Wigandia

Wigandia

Wigandia urens

Common Name:

Wigandia

Scientific Name:

Wigandia urens


Alternative common names:

Caracus wigandia, Stinging tree

Description:

Sparsely branching , large leaved, evergreen shrub to 3m high with yellow or rusty hairs on stems and leaves, produces suckers. Leaves dark to yellowish green, broadly ovate, apex rounded, with yellow or rusty stinging hairs beneath, up to 600 mm long, margins irregularly toothed, on the petioles up to 100 mm. Flowers are violet or blue, five lobed to 30 mm across.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Mexico and Central American

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA - Category 3

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Western Cape Province

How does it spread?

Spreads by suckers to form clumps.

Why is it a problem?

Invades roadsides and urban areas. Stinging hairs on leaves and stems cause severe contact dermatitis.

What does it look like?

Leaves: Leaves dark to yellowish green, broadly ovate, apex rounded, with yellow or rusty stinging hairs beneath, up to 600 mm long, margins irregularly toothed, on the petioles up to 100 mm

Flowers: Flowers are violet or blue, five lobed to 30 mm across. Flowers appear from spring to autumn

Fruit/seeds: Capsule- Dark brown capsules, 2 valved, splitting longitudinally.

Does the plant have any uses?

Ornament

Leave a Reply