Cavan Allen

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...php?i=5515&c=3

As you can see from the photo, the flower of this plant looks nothing like any species from the family Acanthaceae (which includes Hygrophila and Hemigraphis). I have the so-called Hemigraphis growing emersed under a combination of fluorescent bulbs and sunlight. Unfortunately, I did not see it when it was fresh. What you see above is dried. It is, without any doubt, from that plant.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...ec=Hemigraphis

As the structure of the inflorescence is entirely different, and does not at all resemble Hemigraphis and Hygrophila, it looks as though the plant is question is not a Hemigraphis.

Additionally, I have not been able to find any reference to any plant called 'Hemigraphis traian' in the scientific literature.

The inflorescence does bear a strong resemblance to those of Shinnersia rivularis (Mexican oak leaf) and Gymnocoronis spilanthoides, both of which are included in the family Asteraceae. I'm not saying that my plant is too, but it is food for thought.

The new uncertainty will be reflected in the Plant Finder, until such time as we can ascertain its true identity.

Edit: There appear to be some technical snags with the Plant Finder entry. They should be resolved soon.

 

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AaronT

Cool pictures Cavan. Thanks for sharing.

ashappard

yes, very interesting. I kept this plant some time ago and just recently re-acquired it. I'm interested to see what name is eventually attached to it.

Cavan Allen

It's not going to be easy. I talked to a botanist who is an expert on Asteraceae and he said that there are other families that have members with globular inflorescences and it might be Lamiaceae, which includes mint (Mentha), Pogostemon and...bee balm. But we'll see.

Cavan Allen

I got word back about this one. It is indeed from the family Lamiaceae, or mint family. Further digging will be necessary to discover the genus and species.

Tex Gal

Cavan, I sincerely appreciate all the work you do for us. I wouldn't even begin to know where to start.

Cavan Allen

I think a little detective work is fun and enjoy that kind of thing. It's nice to hear that someone appreciates my efforts. You're welcome.

hoppycalif

Cavan, your efforts on the plant finder are invaluable to me. That is the best compilation of aquatic plants and their characteristics I have ever seen. PlantGeek may cover more plants, but the quality isn't anything close to that of the Plant Finder here. In fact the PlantFinder is the primary reason I chose this forum to remain in when I became too busy to participate on multiple forums.

aquanut

the inflorescence looks like it belongs in Lamiaceae to me as well.

actually, looks like it might really closely related to Plecanthrus.

or not..

http://www.botany.com/hemigraphis.html

Cavan Allen

Thank you Hoppy. I can't do it all myself though. AaronT, HeyPK, Carlos, madmax and a couple other people have really been instrumental in making it the resource it is. I'm sure they appreciate the good feedback as much as I do.

 

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