Scarlet Spiderling
Boerhavia Coccinea
Scarlet Spiderling
Boerhavia Coccinea
Boerhavia coccinea, commonly known as scarlet spiderling, red boerhavia, or hogweed, is a low-growing flowering plant in the four o’clock family. It is a widespread species found in many parts of Barbados and across the tropics, often appearing as a common roadside or yard weed. In some regions it is considered invasive due to its ability to spread easily in disturbed areas.
This plant grows as a sprawling perennial herb with creeping stems that can extend over a metre in length. The stems are slightly hairy and sticky to the touch because of small glands. Its leaves are usually oval in shape, carried on short stalks, with gently wavy edges that may show a reddish tint. The flowers are very small but showy, forming tight clusters of frilly blooms in bright scarlet or red-violet shades, though pink, yellow, or white flowers may also occur.
Boerhavia coccinea has a long history of traditional medicinal use in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. The leaves and roots are commonly used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation, and in traditional Mexican medicine it has been used for digestive complaints such as diarrhea and dysentery. Its continued use is linked to its known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Genus: Boerhavia
Species: B. coccinea
Binomial name: Boerhavia coccinea
Boerhavia Coccinea
Boerhavia coccinea, commonly known as scarlet spiderling, red boerhavia, or hogweed, is a low-growing flowering plant in the four o’clock family. It is a widespread species found in many parts of Barbados and across the tropics, often appearing as a common roadside or yard weed. In some regions it is considered invasive due to its ability to spread easily in disturbed areas.
This plant grows as a sprawling perennial herb with creeping stems that can extend over a metre in length. The stems are slightly hairy and sticky to the touch because of small glands. Its leaves are usually oval in shape, carried on short stalks, with gently wavy edges that may show a reddish tint. The flowers are very small but showy, forming tight clusters of frilly blooms in bright scarlet or red-violet shades, though pink, yellow, or white flowers may also occur.
Boerhavia coccinea has a long history of traditional medicinal use in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. The leaves and roots are commonly used in folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation, and in traditional Mexican medicine it has been used for digestive complaints such as diarrhea and dysentery. Its continued use is linked to its known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Genus: Boerhavia
Species: B. coccinea
Binomial name: Boerhavia coccinea
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