Ageratum houstonianum (PROSEA)
 |
Introduction |
Ageratum houstonianum Miller
- Protologue: Gard. dict. ed. 8: Ageratum No 2 (1768).
Synonyms
Ageratum mexicanum Sims (1825).
Vernacular names
- Goatweed (En). Probably many of the vernacular names listed under A. conyzoides also refer to A. houstonianum .
Distribution
Originating from Central America, but cultivated in tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. It is found naturalized in many warmer regions including China, India and locally in South-East Asia (e.g. Peninsular Malaysia, Java, the Philippines, Vietnam).
Uses
Probably A. houstonianum has similar medicinal applications as A. conyzoides , but there is little information in literature about its actual uses. The plant yields an insecticide, and it is commonly planted as ornamental.
Observations
An annual erect herb, at the base sometimes creeping and rooting, up to 70(-90) cm tall, stems clothed with patent white hairs; leaves subtriangular, ovate to deltoid, 2-8.5(-9.5) cm × (1.5-)3-6.5(-8) cm, with cordate to truncate base; head 5.5-7 mm long, 75-100-flowered, outermost involucral bracts with both simple hairs and shorter glandular hairs, inner involucral bracts gradually tapering into an acute apex; corolla 2.5-3 mm long; fruit hairy. A. houstonianum is locally common in fields, roadsides and waste places up to 1700 m altitude.
Selected sources
96, 232, 549, 614, 685, 929, 966, 1073, 1175, 1268, 1324, 1354, 1438.
Authors
Slamet Sutanti Budi Rahayu, Rina Ratnasih Irwanto & L.J.G. van der Maesen
