Salpichroa origanifolia is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family known by the common names lily of the valley vine, pampas lily-of-the-valley or cock's-eggs.

Distribution and habitat

This species is native to South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay) and is naturalised in Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), Australasia, Europe (United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal), and North America (United States, Mexico). This plant is present in grasslands, roadsides and in neglected areas and may occasionally occur in gardens, at an elevation up to 100 m above sea level.

Description

Salpichroa origanifolia can reach a stem length of about 2-3 m. This perennial, rhizomatous, decumbent to climbing, hairy vine has a trailing, highly branched, four-cornered zig-zagging stems. Leaves are glabrous, widely elliptic to ovate or also rounded and can reach a length of about 10 - 35 mm, with a petiole of about 5 - 10 mm. The flowers are rather small, 1 - 1.5 cm long and are born from the axils of the leaves. The calyx lobes reach 2 - 3 mm. Corolla is bell-shaped or urn-shaped, white or greenish. Anthers reach 1.5 - 2 mm. Fruits can reach 10 - 15 mm. They are ovoid berries, ill-smelling and turn white or pale yellow when ripe.

Biology

This invasive vine commonly spreads via seeds and fragments of roots. Seeds germinate from early Spring to late Summer. Flowering occurs at any time but especially in Summer and bears fruits in Autumn.

Human culture

Lily of the valley vine is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in some countries. In others, it is considered an invasive weed. In Tasmania, it is regarded as a toxic weed and its sale and distribution are illegal.

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