Pilea microphylla
| Artillery plant | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pilea Microphylla | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Urticaceae[1] |
| Genus: | Pilea |
| Species: | P. microphylla |
| Binomial name | |
| Pilea microphylla | |
Pilea microphylla also known as rockweed,[2] artillery plant, gunpowder plant or (in Latin America)[3] brilhantina is an annual plant native to Florida.[4] In the southern part of México, specifically Campeche and Merida, the local name is Frescura.[5] The plant belongs to the Urticaceae family.[6] It has light green, almost succulent, stems and tiny 1/8" leaves which contribute to its other nickname, "Artillery Fern", though it is not related to ferns. It is grown as a ground cover in many areas.
Propagation
Pilea microphylla can be propagated by dividing the root ball, or taking herbaceous cuttings and rooting them with rooting hormone. The plant enjoys a thorough watering after the soil has been allowed to dry, and misting has been shown to be beneficial. Direct sunlight causes the leaves to turn brown and fall off, so it prefers filtered light.
Synonyms
- Pilea microphylla var. trianthemoides is a synonym of Pilea trianthemoides
References
- ↑ "Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm.". ars-grin. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
- ↑ "Pilea microphylla". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
- ↑ "Brilhantina – Pilea microphylla". Jardineiro. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
- ↑ "Pilea Microphylla". Conabio. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
- ↑ Translated by Livio II Ceballos García, all credits goes to the cited website https://www.ecured.cu/Frescura
- ↑ "Pilea microphylla Brilhantina , Folha-gorda , Planta-artilheira , Beldoega.". Paisajismo y Jardín. Retrieved 6 February 2013.