Richardia scabra L. - Rough Mexican Clover
Family - Rubiaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Stipule at the base of the leaves.
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering - Nearly all year.
Habitat - Disturbed sites, sandy open ground, sandy pastures, lawns, roadsides, railroads.
Origin - Native to South America.
Other information - This weedy but showy little plant can be found mainly in the southern half of Alabama but its range extends fairly far north in the state. The plant can be identified in the field by its opposite leaves, hirsute stems, and white, 6-merous flowers.
Another species, R. brasiliensis Gomes, is similar but has much smaller flowers and hirsute fruits.
The genus Richardsia is named for English botanist Richard Richardson (1663-1741).
The species epithet scabra is from the Latin "scabr" meaning "rough", referring to the stems of the plant.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Lee Rd 54, Lee County, AL., 8-30-04.