For my Biology H90 class, we were required to produce a virtual Herbarium. My Herbarium is about the wildflower commonly known as Tuber Vervain.

The Tuber Vervain is a perennial wildflower originating from Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile. It is characterized as a trailing (suitable for ground cover), semi-woody, compact plant with masses for flowers. The flowers are typically lavender in color. The Tuber Vervain typically grows best in full sun and grows well in any soil which explains why it is often seen in the wild. When cultivated, the Tuber Vervain is often used for borders in gardens. Care must be taken not to have the Tuber Vervain encroach on other plants.

Information about Tuber Vervain

Common nameTuber Vervain
Scientific NameVerbena Rigida
FamilyVerbenaceae
NicknamesPolaris, Stiff Vervain

Characteristics of Tuber Vervain

The lavender flowers of the Tuber Vervain are often 1/4 inch in size. An interesting characteristic is that the flowers are darker in the center until they bloom - giving the Tuber Vervain flowers the appearance of a dark eye. The leaves are typically dark green, oblong, and irregularly toothed - often growing to about 4 inches in length. The Tuber Vervain typically blooms from April to October (Summer-Autumn).

Location information on the Tuber Vervain

Where FoundWhen Found
Outside Hicks Canyon Trail (Irvine)April 15th, 2001

Tuber Vervain near Hicks Canyon Trail

Tuber Vervain in their natural habitat
Here is the Tuber Vervain in its natural habitat in Hicks Canyon Trail. Notice the scattered patches of Tuber Vervain.
Tuber Vervain in their natural habitat (closeup)
Here is a closeup of this same patch.
Hicks Canyon Trail Sign
You can notice the Tuber Vervain on the left of the Hicks Canyon Trail sign.

Pressed Tuber Vervain

Pressed Tuber Vervain
Here is a stalk of Tuber Vervain after pressing for a few weeks.
Pressed Tuber Vervain (alternate)
Here is another picture of the pressed flower.
Pressed Tuber Vervain (scanned)
Here is a slightly higher-quality picture of the pressed flower.

Pressed Tuber Vervain Closeups

Pressed Tuber Vervain Flower
Here is a closeup of the Tuber Vervain flower. Notice the dark center of the unopened flowers.
Pressed Tuber Vervain Leaves
Here is a closeup of the Tuber Vervain leaves. Notice the irregular toothing pattern of the oblong leaves.
Pressed Tuber Vervain Leaves and Flower
Here is a closeup of the Tuber Vervain flower and leaves.
Pressed Tuber Vervain Leaves and Stem
Here is a closeup of the Tuber Vervain leaves and stem.

References used

Information from Texas A&M University's Agriculture Department
Garden Companion Deluxe, Lifestyle Software Group, 1996 (CD-ROM)

Equipment used

Kodak DC-4800 Camera
Umax Astra 1220s Scanner

Justin Erenkrantz - jerenkra@ics.uci.edu
Information and Computer Science
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-3425