Richardia scabra | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Rubiaceae |
Genus: | Richardia |
Species: | R. scabra |
Binomial name | |
Richardia scabra |
Richardia scabra, commonly called rough Mexican clover [1] or Florida pusley, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is widespread, native to warm areas of both North America, South America and East African countries like in Central Kenya .
The stems of R. scabra may reach a height between 1 and 7 decimeters (4 to 27.5 inches). The leaves are oppositely arranged, and lanceolate to elliptic in shape. They range in size from 2.5 to 7 centimeters (1 to 2.75 inches) in length. [2] Individuals produce white flowers, inflorescence beginning as early as March and may last through December. [2] [3] The fruit produced by R. scabra is leathery in texture and is 3 to 4 millimeters in length. [2]
In the southeastern United States, this species is often found in disturbed habitats, with individuals observed in habitats such as along roadsides and within vacant lots. [4] [5]
Within the United States' Coastal Plain region, R. scabra occurs within environments that possess fine sandy loams with slow permeability. [6] Individuals have been documented in habitats such as upland pine communities and woodlands. [5]