Larkdaisy
Centratherum punctatum
Synonyms: Centratherum punctatum var. viscossissimum, Ampherephis pilosa, Centratherum brevispinum, Crantzia ovata, Centratherum aristatum, Centratherum camporum, Centratherum brachylepis, Centratherum holtonii, Centratherum camporum var. albicans, Baccharoides brachylepis, Centratherum confertum, Centratherum australianum, Centaurea riparia, Baccharoides violacea, Baccharoides punctata, Ampherephis intermedia, Baccharoides mutica, Baccharoides holtonii, Amphibecis violacea, Centratherum punctatum var. albicans, Centratherum muticum, Centratherum punctatum var. longipes, Centratherum punctatum var. foliosum, Centratherum punctatum f. brachyphyllum, Cacalia brachylepis, Centratherum fruticosum, Centratherum punctatum subsp. camporum, Vernonia brachylepis, Centratherum longispinum, Centratherum punctatum var. parviflorum, Centratherum intermedium, Centratherum violaceum, Ampherephis mutica, Ampherephis aristata, Centratherum punctatum f. foliosum, Centratherum riparium, Centratherum camporum var. longipes, Spixia violacea, Centratherum punctatum subsp. australianum, Ampherephis pulchella, Centratherum punctatum subsp. fruticosum, Centratherum pulchellum
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Botanical Description
Centratherum punctatum, larkdaisy or Brazilian bachelor's button, is a short-lived perennial herb or subshrub in the Asteraceae family native to the neotropics, with a range extending from Mexico through Central America to Brazil and Argentina, and naturalised across tropical regions. Plants form bushy mounds 30 to 60 centimetres tall with much-branched, somewhat woody stems that are slightly sticky to the touch. The leaves are alternate, ovate to lance-shaped with coarsely toothed margins, dark green, and emit a pineapple-like fragrance when crushed. Flower heads are discoid, lavender to purple, two to three centimetres across, and consist entirely of slender tubular florets subtended by an involucre of leaf-like bracts. Blooming continues nearly year-round in frost-free climates. The species favours open disturbed ground, roadsides, and seasonally moist pastures, and is cultivated as a butterfly-attracting ornamental.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.