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Round-leaved Fluellen

Kickxia spuria

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Veronicaceae (Speedwell)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual or Biennial
Maximum Size:
50 centimetres long
Habitats:
Farmland, gardens.

Flower:
Yellow, 5 petals
 
Round-leaved Fluellen bears small, snapdragon-like flowers, typically 8–12 mm long, with a two-lipped corolla. The upper lip is purple, while the lower lip is yellow with a reddish flush, and there is a short, curved spur at the back. Flowers appear singly on long stalks from the leaf axils and bloom from June to October. The flower shape is typical of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), to which it was once assigned, though now it’s in Plantaginaceae.
Fruit:
The fruit is a tiny, spherical capsule that splits open when mature to release small brown seeds. The capsules are hidden beneath the persistent calyx, which has five narrow lobes and gives the developing fruit a beaked appearance. Seed dispersal is primarily passive, aided by gravity or disturbance.
Leaves:
The leaves are rounded to kidney-shaped, softly hairy, and alternate along the stem. They are typically unstalked and can appear slightly grey-green due to the fine hairs. The stems themselves are creeping or ascending, often rooting at the nodes, and give the plant a straggly appearance.
Fragrance:
There is no noticeable fragrance from the flowers or foliage. The plant is not aromatic, and its ecological interest lies more in its attractive flower form and role as a companion plant in traditional cornfield habitats.
Other Names:
Chinese Lantern, False Spurry, Roundleaf Cancerwort, Round-leaved Cancerwort, Round-leaved Kickxia, Spur Valerian.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Kickxia spuria is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae, commonly known as "false spurry." It is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, but it has been introduced to many other parts of the world as an ornamental plant. It grows to about 30–50 cm tall and has small, pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer. The leaves are lance-shaped and the stems are often reddish in color. It is considered an invasive weed in many areas due to its ability to spread quickly and outcompete native vegetation.

It can be controlled by mowing, grazing or chemical control , and also by removing it by hand, It can also prevent by not planting it as a garden plant. In many areas, it is illegal to sell, propagate or release it into the wild.

It is also known as the "Chinese lantern", It has naturalized in many parts of North America, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, where it is considered an invasive weed.


Blog

Round-leaved Fluellen, also known as Kickxia spuria, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to other parts of the world including North America, where it is considered an invasive species.

The plant typically grows to a height of 20 to 50 cm and has a sprawling habit, often growing in dense mats. The leaves are circular or oval in shape, with a diameter of 1 to 4 cm, and are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The flowers are small and tubular, with five lobes and a yellow coloration. They bloom in the summer and fall, and are often visited by bees and other pollinators.

Round-leaved Fluellen can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, roadsides, and waste areas. It is tolerant of a range of soil types and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. The plant is able to reproduce both sexually through the production of seeds and asexually through the production of stem fragments that can root and grow into new plants.

Although Round-leaved Fluellen is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world, it does have some uses. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, fevers, and wounds. The plant is also sometimes used in landscaping as a ground cover or as an accent in rock gardens.

If you are interested in growing Round-leaved Fluellen in your garden, it is important to keep in mind that it can be invasive in some areas. It is best to check with local authorities to make sure it is not considered a problem species in your region. If you do decide to grow it, the plant is relatively easy to cultivate and can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.

Round-leaved Fluellen is a hardy plant that is able to tolerate a wide range of conditions, which makes it well-suited to many different growing environments. It is an annual or biennial plant, meaning it typically completes its lifecycle in one or two years. The plant can self-seed, which can lead to it spreading quickly in areas where it is not wanted.

One of the reasons Round-leaved Fluellen is considered an invasive species is because it can compete with native plants for resources, and it has the potential to displace them. In some areas, it has become a problem because it is able to thrive in disturbed areas that have been damaged by human activities, such as construction or agriculture. It is also able to grow in areas where other plants have difficulty surviving, such as on rocky slopes or in dry, sandy soils.

Despite its reputation as an invasive species, Round-leaved Fluellen can be a useful plant in some situations. It can help prevent soil erosion, and its dense growth can provide cover for small animals and insects. In addition, the plant is not toxic to humans or animals, and it is not known to cause any significant health problems.

If you are interested in growing Round-leaved Fluellen, it is relatively easy to do so. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is not too fertile, and it can grow in full sun or partial shade. It is important to keep the plant well-watered, especially during dry periods, and to remove any spent flowers to prevent the plant from self-seeding.

Round-leaved Fluellen is an interesting and adaptable plant that has both positive and negative qualities. While it is considered an invasive species in some areas, it can be a useful plant in others. If you are considering growing it, it is important to be aware of its growth habits and to make sure it is not considered a problem species in your area. With proper care, Round-leaved Fluellen can be a beautiful and interesting addition to any garden or landscaping project.

Round-leaved Fluellen has a number of common names, including Spur Valerian, Round-leaved Cancerwort, and Round-leaved Kickxia. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Europe and Asia. It has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including respiratory problems, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal issues.

The active compounds in Round-leaved Fluellen include saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds have been shown to have a number of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. While more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of Round-leaved Fluellen, it is clear that the plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has been found to have some interesting pharmacological properties.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Round-leaved Fluellen has also been used in food and drink preparations. In some parts of Europe, the plant has been used as a flavoring agent in liqueurs, and the young leaves and stems have been used as a salad green or cooked vegetable. The plant has a slightly bitter taste, which can add complexity to dishes.

In conclusion, Round-leaved Fluellen is a versatile plant that has a number of potential uses. While it is considered an invasive species in some areas, it can be an interesting addition to a garden or landscaping project, and it has a long history of use in traditional medicine and food preparation. If you are interested in growing Round-leaved Fluellen, it is important to be aware of its growth habits and to make sure it is not considered a problem species in your area. With proper care, the plant can be a valuable addition to your home or garden.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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