Old world diamond flower


Oldenlandia corymbosa L.

hierba del corral, oldenlandia, flat top mille graines, vintage world diamond flower

Domain
Eukaryota

Kingdom
Plantae

Phylum
Magnoliophyta

Class
Magnoliopsida (= Dicotyledoneae)

Order
Gentianales

Family
Rubiaceae

Genus
Oldenlandia

Species
corymbosa

Taxon category: Accepted

Origin: Introduced - established

Year of first record: 1974

Mode of introduction: Accidental

Introduction Pathway: Contaminant

Subpathway: Contaminant on plants (inc. seeds and plant associated material)

Invasive status: No data

Map of specimen collection localities or observation records for this species in our collections database.

  • Van der Werff, H.H. (1977) Vascular plants from the Galápagos Islands: new records and taxonomic notes. Bot. Notiser 130(1): 89-100.
  • Porter, D.M. (1983) Vascular Plants of the Galapagos: Origins and Dispersal. In: Bowman, R.I., Berson, M. & Leviton, A.E. (eds.): Patterns of evolution in Galápagos organisms. Pacific Division, AAAS, San Francisco, California, p. 33-96.
  • Jørgensen, P.M. León-Yánez, S. (eds.) (1999) Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Ecuador. Monographs in Systematic Botany fro

    Identify

      Opposite

      Entire

      Lanceolate

      This broadleaf weed can be identified as a smooth, spreading plant with branched stems and a weak, shallow taproot. Old World Diamond Flower has lanceolate leaves that grow opposite along the stems, which can grow close to the ground. Old World Diamond Flower produces small white flowers, usually forming in groups of two or more on long stalks from the tip of a long common stalk. Old World Diamond Flower blooms from mid-summer until frost, and reproduction occurs by seeds.

      Life Cycle

      This broadleaf weed occurs in all moist turf and in most disturbed areas and is a common pest on golf courses. Old World Diamond Flower can be found throughout much of the American Southeast.

      Control

      Proper cultural practices, such as proper mowing and watering, can help to prevent Hedyotis corymbosa by creating dense grass, which inhibits this broadleaf weed's ability to grow. Physical removal (i.e., pulling weeds) can be effective, though you run the risk of spreading the seeds to additional areas of your lawn and landscaping.


      Old World Diamond-flower

      Scientific Name - Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam.
      [Oldenlandia corymbosa L.]
      Family - Rubiaceae


      Smooth, spreading summer annual with branched stems. Leaves opposite, narrow. Flowers white, usually two or more on long stalks from the tip of a common long stalk. Reproduces by seed. Found in all moist turf and in moist disturbed areas. Occurs from South Carolina south throughout Florida and along the Gulf Coast into Texas. Widespread in the tropics throughout the world.




      Understanding the Old World Diamond Flower in Mira Bay: What Residents Need to Know

      Mira Bay in Apollo Beach is known for its picturesque waterfront views, meticulously maintained landscapes, and the welcoming community spirit that makes living there so special. However, even the most well-kept Florida neighborhoods can occasionally face unexpected garden invaders. One such nuisance for local homeowners and property managers is the Old World Diamond Flower weed. Today, we’re exploring what this weed is, why it thrives in Mira Bay’s environment, and how Consolidated Pest Control can help you keep your lawn and garden looking its best.

      What Is Old World Diamond Flower?

      Old World Diamond Flower (scientific name Oldenlandia corymbosa or Hedyotis corymbosa) is a low-growing, broadleaf weed that produces small, delicate white flowers. Originally native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World (Asia and Africa), it has found a comfortable home in Florida’s warm climate. You’ll often see it in areas with moist, well-draining soil—conditions that are not hard to come by in coastal neighborhoods like Mira Bay.

      Physical Characteristics

      • Height and Growth Habit: Typic
        old world diamond flower

        Scientific Name

        Oldenlandia corymbosa L. var. corymbosa

        Synonyms

        Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam.
        Oldenlandia corymbosa L.

        Family

        Rubiaceae

        Common Names

        hedyotis, old world diamond-flower, old world diamondflower, two-flowered Indian madder

        Origin

        Native to Africa and the Indian sub-continent.

        Naturalised Distribution

        possibly native to large parts of northern and eastern Australia (i.e. northern WA, northern NT, eastern Queensland and north-eastern NSW) - naturalised in eastern Queensland - possibly naturalised in the coastal districts of northern NSW - possibly naturalised in northern WA - possibly naturalised in the northern parts of NT - naturalised on Christmas Island and in the Cocos Islands.

        Habitat

        A weed of roadsides, waste areas, disturbed sites, lawns, gardens, footpaths and coastal environs.

        Habit

        A small short-lived (i.e. annual) herbaceous plant with creeping to semi-upright (i.e. prostrate to ascending) stems growing up to 30 cm long.

        Stems and Leaves

        The small stems are hairless (i.e. glabrous) or rarely with a few short rough hairs (i.e. minutely scabrous).

        The oppositely arranged leaves are practically stalkless (i.e. sub-se