Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Ornamental- Popular ornamental plant that is commonly used as a ground cover or border plant in garden beds, borders, and containers. Industrial- The seeds, although small, are a potential commercial crop for their oil. Industrial oils made from these acids are valuable commodities as they have the potential to replace others made from imported palm kernel and coconut oil.
Mexico
Dry tropical biome.
Annual herb height 20-60cm.
Slender, green, and sometimes reddish towards the base. Can be densely hairy.
Small, elliptical to ovate, arranged oppositely on the stems. Bright to mid-green color. Covered with short, sticky hairs, giving a slightly sticky feel.
Small, tubular with six, outwardly spreading lobes.Colors can vary from pink-purple to reddish-purple, violet, or even white. Flowers emerge singly in the leaf axils (junction of leaf and stem) along the stems.
The fruits are small, dry capsules that split open when mature to release tiny seeds.
Flowering:May-June.