Catstongue (Priva lappulacea): Tropical Groundcover with Sticky Seeds

Botanical Profile

Family: Verbenaceae (ver-be-NAY-see-ee)
Genus: Priva (Pree-va)
Species: lappulacea

Description

Catstongue is a low, spreading perennial herb native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It forms a mat 4–8 inches tall with opposite, oval, toothed leaves that are rough-hairy (like a cat's tongue). Small, tubular, pale blue to lavender flowers appear in the leaf axils. The fruit is a small, sticky nutlet that adheres to fur and clothing for dispersal.

Habitat & Cultivation

Found in disturbed, open, often sandy soils. Tolerates drought and poor soil. In frost-free zones, it can be a persistent groundcover; elsewhere, it behaves as an annual. Not commonly cultivated; sometimes appears as a weed in tropical gardens.

Notes

The sticky seeds are the source of the specific epithet lappulacea (like Lappula, stickseed). A pioneer species in degraded habitats.