Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum)

Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) with small green leaves and round white fruit on cascading thin stems.
Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) cascading thin stems covered in round white fruit and tiny green leaves.

Botanical name: Sphyrospermum sp.

Common name: Sphyrospermum

Family: Ericaceae

Origin: South America, Central America

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10?

USDA Plant Hardiness MapGroundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEpiphyte plantEthnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Sphyrospermum sp. is a striking plant native to South America and Central America. It is a unique groundcover and low-growing plant with long pendant stems reaching up to 2ft in length. As it matures it can grow up to a maximum of 5ft tall with thumbnail sized leaves and small pea-sized blue fruits that appear once it has flowered.

In terms of growing Sphyrospermum in your garden there are a few things to bear in mind. It is tolerant of semi-shady conditions and does best with regular watering. However, it cannot withstand cold temperatures so if you live in a cooler area then potting is the way to go. In USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11 it grows particularly well, in a pot or in the ground, as long as it's in a sheltered spot and is protected from frost.

Sphyrospermum is also an ethnomedical plant, used by some South American tribes for a variety of treatments and remedies. The plant is mostly used in topical treatments, mixed with other ingredients such as aloe vera and natural oils.

Overall, Sphyrospermum is a unique, impressive and versatile plant that can be kept in the ground or in a pot depending on the climate. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires semi-shady areas and regular watering, but it is also an ethnomedical plant that offers a variety of treatments and remedies.


Image gallery: 7 images
Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) purple fruit with small green leaves on thin trailing stems close up
Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) with white fruit, a close up of the vine plant leaves.
Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) white fruit green leaves plant hanging in a dense cascade
Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) with purple fruit and green leaves on the plant
Sphyrospermum ellipticum
Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) with purple fruit and dense green leaves on a plant close up
Sphyrospermum ellipticum
Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) purple fruit with small round green leaves close up
Sphyrospermum ellipticum
Sphyrospermum sp. (Sphyrospermum) green plant with small white flower in a close up view
Sphyrospermum ellipticum


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/sphyrospermum_sp.htm
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