Turnera ulmifolia
| Turnera ulmifolia | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Passifloraceae |
| Genus: | Turnera |
| Species: | T. ulmifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Turnera ulmifolia | |
Turnera ulmifolia, commonly known as the ramgoat dashalong,[2] yellow alder, Cuban buttercup or West Indian holly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Passifloraceae.[1] It is native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of northern South America and southern Florida.[1] The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical regions, and has become naturalized worldwide.[3]
The species is sometimes confused with the closely related Turnera diffusa (damiana), leading to misidentification in horticultural and herbal trade.[4]
Description
[edit]
Turnera ulmifolia is a perennial subshrub or small shrub that typically grows 0.5–1.5 m tall. The stems are erect and become woody at the base with age.[5] The leaves are alternate, elliptic to lanceolate, and usually 2–10 cm long, with serrated margins and a slightly rough surface.[5] The plant produces solitary bright yellow flowers in the leaf axils. Each flower has five petals and five sepals, with numerous stamens surrounding the central pistil. The flowers are short-lived: they typically open early in the morning around sunrise and wilt or close by midday, lasting only a few hours.[3] The fruit is a small capsule containing several seeds which are released when the capsule splits open at maturity.[3][5]
Taxonomy
[edit]The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in Species Plantarum.[1] Historically, the genus Turnera was placed in the family Turneraceae, but molecular phylogenetic studies led to the group being incorporated into the family Passifloraceae.[6]
The specific epithet ulmifolia means “elm-leaved,” referring to the serrated leaf margins resembling those of species in the genus Ulmus.
Distribution and habitat
[edit]The native range of Turnera ulmifolia extends from Mexico and Central America through the Caribbean to northern South America and southern Florida.[1] The species commonly grows in open, sunny habitats including roadsides, coastal scrub, disturbed areas, grasslands, and forest clearings.[5] It tolerates poor soils and drought conditions and can grow in cracks of pavement, walls, and rocky substrates.[3]
Due to its ornamental use, it has been introduced and naturalized in tropical regions worldwide, including parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific islands.[3]
Ecology
[edit]The flowers provide nectar for a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies. The plant is capable of self-pollination but also benefits from insect pollination.[3] Larvae of certain butterflies, including the tawny coster (Acraea terpsicore), feed on the leaves.[7] Seeds may be dispersed by ants and other insects that collect and transport them from fallen fruits, aiding the plant’s spread in suitable habitats.[3]
Cultivation
[edit]Turnera ulmifolia is widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub due to its bright yellow flowers, drought tolerance, and ability to bloom for long periods in warm climates.[5] It grows best in full sun and well-drained soils and is easily propagated by seeds or cuttings. Because it readily self-seeds and tolerates disturbed environments, it can escape cultivation and become naturalized.[3]
Invasive status
[edit]In some regions outside its native range, including several Pacific islands and tropical parts of Asia, Turnera ulmifolia is considered an invasive or potentially invasive species.[3] Its rapid reproduction, tolerance of poor soils, and ability to form dense stands allow it to compete with native vegetation in disturbed habitats.[1][3]
Phytochemistry
[edit]Phytochemical studies of Turnera ulmifolia have identified flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and other polyphenols.[scientific citation needed]
Traditional medicine
[edit]The plant was used in traditional medicine in parts of South Americ and the Caribbean during the 20th century.[8]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Turnera ulmifolia L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 2026. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ NRCS. "Turnera ulmifolia". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 12 December 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "Turnera ulmifolia (yellow alder)". Plant Pono. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ Joshi, V.C.; Rao, A.S.; Wang, Y.H.; Avula, B.; Khan, I.A. (2009). "Taxonomic clarification on Turnera diffusa Ward and its demarcation from "false damiana" using fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, HPTLC and UPLC". Planta Medica. 75 (4). doi:10.1055/s-2009-1216454.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Turnera ulmifolia". Useful Tropical Plants. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ APG III (2009). "An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders and families of flowering plants". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 161: 105–121.
- ↑ "Acraea terpsicore host plants". Butterflies of India. Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ Morton, Julia Frances (1981). Atlas of Medicinal Plants of Middle America: Bahamas to Yucatan. Springfield, Ill.: Charles C. Thomas. pp. 584–586. ISBN 9780398040369. LCCN 80-13503.
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