- Colubrina asiatica
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Colubrina asiatica 
Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Eudicots (unranked): Rosids Order: Rosales Family: Rhamnaceae Genus: Colubrina Species: C. asiatica Binomial name Colubrina asiatica
(L.) Brongn.Synonyms Colubrina asiatica is a shrub in the family Rhamnaceae that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, from eastern Africa to India, southeast Asia, tropical Australia, and the Pacific Islands.[2] Common names include latherleaf, Asian nakedwood and Asian snakewood.
Contents
Description
C. asiatica has a vine-like growth habit, sending out multiple stems that can reach 9 m (30 ft) in length. The branches have simple, alternate, glossy, ovate and accuminate leaves, 3.7–13.7 cm (1.5–5.4 in) long, with several prominent veins. Leaf margins are wavy or finely serrated (toothed). Flowers are small, greenish and bloom in clusters in leaf axils. Blooming can occur year-round. Fruit are 1.3 cm (0.51 in) berry-like capsules with small, gray seeds. Seeds float and are tolerant to salt water, which allows the species to spread across oceans.[3]
The plants grow in full to partial sun on upland sites.
As an invasive species
In Florida in the United States, Colubrina asiatica is an invasive species, capable of displacing native plants and altering the ecosystem. It is listed as a Type 1 exotic invader by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. It has been found in the southern part of the Florida peninsula, including in Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Lee and Martin counties, and in the Florida Keys (Monroe County).[4] It was first collected in Florida in 1937.[5]
References
- ^ "Colubrina asiatica (L.) Brongn.". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2009-08-03. http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?11183. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
- ^ Plant Conservation Alliance Least Wanted list http://www.nps.gov/pnlats/alien/fact/coas1.htm Retrieved 2010-07-25
- ^ Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=348#classification Retrieved 2010-07-25
- ^ Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants, http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=348 Retrieved 2010-07-25.
- ^ Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council, http://www.eddmaps.org/florida/species/subject.cfm?sub=5358. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
External links
Media related to Colubrina asiatica at Wikimedia Commons 
Data related to Colubrina asiatica at WikispeciesCategories:- Colubrina
- Flora of Africa
- Flora of Asia
- Flora of Australia
- Plants described in 1826
- Invasive plant species
- Invasive plant species in Florida
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