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Talinum paniculatum
Talinum paniculatum
from Wikipedia

Talinum paniculatum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Talinaceae
Genus: Talinum
Species:
T. paniculatum
Binomial name
Talinum paniculatum

Talinum paniculatum is a succulent subshrub in the family Talinaceae that is native to much of North and South America, and the Caribbean countries.[1] It is commonly known as fameflower,[1] Jewels-of-Opar[1] (a name borrowed from the title of the novel Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Edgar Rice Burroughs[2]), or pink baby's-breath.[1]

Classification

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The species was described in 1760 under the basionym of Portulaca paniculata by Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin (1727–1817), then recombined in the genus Talinum in 1791 by Joseph Gaertner (1732–1791). In current classification, Talinum paniculatum belongs to the family Talinaceae, it was assigned in the past to the family of the purslane or Portulacaceae.

Appearance

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Talinum paniculatum bears tuberous roots[3] and panicles of flowers and produces tiny, jewel-like fruits. Its peculiarity is its very long root of orange colour that reaches about 80 centimeters. It is a very bad herb in crops, and it proliferates very easily, since it roots very easily, even after it has been plucked and if it has any part of the root in contact with the soil. The plant as a whole can reach almost 2 meters high measured from the soil surface, where after maturity, its brown seeds (in abundance) spread easily through the surrounding area.[4]

Native range

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Talinum paniculatum is native to the southern United States, much of Latin America (such as Paraguay and Uruguay) and the Caribbean. It has been introduced notably in Africa and Asia.[1]

Uses

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Talinum paniculatum is often grown as an ornamental plant. Cultivars include 'Kingwood Gold',[5] 'Limón',[6] and 'Variegatum'.[5] The leaves are edible and have been used in traditional medicine in Asia.[7]

Used in home medicine as a diuretic, healing, emollient, vulval and anti-infective, it is also consumed in salads.[8]

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Talinum paniculatum is a succulent perennial herb or subshrub in the family Talinaceae, typically growing 30–100 cm tall from a tuberous rootstock, with erect, often unbranched stems bearing elliptic to obovate leaves 2–12.6 cm long. It produces terminal panicles of small flowers, 6–10 mm wide, with pink, red, or yellow petals 3–12 mm long, blooming from June to November in its native range, and developing into subglobose capsules 3–5 mm in diameter containing black or reddish-brown, tuberculate seeds. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, this species thrives in a variety of disturbed habitats and is valued for its ornamental qualities, edible leaves, and medicinal properties. The natural distribution of Talinum paniculatum spans from the (, , and ) through , , the , and into as far south as and . It has been introduced widely as a weed in regions such as other southern U.S. states (, Georgia, , , , and ), , , the Pacific islands, and , where it often naturalizes in waste places, rocky areas, forest edges, moist to dry woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and desert scrub at elevations from to 2,400 m. This adaptability to full sun, well-drained soils, and conditions contributes to its weedy potential in cultivated fields and disturbed sites. Talinum paniculatum is cultivated ornamentally in tropical gardens for its attractive foliage, vibrant flowers, and persistent, jewel-like seed capsules, often known by common names such as Jewels of Opar or Fameflower. Its leaves are edible, consumed raw in salads or cooked in soups and stews, providing a nutritious in some cultures. Medicinally, the roots serve as a tonic and , treating conditions like , , gastralgia, , and , while leaves act as a stomachic; it also holds value in as a strengthening agent. Harvesting occurs 6–9 weeks after planting, with the plant's tuberous roots enabling regeneration and propagation.

Taxonomy

Scientific Classification

Talinum paniculatum belongs to the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Caryophyllales, family Talinaceae, genus Talinum, and species T. paniculatum. The species was first described as Portulaca paniculata by Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1760 and later recombined into the genus Talinum by Joseph Gaertner in 1791. The family Talinaceae consists of succulent herbaceous plants or shrubs characterized by free petals, capsular fruits with loculicidal dehiscence, and the production of pigments rather than anthocyanins, distinguishing them from related families like . Phylogenetically, Talinum paniculatum is placed within the order , where molecular data from chloroplast genomes and nuclear markers support the separation of Talinaceae from , recognizing Talinaceae as a distinct lineage sister to a including , Anacampserotaceae, and Cactaceae. This separation was formalized in the III classification in 2009.

Etymology and Synonyms

The genus name derives from an African vernacular name for a species in , as documented in early . The specific paniculatum is Latin for "paniculate," referring to the plant's arranged in panicles. This binomial was established through recombination by Joseph Gaertner in 1791, transferring the species from its Portulaca paniculata described by Nikolaus Joseph Jacquin in 1760. Several synonyms have been recorded for Talinum paniculatum in historical botanical literature, reflecting taxonomic revisions and regional variations. These include Portulaca paniculata Jacq., Talinum patens Willd., Talinum chrysanthum Engl., Calandrinia andrewskii H.Vilm., Claytonia patens Kuntze, Helianthemoides patens Medik., and Portulaca patens L. (superfluous name). Varietal synonyms such as Talinum paniculatum var. sarmentosum and Talinum paniculatum var. paniculatum have also been used, though the species is now accepted without infraspecific divisions in most modern classifications. Common names for Talinum paniculatum vary by region and cultural context, often highlighting its ornamental or edible qualities. In English-speaking areas, it is widely known as Jewels-of-Opar, a name inspired by the fictional city in ' 1916 novel and the Jewels of Opar, or as fameflower and pink baby's-breath. Other regional names include Philippine spinach, waterleaf, and potherb fameflower in and the . In , it is called tǔ rén shēn (土人参), meaning "earth ," due to its use as a substitute for in tonics for vitality and reproductive health. In , it is referred to as Java , reflecting similar medicinal associations.

Description

Growth Habit and Morphology

Talinum paniculatum is an erect, herbaceous that typically reaches heights of 0.3 to 1.5 meters, characterized by succulent stems arising directly from a thickened, tuberous . The exhibits a / growth habit, often forming clumps due to vegetative proliferation from the rootstock, which contributes to its potential weedy in suitable environments. The stems are slender, succulent, and primarily unbranched, though they may branch occasionally, with a semi-woody base in older ; they can attain reddish tinges and measure up to 1 meter in length. Leaves are fleshy and arranged alternately along the stems, sessile or with short petioles, measuring 2-10 cm in length and 1-4 cm in width, with shapes ranging from elliptic to obovate or lanceolate; they are bright green to lime-green, glossy, and reduced in size toward the stem apex. The tuberous are fleshy and thickened, providing storage for and nutrients that support the plant's persistence through dry periods. In its native ranges, T. paniculatum functions as a , actively growing during wet seasons and withering during dry periods, though it may behave as an in colder climates where limits . Succulent adaptations include water storage in the thickened leaves and stems, which helps maintain turgor under stress. Additionally, the plant employs (CAM) photosynthesis, inducible by water deficit, wherein stomata open nocturnally to minimize while fixing CO₂, enhancing its tolerance to arid conditions.

Flowers, Fruits, and Reproduction

The of Talinum paniculatum consists of terminal, paniculate clusters that are often nodding and can reach up to 30 cm in length, bearing numerous small, star-shaped flowers. These flowers measure 6–12 mm in diameter, with five ovate to suborbiculate petals that are typically to , though variations in orange, , or purple occur; the sepals are and 2.5–4 mm long, while pedicels are slender and up to 20 mm. In its native tropical American range, T. paniculatum flowers from to , with blooms opening diurnally for 2–4 hours around midday and closing soon after; the flowers are self-compatible and primarily autogamous, though by bees (such as and ) can promote . Anthers dehisce before flower opening, and post-opening curvature of the tepals facilitates by bringing stamens into contact with the stigma. The fruits are subglobose to ovoid capsules, 3–5 mm long, that dehisce gradually through longitudinal dorsal slits and a basal circumscissile split, forming a persistent membranous endocarp that retains seeds for weeks. Seeds are numerous (up to 5,000 per gram), reniform, black, glossy, and 0.75–1.2 mm in diameter, with a minutely tuberculate surface and an exotestal-endotegmic seed coat containing ; they exhibit high viability and are dispersed primarily by (barochory), with potential short-distance aid from or . Reproduction in T. paniculatum is primarily sexual through production, with reaching reproductive maturity in one year and self-seeding freely to establish populations; however, as a with tuberous roots, it can also propagate vegetatively via stem cuttings or division, though remains the dominant mode. and set is significantly higher via than cross-pollination, underscoring its facultative .

Distribution and Habitat

Native Range

Talinum paniculatum is native to tropical and subtropical regions across the , with its range extending from the southward through and into and the islands. In the United States, it is confirmed as native in states west of the , such as and , while populations east of the river, including in , Georgia, and the , are generally considered adventive but may represent historical native occurrences based on herbaria specimens; the native status in some eastern U.S. states is debated, with varying assessments across floras. In and , the species is widespread from to higher elevations, while in , it occurs in countries including , , , , , and . Caribbean distribution includes islands in the , such as and . The of T. paniculatum centers on seasonally dry tropical biomes, spanning elevations from 0 to 2200 meters in its native habitats. Within these areas, it is commonly associated with well-drained, rocky or sandy soils in open, disturbed sites, reflecting its adaptation to subtropical and tropical climates with variable moisture regimes. As a widespread species, T. paniculatum exhibits no to specific locales and lacks endangered status across its core native ranges, though regional morphological variants have been noted in some floras without formal taxonomic distinction.

Introduced Ranges and Invasiveness

Talinum paniculatum has been introduced to various tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range in the , primarily through ornamental trade and human-mediated dispersal. It is now established as a , occurring as an adventive species in tropical , including countries such as , , the of Congo, and , as well as in like the Cape Provinces. In Asia, introductions are documented in , , , and , often escaping from gardens in disturbed habitats. Additionally, it has naturalized in the Pacific islands, including , , , and the Galápagos, and in parts of such as ; in , it appears sporadically as a in urban and coastal areas like . In the United States, while native west of the , it is adventive and weedy east of this boundary, with herbaria records confirming its spread since the via colonial trade and modern . The species' introduction history traces back to the late 18th and 19th centuries, coinciding with European colonial expansion and the global , which facilitated its dispersal from tropical American origins to new regions as a garden escapee. By the early , it was noted in herbaria collections as naturalized in eastern U.S. states like , Georgia, and , often in association with agricultural and urban disturbances. In and , similar patterns emerged through routes, with records from the 1900s onward showing establishment in cultivated landscapes. Regarding invasiveness, Talinum paniculatum exhibits weedy tendencies in introduced areas, particularly in disturbed sites and agricultural fields, but it is not considered a high-impact global invader comparable to more aggressive succulents. It proliferates rapidly via prolific seed production (up to 5,000 seeds per gram) and vegetative resprouting from deep tuberous , enabling persistence in crops such as cowpeas, carrots, and in the southern U.S. In , it is classified as an alien , competing in disturbed habitats and reducing crop yields. However, in most regions, its ecological threat remains low, with limited evidence of broad impacts beyond agricultural nuisance. In the Pacific, it is flagged as potentially invasive due to seed dispersal by wind and , though primarily affecting amenity and areas rather than natural ecosystems. Management of Talinum paniculatum in introduced ranges focuses on agricultural control, as it poses occasional challenges but rarely requires large-scale eradication efforts. Hand-pulling of small plants, targeting the deep , is effective for isolated infestations, while repeated applications (e.g., over 18-24 months) deplete the in persistent populations. In crop settings like southern U.S. fields, integrated weed management including cultivation and chemical controls is used to mitigate yield losses, though the plant's resprouting ability necessitates multiple interventions. Overall, its low pest rating (e.g., C in ) reflects minimal regulatory concern in most areas, with emphasis on preventing further spread from ornamental plantings.

Ecology

Habitat Preferences

Talinum paniculatum thrives in a variety of natural habitats, including moist to dry woodlands, savannas, desert scrub, grasslands, beaches, and disturbed areas such as waste ground and roadsides. It is commonly found on flats, mounds, slopes, and ledges, often in rocky crevices or open exposures. These preferences reflect its native occurrence across tropical and subtropical regions of the , from southern through to . The species favors well-drained soils of low fertility, including sandy, loamy, clay, (calcareous), , and igneous types, tolerating poor and rocky conditions. It tolerates a wide range of , from acidic to neutral and slightly alkaline. As a succulent geophyte with fleshy tuberous roots, T. paniculatum exhibits strong , enabling survival in semi-arid to mesic environments with minimal water availability once established. In terms of climate, T. paniculatum is adapted to tropical and subtropical conditions with summers, occurring from to elevations of 2,200–2,400 . It prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth but can tolerate partial shade, avoiding waterlogged sites due to its need for drainage. This versatility allows it to persist in both open, sunny grasslands and shaded edges.

Interactions with Other Organisms

Talinum paniculatum flowers, which are typically pink and arranged in panicles, attract a variety of generalist pollinators including bees from families such as Apidae and Halictidae, as well as butterflies, in its native tropical and subtropical ranges across the Americas. These pollinators facilitate cross-pollination, with floral traits like short-lived blooms and nectar rewards correlating with the size and behavior of visiting insects. The plant experiences herbivory primarily from , though it is generally considered insect-resistant overall. Its tubers show resistance to many pests but are vulnerable to caused by fungal pathogens in overly wet conditions, which can compromise nutrient uptake and plant health. As a , T. paniculatum thrives in disturbed soils and open grasslands, where it competes effectively with native grasses and other herbaceous for resources like , particularly in its introduced ranges. It forms mutualistic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which enhance and other uptake, aiding establishment in nutrient-poor environments. In native habitats, T. paniculatum faces no major conservation threats due to its wide distribution and weedy nature, contributing to local by serving as a source for pollinators. However, in invaded grasslands outside its native range, it can displace native vegetation, potentially reducing habitat diversity for other .

Cultivation

Growing Conditions

Talinum paniculatum requires full sun exposure, ideally at least six hours of direct per day, to promote vigorous growth and prolific flowering, although it can adapt to partial shade with reduced blooming. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-10, tolerating brief dips to 20°F (-7°C), but thrives in daytime temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) and must be protected from to prevent damage to its succulent foliage and tubers. These preferences align with its native subtropical environments, where it endures similar warm, sunny conditions in rocky terrains. For optimal cultivation, the plant demands well-drained sandy or loamy soils to prevent waterlogging around its tuberous , with a range of 6.0-8.0 that accommodates neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. In container settings, incorporate grit or into the potting mix to enhance drainage and mimic its natural habitat's porous substrates. Poor drainage is a primary cultivation challenge, as overwatering often leads to , particularly in heavier clay soils. Once established, Talinum paniculatum exhibits strong , necessitating only occasional watering to maintain without saturation, especially during dry spells. Apply a light, balanced monthly during the active growing season (spring through fall) to support development, but avoid excess nutrients that could promote leggy growth. Its resilience to aridity makes it ideal for or rock gardens, where minimal maintenance and excellent drainage are key.

Propagation and Varieties

Talinum paniculatum is primarily propagated through , which are sown in spring for optimal results. typically occurs within 7-14 days at temperatures around 70°F (21°C), requiring well-draining and light exposure to facilitate sprouting. Seeds can be started indoors 5-6 weeks before the last frost and transplanted outdoors once the warms, or direct-sown after frost danger passes. Vegetative propagation is achieved via division of the plant's tuberous , ideally performed in fall when the plant is dormant. This method allows for clonal , preserving desirable traits, as the tubers store nutrients and enable quick re-establishment. Stem cuttings also root readily, particularly when taken from healthy stems and placed in a moist, sandy medium to mimic the plant's natural drainage preferences. Cuttings root within a few weeks under warm, bright conditions without direct sun. Several cultivated varieties of Talinum paniculatum have been selected for ornamental foliage traits. The 'Kingwood Gold' features striking yellow foliage that enhances garden contrast, originating from a discovered in cultivation. 'Limón' displays lime-green leaves, providing a vibrant, tropical appearance suitable for borders and containers. 'Variegatum' exhibits striped leaves with cream and pink margins, adding textural interest and often grown for its unique bicolor effect. These selections emphasize aesthetic enhancements over wild-type forms. The reaches maturity in 60-90 days from , producing flowers and by late summer in suitable conditions. As a , it establishes robust tuberous growth over 1-2 years, supporting long-term clonality through underground structures. High seed production promotes natural spread via self-sowing, while tubers ensure vegetative persistence in favorable habitats. Hybridization potential remains low due to the species' predominant .

Uses

Ornamental Applications

Talinum paniculatum, known as Jewels of Opar, is valued in ornamental for its vibrant lime-green succulent foliage that forms low mounds, providing a fresh contrast in compositions. The plant produces slender, wiry stems topped with airy clusters of small, star-shaped hot pink flowers from through frost, offering extended seasonal interest and attracting pollinators. Following blooming, the flowers give way to small, bronzy-red seed pods that resemble glittering jewels, enhancing autumn displays and serving as material for dried floral arrangements. In , T. paniculatum functions effectively as a border edging, mass planting, or groundcover in dry, sunny areas, reaching heights of 30-60 cm with some variability up to 1 m in ideal conditions. It thrives in rock gardens, alpine settings, and xeriscapes due to its and low maintenance, where its fine texture complements coarser plants like other succulents. For or rockeries, it adds a misty, ethereal quality when massed, while its height variation allows layering in mixed borders for dynamic visual depth. The plant's popularity stems from its adaptability to tropical and water-wise landscapes, often featured in sustainable designs for hot, arid climates. Its common name derives from ' 1916 novel and the Jewels of Opar, inspiring themed gardens that evoke exotic, adventure-inspired motifs. Cultivars like 'Limon' amplify its appeal with intensified foliage color, making it a favorite for contemporary ornamental plantings.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Talinum paniculatum, commonly known as Jewels of Opar, has young leaves and stems that are edible and widely used in culinary applications across tropical regions. These parts are typically consumed raw in salads after blanching or cooked in soups, stews, and stir-fries, providing a mild, spinach-like flavor with a slight sharpness. The starchy tubers are less commonly eaten but can be stewed with meat or used as a flavoring agent in traditional dishes, similar to ginger in some Asian cuisines. Nutritionally, the leaves of T. paniculatum are a valuable source of essential nutrients, particularly in traditional diets of the and . Per 100 grams of dry leaves, they contain approximately 18.61 grams of protein, 34.75 grams of insoluble , 81.03 milligrams of ascorbic acid (), and significant minerals including 228.117 milligrams of calcium, 649.600 milligrams of magnesium, and 411.520 milligrams of . The plant is low in calories (about 15-199 kcal per 100 grams depending on preparation) and rich in antioxidants such as , which contribute to its role as a for improving in resource-limited settings. Iron and other trace minerals like and are also present, supporting its use in everyday meals for nutritional enhancement. In medicinal contexts, T. paniculatum holds a place in various traditional systems, particularly for its and properties in Latin American folk medicine, where extracts are applied to treat gastrointestinal issues and as a cardioprotective agent. In , the roots and leaves serve as a tonic to boost vitality, aid regeneration after illness, and regulate menses, coughs, and urinary flow, often prepared as decoctions or steam-cooked with ginger. Additionally, the plant acts as an emollient for skin infections and wounds, with extracts demonstrating antibacterial activity against pathogens like and . Modern research supports its antioxidant potential and low concentrations of antinutritional factors such as and nitrates, though studies on broader efficacy remain limited; precautions include avoiding excessive consumption due to potential oxalates in leaves, and it is not recommended for pregnant women in some traditions.

References

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