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.
Common name | Tuber Vervain |
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Scientific Name | Verbena Rigida |
Family | Verbenaceae |
Nicknames | Polaris, Stiff 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).
Where Found | When Found |
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Outside Hicks Canyon Trail (Irvine) | April 15th, 2001 |
Here is the Tuber Vervain in its natural habitat in Hicks Canyon Trail. Notice the scattered patches of Tuber Vervain. |
Here is a closeup of this same patch. |
You can notice the Tuber Vervain on the left of the Hicks Canyon Trail sign. |
Here is a stalk of Tuber Vervain after pressing for a few weeks. |
Here is another picture of the pressed flower. |
Here is a slightly higher-quality picture of the pressed flower. |
Here is a closeup of the Tuber Vervain flower. Notice the dark center of the unopened flowers. |
Here is a closeup of the Tuber Vervain leaves. Notice the irregular toothing pattern of the oblong leaves. |
Here is a closeup of the Tuber Vervain flower and leaves. |
Here is a closeup of the Tuber Vervain leaves and stem. |
Information from Texas A&M University's Agriculture Department |
Garden Companion Deluxe, Lifestyle Software Group, 1996 (CD-ROM) |
Kodak DC-4800 Camera |
Umax Astra 1220s Scanner |