Spermacoce verticillata

Cultivation Details

Spermacoce verticillata is found in both subtropical and tropical areas, growing in regions with a mean annual rainfall of 750 - 3.000mm at elevations from near sea level to 600 metres or more^[1]. The plant grows on moist soils, both acid and alkaline, of all textures derived from nearly all types of rocks^[1]. The species requires ground disturbance to establish itself and must have full or good partial sunlight to survive. It competes well with disbursed grass and weeds, but is overcome by dense, tall grass, brush, and trees. Because of grazing, mowing, and cultivation, most plants do not progress beyond the herbaceous stage. If allowed to grow, they will form dense clumps and mats^[1]. The plant competes with cultivated crops and plantations in Brazil and Africa^[1]. It is controlled in crops and pasture by cultivation, mowing, and spraying with broadleaf herbicides. The importance value of this plant in a Colombian pasture was reduced by 39% by simply fertilizing with potassium and sulphur to increase the vigour of the pasture grasses^[1] Seedlings grow slowly at first but begin rapid growth after about 6 months. Twenty-three 9- month-old nursery plants averaged 64cm in height with a maximum of 109cm^[1]. Plants appear to live for at least 4 years and probably much longer in Puerto Rico^[1].