–2 m high; branches erect, conspicuously quadrangular, slightly scabrous.
Leaves sessile, narrowly oblong-ovate, 4–22 cm long, 0.6–7 cm wide, rugose, scabrous and slightly villous above, tomentose below; base subcordate and partly clasping branch; margin coarsely incised-serrate; apex acuminate.
Inflorescence a lax terminal corymb with long branches ending in a dense spike; bracts equal to or shorter than calyx; peduncle and bracts strongly glandular. Calyx 5-toothed, 2.5–3.5 mm long, glandular-pubescent, hispidulous along ribs. Corolla blue, dark violet-purple or lavender-pink, scarcely 2 times as long as calyx; tube 3.5–5 mm long.
Mericarps 1.5–1.8 mm long.
Flowering: Flowers mainly October–January
Distribution and occurrence: Occasional, but often aggressive, widespreed weed. Also naturalised in Qld, Vic and S.A.; native to S. Amer. Occurs in wastelands, cultivated areas and roadsides.
NSW subdivisions: *NC, *CC, *SC, *NT, *CT, *ST, *NWS, *CWS, *SWS, *NWP, *SWP, *LHI
Other Australian states: *Qld *Vic. *S.A.
B.J. Conn (1999)
Text by B.J. Conn (1999)
Taxon concept:
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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