species 5,458 observations
Wide Spikenard
Mesosphaerum suaveolens
Field notes
Mesosphaerum suaveolens, synonym Hyptis suaveolens, chia, pignut, or chan, bukumbar is a branching pseudocereal plant native to tropical regions of Mexico, Central, the West Indies, and South America, as well as being naturalized in tropical parts of Africa, Asia and Australia. It is generally 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall, occasionally up to 3 m (9.8 ft). Stems are hairy, and square in cross section. Leaves are oppositely arranged, 2–10 cm (0.79–3.94 in) long, with shallowly toothed margins, and emit a strong minty odor if crushed. Flowers are pink or purple, arranged in clusters of 1–5 in the upper leaf axils.
Read more on WikipediaRange
Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided
Key traits
- Layer
- Vines
- Plant type
- Annual Perennial Vine Wildflower
From USDA PLANTS.