Print Fact SheetGalinsoga parviflora

Taxonomy

Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Icon. 3:41, t. 281. 1795-1796

Common synonyms

Adventina parviflora (Cav.) Raf.; Baziasa microglossa Steud.; Galinsoga hirsuta Baker; Galinsoga laciniata Retx.; Galinsoga laciniata Retz.; Galinsoga parviflora f. parceglandulosa Thell.; Galinsoga parviflora f. parviflora; Galinsoga parviflora f. quinqueradiata Thell.; Galinsoga parviflora f. subeglandulosa Thell.; Galinsoga parviflora subsp. parceglandulosa; Galinsoga parviflora subsp. parviflora; Galinsoga parviflora var. adenophora Thell.; Galinsoga parviflora var. genuina Thell.; Galinsoga quinqueradiata Ruiz & Pav.; Sabazia microglossa DC.; Sabazia microglossa var. microglossa; Sabazia microglossa var. puberula DC.; Stemmatella sodiroi Hieron.; Vigolina acmella (Roth) Poir.; Wiborgia acmella Roth; Wiborgia parviflora (Cav.) Kunth

Common name

Dumb-nettle, potato weed, gallant soldiers, galinsoga

Description

Propagule or dispersal unit is the fruit with pappus. Fertile part 1.2-2 mm long, 0.4-0.7 mm wide, in side view widest in upper part (obovoid), +/- straight, the upper (apical) end narrowing or suddenly cut off (truncate), in cross-section angular (prismatic), basal scar (carpopodium) pronounced and well-differentiated, central or off to the side (oblique) or at least asymmetric, beak (=thinner sterile stalk between seed and pappus) absent, wings absent, fruit surface black, smooth (except at cellular level), with simple straight hairs, thickened margin absent, longitudinal ribs absent.

Pappus type scales, pappus elements all +/- similar, up to 0.9-1.6 mm long, in several rows, pappus elements numerous, persistent, the individual scales dissected.

Ecology

Annual herb, seeds wind-dispersed. Temperate regions. Tolerant of various soil and light conditions but prefers moist soil; found in croplands, wastegrounds, and urban areas.

Native range

South America.

Introduced range

Cosmopolitan