Syn.: Eupatorium conyzoides (L.) E.H.L.Krause; Carelia conyzoides (L.) Kuntze; Eupatorium conyzoides (L.) E. H. Krause; Ageratum conyzoides f. conyzoides; Ageratum conyzoides f. album (Willd.) B.L.Rob.; Ageratum arsenei B.L.Rob.; Ageratum brachystephanum Regel; Carelia brachystephana (Regel) Kuntze; Ageratum ciliare Lour.; Ageratum coeruleum Desf.
Family – Asteraceae, hvězdnicovité
Description: Fast-growing herb native to the tropical Americas, but now widespread in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant features green, opposite, ovate to lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges, and its stems are herbaceous, green to reddish, and often hairy. It produces small, purple to blue, tubular flowers in flat-topped clusters, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Substitutions – Ageratum houstonianum: Known as Floss flower, this species is commonly used as an ornamental plant for its vibrant blue or purple flower clusters. Unlike Ageratumconyzoides, it is not typically used for medicinal purposes but is popular in gardens. – Ageratum mexicanum: This species is often confused with Ageratum conyzoides due to its similar flower structure but is mainly grown for ornamental use. It has bright blue to purple flower clusters and thrives in similar climates.
Ecology: The plant thrives in warm, tropical climates with high humidity, preferring well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils in areas of full sun to partial shade.
General Distribution: It is found across South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Sri Lanka.
Use: Ageratum conyzoides is used in traditional medicine for treating conditions such as fever, inflammation, and headaches, and its parts are also employed in pest control due to their insecticidal properties.
Author of text and Photos: Chanduni Bootawatta.
Photographed in Kandy, Sri Lanka on date 23 /01/2025.
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