Buku IAS

Foreign Distribution List of Invasive Species in Indonesia
Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wallich ex Nees/

A. Subspathulata C. B. Clarke
Acanthaceae
Origin India
Indonesian names Sambiloto, papaitan (Sumatera), ki oray, ki peurat, ki ular, takilo, bidara, sadilata, sambilata,
takila (Javanese).
English names Creat , Green Chirayta, King of bitters.
Description Andrographis paniculata grows erect to a height of 30–110 cm in moist, shady places. The
slender stem is dark green, squared in cross-section with longitudinal furrows and wings
along the angles. The lance-shaped leaves have hairless blades measuring up to 8 centimeters
long by 2.5 wide. The small flowers are borne in spreading racemes. The fruit is a capsule
around 2 centimeters long and a few millimeters wide. It contains many yellow-brown seeds.
Habitat It can be found in a variety of habitats, such as plains, hillsides, coastlines, and disturbed and
cultivated areas such as roadsides, farms, and wastelands.
Uses Medicinal use (antihepatotoxic, antibiotic, antimalarial, antihepatitic, antithrombogenic,
antiinflammatory). According to Ayurveda the plant is bitter, acrid, cooling, laxative,
vulnerary, antipyretic, antiperiodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, depurative, soporific,
anthelmintic, digestive and useful in hyperdispsia, buring sensation, wounds, ulcers, chronic
fever, malarial and intermittent fevers, inflammations, cough, bronchitis, skin diseases,
leprosy, colic, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids etc. Kalmegh is also a reputed
Homoeopathic drug. In Bengal (India), household medicine known as "Alui" is prepared from
fresh leaves and is given to children suffering from stomach complaints. Recent experimental
finding indicated that Kalmegh is having antityphoid and antibiotic properties. It has been
proved to be hepatopratective drug.
Distribution It has been introduced and cultivated as a medicinal plant in many parts of Asia including
Indo-China, China, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. It
is now widely naturalized in most of these regions. It has also been introduced, possibly for
its ornamental value, in the West Indies and C. America
References/Notes 75, 88, 89
1
Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anders.

Acanthaceae
Origin India & Ceylon

Indonesian names Ruas-ruas
English names Chinese violet
Description This plant is a spreading herb or groundcover, reaching 600 mm in height or up to 1 m if
supported. The stems root easily at the nodes. The leaves are simple and opposite. The fruit is
an explosive capsule which starts out green in colour, but dries to brown after opening.
Habitat Tropical and subtropical areas. Found primarily in urban areas or in low elevation, disturbed
habitats. In Australia, most infestations occur on vacant residential land, along fencelines and
in neglected garden beds or along roadsides and found on coastal sandy soils. In South-East
Asia and Pacific Islands found in rubber, oilpalm, coffee and other crops (CRC for Australian
Weed Management 2003).
Uses In some parts of Africa, the leaves are eaten as a vegetable and used as an herbal remedy in
traditional African medicine. The leaves are used in many parts of Nigeria as a traditional
African medicine for the management of asthma. It is also used as an ornamental plant.
Distribution Naturalized in Java and Madura.; Tidal areas of Kalimantan Selatan (Banjarmasin, Sungai
Tabuk)
2
Asystasia intrusa (BI.)

Acanthaceae
Origin Malaya
Indonesian names Asistasia, rumput ganda rusa.
English names Asystasia.
Description This plant grows in tropical regions and can become 1 to 2 m in height. A cylindrical flower
tinged with light indigo blooms at the tip of the stem. The outside of flowers are hairy and
whitish, and the indigo color shows through to create a unique appearance. It has a bract at its
base, and its green color is also a good accent. It also has a white-flowered species.
Habitat Mesophytic.
Uses In the areas of its natural habitat, the leaf and the stem are used as vegetables.
Distribution The plant has been cited all over Malay Peninsula; Indonesia : North Sumatra, West Java.
References/Notes 6, 90
3
Rostellularia sundana Bremek.

Acanthaceae
Origin Malesia
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Java and the Lesser Sunda Island,
References/Notes 3
4
Ruellia tuberosa L.
Acanthaceae
Origin The West Indies.

Indonesian names Pletesan.
English names Minnie Root, Fever Root, Snapdragon Root and Sheep Potato.
Description It is a small biennial plant with thick fusiform tuberous roots and striking funnel-shaped
violet-colored flowers. It reaches an average height of about 25 cm in moist and shady
environments.
Habitat It grows often as a weed even in ruderal habitats.
Uses This plant has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. In folk medicine and
Ayurvedic medicine it has been used as adiuretic, antidiabetic, antipyretic, analgesic,
antihypertensive, gastroprotective, and to treat gonorrhea. It is also used as a natural dye for
textiles.
Distribution Since many years naturalized in Java and Madura (in 1901 already comon weed near
Weltevreden (West Java).
References/Notes 1
5
Amaranthus dubius Mart.

Amaranthaceae
Origin N. America/SE. Asia.

Indonesian names Bayam.
English names Red spinach, Rau Den, Chinese spinach, Hon-toi-moi, Yin choy, Hsien tsai.
Description Usually it grows to a size of 80-120 cm. It has both green and red varieties, as well as some
with mixed colors. The green variety is practically indistinguishable from Amaranthus
viridis..
Habitat It flowers from summer to fall in the tropics, but can flower throughout the year in subtropical
conditions. It is a ruderal species, usually found in waste places or disturbed habitats.
Uses This species is valued as a leafy vegetable throughout South and Southeast Asia and also in
Africa. It is used as an herbal remedy in traditional African medicine.
Distribution In 1922 collected for the first time in Java (near Bogor, ± 700 m alt).
6
Amaranthus gracilis Desf.

Amaranthaceae
Origin E. Asia.
Indonesian names
English names Slender Amaranth.
Description Terrestrial, annual, erect or somewhat prostrate herb, up to 80 cm tall. Taproot white or
brown. Stem solid, glabrous, grooved. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, not lobed or divided,
opposite, stalked, ovate, glabrous on bot sides, margin entire, apex acute, rounded or
emarginated, base acute, rounded or truncate, pinnately veined. Flowers bisexual, grouped in
a terminal spike, sessile, petals 3, green. Fruit nut-like.
Habitat From East Asia origin, A. gracilis widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of the world
and in the upland rice. It is found in well drained soils in open waste place and cultivated
land, especially prefers sandy soils or those rich in humus and fairly moist soils. The plant
grows best in soils with no standing water and has good development in soils.Very common
in Java below 300 m, goes up to 600 m.
Uses An infusion of the entire plant is used in Indonesia as a remedy against intestinal cramps,
diarrhea and dysentery, and externally as a cooling agent to treat fever. In Malaysia
inflammation and fever, and externally to treat wounds. A. gracilis is used in local medicine
in Taiwan, Often in mixtures with other medicinal plants, to treat hepatitis, tight chest,
bronchitis, asthma, and lung troubles, to stop bleeding and as a hair tonic. It is used locally in
India against dysentery, as a cholagogue, abortifacient and to treat snake bite, in flamed
wounds and boils, and in Thailand and Sri Lanka as galactagogue. Young tips eaten as
vegetable.
Distribution Pantropical, throughout Indonesia.
7
Amaranthus spinosus L.
Amaranthaceae
Origin Unknown / Tropical S. & C. America.

Indonesian names Bayam duri, bayem cucuk, podo maduri (Bugis).
English names Spiny amaranth, prickly amaranth or thorny amaranth.
Description Annual, erect, monoecious herb, up to 100(–130) cm tall, much branched; stem terete or
obtusely angular, glabrous or slightly pubescent, green or variably suffused with purple.
Leaves alternate, simple; stipules absent; petiole approximately as long as leaf-blade; blade
ovate-lanceolate to rhomboid, 3.5–11 cm × 1–4.5 cm, acute and often slightly decurrent at
base, obtuse, rounded or slightly retuse and often short mucronate at apex, entire, glabrous or
slightly pubescent on veins when young. Inflorescence consisting of dense clusters, lower
ones axillary, higher ones often collected in an axillary and terminal spike which is often
branched in its lower part; axillary clusters usually armed with (1–)2(–3) very sharp spines up
to 2 cm long. Flowers unisexual, solitary in the axil of a bract, subtended by 2 bracteoles;
bracts and bracteoles scarious, mucronate from a broad base, shorter or as long as the
perianth; male flowers usually arranged in a terminal spike above the base of the
inflorescence, green; tepals 5 or in male flowers often 3, free, subequal, ovate-oblong to
oblong-spatulate, up to 2.5 mm long, very convex, membranous, with transparent margins
and green or purple median band; male flowers with 5 stamens about as long as tepals; female
flowers with superior, oblong ovary, 1-celled, styles 2–3, ultimately recurved. Fruit an oblong
capsule with persisting styles, circumscissile a little below the middle or indehiscent, 1-
seeded. Seed about 1 mm in diameter, shiny black or brownish-black with thin margin.
Seedling with epigeal germination; cotyledons leafy, glabrous, apex rounded to slightly acute;
hypocotyl up to 12 mm long, epicotyl absent.
Amaranthus comprises about 70 species, of which about 40 are native to the Americas. It
includes at least 17 species with edible leaves. It is almost impossible to make a distinction
between Amaranthus spinosus and Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell. based on
8
morphological characters; Amaranthus spinosus has axillary spines which are not present
inAmaranthus dubius. However, spineless Amaranthus spinosus plants with 2n = 34 have
been observed in several localities. In Nigeria an Amaranthus dubius plant with 2n = 32 has
been recorded; this might be a spineless Amaranthus spinosus. Other more or less reliable
differences are the greater number of terminal male flowers in the inflorescences of
Amaranthus spinosus and the smaller pores of the pollen.
Seeds mature about one month after flowering. They are scattered around the mother plants or
distributed by animals feeding on the plants. It has been observed that large numbers of
seedlings emerge from decaying cattle faecal deposits. Seeds are eaten by birds.
Habitat Amaranthus spinosus is adapted to a wide range of climatic and edaphic factors. It grows best
in the sun or in light shade; a light intensity of less than 30% completely suppresses
flowering. Flowering is earliest and most abundant in areas with daylengths of 11–12 hours.
Spiny amaranth is nitrophilous and prefers soils with a high organic matter content, but is also
able to grow on sandy soils. Optimal growth is obtained on soils with moderate moisture
content, but Amaranthus spinosus is capable of growing on wet soils as well. It is drought-
resistant and can even grow under arid conditions. Spiny amaranth is a very noxious weed in
many parts of the world. It is, for instance, troublesome in maize, cassava and groundnut in
Ghana, in cotton in Mozambique, and in sugar cane in South Africa. In general, it is very
common in roadsides, waste places, railway yards, cropped land and gardens, up to 1400 m
altitude.
Uses In Cambodia, it is called pti banlar and its ash was historically used as a grey dye for cloth. It
had many other uses also, including as food. Like several related species, Amaranthus
spinosus is a valued food plant in Africa. It is valued also in Thailand, where it is called Phak
Khohm ( ). In Tamil it is called 'mullik keerai'.In Sanskrit it is called Tanduliyaka. it is
used as food in the Philippines where it is called Kulitis. The leaves of this plant, known as
massaagu in Dhivehi, have been used in the diet of the Maldives for centuries in dishes such
as mas huni.
Distribution Pantropical, throughout Indonesia.; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons
in Candi Kuning, Bali.; West Java : Rangkasbitung; Cigudeg, Babakan, Cisarua, Cimayang,
Ciampea, Ciomas, Ciapus, Ciheuleut, Kebun Raya Bogor (Bogor); Cipanas; Lembang,
Bandung; Cibodas; Banten; Pelabuhan Ratu.; Jakarta: Salemba, Gunung Sahari, Sentiong.;
Central Java : Tanjung Mojo (Semarang), Pati, G. Muria, Majenang (Banyumas), Karang
anyar, Purwokerto.; Yogyakarta.; East Java : Mojokerto, Malang, Besuki, Sukaraja (Kediri),
Madura, Tarakan (Pasuruan), Asembagus (Besuki), Situbondo, Jatiroto, Surabaya,
Temanggung.; NTB : Sumbawa Besar, G. Rinjani, Lombok, Sumbawa.; NTT : Alor, Timor,
Sumba, Flores, Flores Selatan, Ende Flores.; Maluku : Halmahera, Seram.; Southeast
Sulawesi : Kendari.; North Sulawesi : Manado.; DI Aceh : Ketambe; North Sumatra : Medan,
Sibolangit, Tebingtinggi.; West Sumatra : Asahan Panjang, Pariaman.; It occurs in all tropical
regions, including the whole of SE. Asia, often gregariously and as a weed. It is sometimes
found in temperate zone as well.
References/Notes 3, 70, 71, 88, 92, 93, 94
9
Celosia argentea L.
Amaranthaceae
Origin Perhaps Africa

Indonesian names Boroco, sangsri, bayam ekor belanda, bayam kucing, kuntha, bayam kasubiki.
English names Plumed Cockscomb.
Description Celosia argentea is a tender annual that is often grown in gardens. It is propagated by seeds.
The seeds are extremely small, up to 43,000 seeds per ounce. The Century cultivars are
usually taller (1–2 feet), and are bright red, yellow, orange, or pink. The Kimono cultivars are
generally smaller (4 inches - 1 foot), and have more muted colors, though similar to the
Century cultivars. Other colors, such as white, burgundy, orange-red, etc., can be found.
Certain varieties will grow to 3–4 feet in height.
Habitat Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained
soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It
prefers moist soil.
Uses It is used in the treatment of bloody stool, haemorrhoid bleeding, uterine bleeding,
leucorrhoea and diarrhoea. As a parasiticide it is very effective against Trichomonas, a 20%
extract can cause the Trichomonas to disappear in 15 minutes. The seed is hypotensive and
ophthalmic. It is used in the treatment of bloodshot eyes, blurring of vision, cataracts and
hypertension, but should not be used by people with glaucoma because it dilates the pupils.
The seed also has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas.
Distribution Pantropical, throughout Indonesia.
References/Notes 3, 88, 95, 96
10
Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) O.K/A. Strigosa Hassk.

Amaranthaceae
Origin Tropical America.

Indonesian names Bayam ungu.
English names Brazilian joyweed.
Description Herbs or subshrubs, annual or perennial, 5-6 dm. Stems erect, villous,
glabrate. Leaves sessile; blade ovate to lanceolate, 1-7 × 0.7-1 cm, herbaceous,
villous. Inflorescences terminal and axillary, pedunculate; heads white, globose, 0.7-1 cm
diam.; bracts keeled, shorter than to equaling tepals. Flowers: tepals monomorphic, green to
stramineous, lanceolate, 3-4 mm, apex acuminate, villous, hairs not barbed; stamens 5;
pseudostaminodes ligulate, margins fimbriate. Utricles included within tepals, brown,
ellipsoid, 2 mm, apex acute. Seeds ovoid-oblong, 1.4 mm.
Habitat Sandy, wet, disturbed sites; 0-10 m.
Uses Used against inflammation, cough, and diarrhea in Brazilian popular medicine.
Distribution Introduced and naturalized in West Java (Bogor, Cianjur) and Central Java (Salatiga).
References/Notes 1, 21, 75, 162, 224
11
Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb./

Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Moq.
Amaranthaceae
Origin Tropical S. America

Indonesian names Tolod, Krokot (Javanese)
English names Alligator weed
Description A large perennial herb which is rooted at the water‘s edge and spreads out as a floating mat
over the water surface, and over the adjacent moist ground as well. Mats may be up to 1m
thick. Stems are spreading, hollow and may be green, yellow or red. Leaves are in opposite
pairs, narrow (2-7cm long x 4-40mm wide), slightly fleshy and with a waxy surface. Flowers
are tiny, white, papery and in spherical heads about 1cm in diameter, on 2-6cm stalks in the
leaf axils.
Habitat Fresh water bodies, preferably still. Also spreads over adjacent moist ground to some distance
from the water‘s edge. Can tolerate a degree of salinity, and total immersion for periods of a
few days.
Alligator weed can blanket the water surface reducing light levels, temperature and oxygen in
the water below. This has profound effects on communities of native plants and animals in the
water. It also interferes with animal access for drinking water, human access for swimming
and boating, reduces water quality and blocks pumps.
Uses Alligator weed has sometimes been deliberately spread in mistake for a similar but non-
invasive introduced water plant Alternanthera sessilis, which is used as a culinary herb in
Asia.
Distribution Introduced and naturalized in W. Java.; Tidal areas of Kalimantan Selatan (Banjarmasin,
Handil Manarap).; Weeds of chili cultivations in Cibungbulang, Bogor.; Weed in the
vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; and very locally
elsewhere in Malesia (found in SE. Kalimantan).; Often cultivated as an aquatic in the other
tropical areas, and often naturalized, e.g. in Indonesia, China, United States. In China plants
are cultivated for compost making, in the US the plant is cultivated as food for lobster.
References/Notes 1, 31, 44, 69, 70, 75, 97
12
Amaranthus hybridus L. ssp. Cruentus (L.) Thell. var. paniculatus

(L.) Thell.
Amaranthaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Bayam Tahun.
English names Smooth amaranth, smooth pigweed, red amaranth, or slim amaranth.
Description A. hybridus grows from a short taproot and can be up to 2.5 m in height. It is a glabrous or
glabrescent plant.
Habitat It grows in many different places, including disturbed habitats.
Uses The plant was used for food and medicine by several Native American groups and in
traditional African medicine.
Distribution Naturalized in Java, 5-1300 m alt., cultivated as an ornamental.; Weed of Potato cultivations
in Koto Baru Kabupaten Tanah Datar, Sumatra Selatan.; Important weed of garlic cultivations
in Batu, East Java.
13
Centella asiatica (L.) Urb./ Hydrocotyle asiatica L.

Apiaceae/Umbeliferae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Pegagan, Pegaga (Aceh), jalukap (Banjar), daun kaki kuda (Melayu), ampagaga (batak),
antanan (sundanese), gagan-gagan, rendeng, cowek-cowekan, pane gowang (javanese), piduh
(bali) sandanan (irian) broken copper coin, semanggen (Indramayu,Cirebon), pagaga
(Makassar), daun tungke (Bugis).
English names Centella.
Description Centella asiatica grows in tropical swampy areas. The stems are slender, creeping stolons,
green to reddish-green in color, connecting plants to each other. It has long-stalked, green,
reniform leaves with rounded apices which have smooth texture with palmately netted veins.
The leaves are borne on pericladial petioles, around 2 cm. The rootstock consists of rhizomes,
growing vertically down. They are creamish in color and covered with root hairs. The flowers
are pinkish to red in color, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the surface of the
soil. Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are
minute in size (less than 3 mm), with 5-6 corolla lobes per flower. Each flower bears five
stamens and two styles. The fruit are densely reticulate, distinguishing it from species of
Hydrocotyle which have smooth, ribbed or warty fruit. The crop matures in three months, and
the whole plant, including the roots, is harvested manually.
Habitat Centella grows along ditches and in low, wet areas. In Indian and Southeast Asian centella,
the plant frequently suffers from high levels of bacterial contamination, possibly from having
been harvested from sewage ditches. Because the plant is aquatic, it is especially sensitive to
pollutants in the water, which are easily incorporated into the plant.
Uses In Indonesia, the leaves are used for sambai oi peuga-ga, an Aceh type of salad, and is also
mixed into asinan in Bogor.
In Vietnam and Thailand, this leaf is used for preparing a drink or can be eaten in raw form in
salads or cold rolls. In Bangkok, vendors in the famousChatuchak Weekend Market sell it
14
alongside coconut, roselle, crysanthemum, orange and other health drinks.

In Malay cuisine the leaves of this plant are used for ulam, a type of Malay salad.
It is one of the constituents of the Indian summer drink thandaayyee.
In Bangladeshi cuisine mashed Centella is eaten with rice and is popular for its medicinal
properties.
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons
in Candi Kuning, Bali.; Purwodadi Botanical Garden, Pasuruan, East Java.
References/Notes 3, 70, 72, 88, 98, 99, 100, 101
15
Eryngium foetidum L./E. antihystericum Rottler

Origin C. & S. America

Indonesian names Walangi, walangan, ketumbar jawa, culantro.
English names Culantro, Mexican coriander and long coriander.
Description A coarse, biennial herb 15-45 cm high...; leaves rosulate and cauline, the blades lanceolate to
oblanceolate, up to 30 x 5 cm, crenate to spinulose-serrate; inflorescence heads numerous,
cylindric, about 10 x 5 mm, the involucral bracts lanceolate, exceeding the heads, commonly
2-3 cm long; petals white or greenish; fruits greenish, subglobose, about 1.5 mm in diameter"
(Smith, 1985; p. 656).
Habitat In Fiji, a naturalized weed in waste places, cultivated areas, and along roadsides, considered a
troublesome weed because of its spiny leaves (Smith, 1985; p. 656). "Widely cultivated in
Hawai‗i and may be naturalized" (Wagner et al., 1999; p. 199).
Uses E. foetidum is widely used in seasoning and marinating in the Caribbean, particularly in
Panama, Puerto Rico andTrinidad and Tobago. It is also used extensively in Thailand, India,
Vietnam, and other parts of Asia as a culinary herb. It dries well, retaining good color and
flavor, making it valuable in the dried herb industry. It is sometimes used as a substitute for
cilantro, but it has a much stronger taste. E. foetidum has been used in traditional medicine for
burns, earache, fevers, hypertension, constipation, fits, asthma, stomachache, worms,
infertility complications, snake bites, diarrhea, and malaria.
Distribution It has been introduced into Florida and the Old World tropics where it has naturalized in
many places. It was introduced into SE. Asia by Chinese, as a subtitute for coriander; it is
known in Indo-China, Peninsular Malaysia (since 1888), in Java (since 1896) and in Sumatra
(since 1915). It is also cultivated in C. & S. America and occasionally elsewhere, e.g. in
Tahiland, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan.
References/Notes 76, 88, 102, 103.
16
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides/ H. hirsuta BI./ H. latisecta Zoll./

H. punticulata Miq./ H. ranunculoides L. var incisa BI./
H. rotundifolia Roxb./ H. splenders BI./ H. zollingeri Molk.
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Semanggi gunung.
English names Lawn Marshpennywort.
Description
Habitat It is highly adaptable and can live on dry land as well as in waterbodies. It is considered an
invasive weed in lawns, boggy areas and on the banks of small rivers and rivulets in many
regions.
Uses Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides is a wonderful fore- and middleground plant in the aquarium.
Distribution Australia, Tropical Asia, Africa (?), S. America,. Everywhere in Malesia. Throughout
Indonesia.; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali
References/Notes 3, 70, 171, 225, 281
17
Pistia stratiotes L
Araceae
Origin Uncertain.
Indonesian names Apu-apu, selada air, kubis air, Kiapu (Sunda), Kayu apu (Java).
English names Water cabbage, water lettuce, Nile cabbage, or shellflower.
Description It is a perennial monocotyledon with thick, soft leaves that form a rosette. It floats on the
surface of the water, its roots hanging submersed beneath floating leaves. The leaves can be
up to 14 cm long and have no stem. They are light green, with parallel veins, wavy margins
and are covered in short hairs which form basket-like structures which trap air bubbles,
increasing the plant's buoyancy. The flowers are dioecious, and are hidden in the middle of
the plant amongst the leaves. Small green berries form after successful fertilization. The plant
can also undergo asexual reproduction. Mother and daughter plants are connected by a short
stolon, forming dense mats.
Habitat The growth habit can make it a weed in waterways. It is a common aquatic weed in the
United States, particularly in Florida where it may clog waterways. It has the potential to
reduce the biodiversity of a waterway.
Uses Water lettuce is often used in tropical aquariums to provide cover for fry and small fish. It is
also helpful as it outcompetes algae for nutrients in the water, thereby preventing massive
algal blooms.
Distribution Pantropical, very widely distributed. Everywhere in Indonesia, except Kalimantan and the
Lesser of Sunda Island.; Dry land of Flores, NTT.; Tidal areas of Kalimantan Selatan
(Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap)
18
Cryptostegia grandiflora R. Br./ C. glaberrima Hochr.

Asclepiadaceae
Origin India & Madagascar

Indonesian names -
English names Rubber vine
Description A rubber vine can grow up to 2 metres (m) tall as a shrub, but when it is supported on other
vegetation as a vine, it can reach up to 30 metres in length. Rubber vine prefers areas where
annual rainfall is between 400 and 1400 millimetres (mm), and is well adapted to a
monsoonal climate. It can grow maximally on an annual rainfall of 1700 millimetres, but
seeds best with an annual rainfall of 400 millimetres or less. For this reason, rubber vine
thrives on (in fact, requires) the extreme variability of rainfall and streamflow characteristic
of central Queensland. The extreme variability (four times that of other countries to which it
has been introduced) is almost certainly why rubber vine has become a major weed in
Australia and not any other country in which it has been introduced.
Habitat Cryptostegia grandiflora is an aggressive woody climbing shrub which is capable of growing
over trees up to 30m high. Plants are common in disturbed situations where there is temporary
or permanent water, such as along gullies, rivers, creeks, waterholes and in saltmarsh areas
(Marohasy and Forster, 1991. In PIER, 2003). It found growing in dry forest, roadsides, moist
forest, rainforest openings at low elevations (PIER, 2003).
Uses Ornamental.
Distribution In Java not rarely as an ornamental.
References/Notes 1, 88, 104.
19
Senecio vulgaris L.
Asteraceae
Origin Eourope, N. Africa & Continental Asia.

Indonesian names -
English names Common groundsel, old-man-in-the-spring, ragwort.
Description Standing only between 4 and 16 inches (10 to 41 cm) tall, bright florets mostly hidden by the
characteristic bract giving it the appearance of never opening flowers and with a life span of
5–6 weeks, the self-fertilizing Senecio vulgarislives humbly among and occasionally under
the other weeds and is easy not to notice.
Habitat Ruderal and weed.
Uses Common groundsel as a medicinal herb does not seem to be recommended very often since
1931, when it was recommended as a diaphoretic, an antiscorbutic, a purgative, a diuretic and
ananthelmintic, which was a demotion as it was previously suggested for the expelling of
gravel of the kidneys and reins by Pedanius Dioscorides in the 70s-90s, for use as poultices
by John Gerardin the late 16th century and as a cure for epilepsy by Nicholas Culpeper in the
17th century.
Distribution In Java up to now only on Mt. Tengger (East Java), there a common weed in fields and
garden.
20
Acanthospermum hispidum DC.

Asteraceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names Duri pasir berdiri, duri bintang, duri pasir tegak lurus.
English names Bristly starbur, Goat‘s head, Hispid starburr, Starbur.
Description “Stems erect, 2-8 dm long, diffusely branched, pubescent with long, spreading and also short,
appressed hairs. Leaves elliptic to ovate, 2-10 cm long, 1-7 cm wide, with glands on lower
surface, margins serrate to subentire, gradually narrowed to base, sessile. Heads 4-5 mm in
diameter at anthesis. Burs cuneate, strongly compressed, 4-7 mm long, the ribs bearing 1-2
rows of hooked prickles 1-2 mm long, the 2 apical prickles stout, curved or straight, 3-4 mm
long." (Wagner et al., 1999; p. 252).
Habitat "Adapted to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. It is particularly adapted to light
textured soils but also grows well in heavy textured soils. It is commonly found in cultivated
upland crops, roadsides, pastures, waste areas, around corrals, and along railroads and cattle
trails. Both seeds and leaves contain phenolic acids that are allelopathic to other plants"
(Holm et al., 1997; pp. 6-7). "Found in a wide range of habitats. Common on roadsides,
disturbed areas and around settlements. Known to invade pastures and out-compete more
desirable native species. Also a weed of crops and a serious contaminant of wool" (Smith,
2002; p. 56).
Uses Medicinal plant (It possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties). The crushed herb is
used in the form of a paste to threat skin ailmentsand the leaf juice is reportedlyused to relieve
fevers.
Distribution Pantropical. In Indonesia, in East Java, the Lesser Sunda Island and Papua, as far as known.
In Africa, its a fairly recent introduction.
21
Ageratum conyzoides L.
Asteraceae
Origin Tropical America/ C. & S. America.

Indonesian names Bandotan (Melayu), babandotan (Sundanese), bandotan (Javanese), dus bedusan (Madura).
English names Billygoat-weed, Chick weed, Goatweed, Whiteweed.
Description Ageratum conyzoides is an erect, herbaceous annual, 30 to 80 cm tall; stems are covered with
fine white hairs, leaves are opposite, pubescent with long petioles and glandular trichomes
(Ming 1999). It can gain height up to 2 m in the Shivalik hills (Dogra, 2008, in Dogra et al.
2009). The inflorescence contain 30 to 50 self-incompatible pink, white or violet flowers
arranged as a corymb (Jhansi and Ramanujam 1987, Kaul and Neelangini 1989, Ramanujam
and Kalpana 1992, Kleinschimidt 1993, in Ming 1999). The fruit is an achene with an aristate
pappus and is easily dispersed by wind (Lorenzi 1982, Scheffer 1990, Kalia and Singh 1993,
Lam et al. 1993, Paradkar et al. 1993, Waterhouse 1993, Kshatriya et al. 1994, in Ming
1999). Seeds are positively photoblastic, and viability is often lost within 12 months (Marlks
and Nwachuku 1986, Ladeira et al. 1987, in Ming 1999). The optimum germination
temperature ranges from 20 to 25°C (Sauerborn and Koch 1988, in Ming 1999). The species
has great morphological variation, and appears highly adaptable to different ecological
conditions.
Habitat Ageratum conyzoides is a herb present in many tropical and subtropical environments. It is a
weed of disturbed land in the Pacific island habitats including crops, pastures, plantations,
waste land and roadsides (Swarbrick 1997, in PIER 2008). It is also found in clearings,
grasslands, forests and along trails (Smith 1991, in PIER 2008).
A. conyzoides grows as a monoculture in grasslands, forests, agricultural, plantations and
horticultural fields in India.
A. conyzoides thrives best in rich, moist, mineral soils with high humidity and tolerates
shading. It is not tolerant to soils with poor fertility and therefore is only a minor weed on
island atolls such as Niue. Hassan (Undated) observed that A. conyzoides in the Amani forest,
Madagascar, is not found under the canopy but only in areas with light. This seems to suggest
that the reproduction and distribution of this species is associated with light intensity. The
22
study showed that the density of A. conyzoides was higher in open than in the semi-shaded
areas.
One study, conducted in the north tropical and south subtropical mountainous zones in the
Yunnan Province of China, found that the density of A. conyzoides was correlated with the
distance of the plant from the road and that its maximum abundance occurred within 4 meters
of the road. This supports the model of alien plants invading native plant communities in this
part of China from primary colonisation points along road margins (Zhao et al. 2008).
A. conyzoides may grow from sea level to at least 2400 meters in altitude (Singh Undated). It
is present from sea level to at least 1300 meters in Hawaii (Wagner et al. 1999, in PIER 2008)
and in Himachal Pradesh the weed is established up to 1800 meters (Dogra et al. 2009).
Uses As a medicinal plant, Ageratum conyzoides has limited uses due to its toxicity. It is also an
insecticide and nematicide.
Distribution Introduced in Java already much more than a century and naturalized ; Now a common weed
in all tropical countries.; Indonesia : Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, NTT.; Now a
pantropical weed that is very common throughout India, Burma (Myanmar), Indo-China, S.
China, Thailand, and Malesia.
References/Notes 1, 2, 6a, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31, 34, 39, 41, 42, 44, 47, 70, 72, 75,
88, 104, 106.
23
Ageratum houstianum Mill./ A. mexicanum Sims/

A. conyzoides L. var. mexicanum DC.
Asteraceae

Indonesian names Ageratum.
English names Flossflower, bluemink, blueweed, pussy foot, Mexican paintbrush.
Description Ageratum mexicanum Hort. is a cool-seasonannual plant often grown as bedding in gardens.
The plant grows to 0.3–1 m high, with ovate to triangular leaves 2–7 cm long, and blue
flowers (sometimes white, pink, or purple). The flower heads are borne in dense corymbs.
The ray flowers are threadlike, leading to the common name.
Habitat Ageratum houstonianum weed is a weed of gardens, roadsides, disturbed sites, waste areas,
pastures, crops, wetlands and riparianzones (banks of watercourses).
Uses Ageratum houstonianum weed has a long history of use as an ornamental plant has been
spread around the world for this reason It is also used in some cultures as a medicinal plant.
Distribution Naturalized in many localities in West Java. And also here and there in East Java.; Widely
introduced in the tropics.; undergrowth of the trees in Purwodadi Botanical Garden, Pasuruan,
East Java.
References/Notes 1, 2, 72, 88, 107, 227.
24
Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. var. elatior (L.) Descourtils/ A. elatior L.

Asteraceae
Origin America.
Indonesian names
English names Common Ragweed.
Description Common Ragweed grows to about one meter (3 feet) in height. Its wind-dispersed pollen is a
strong allergen to many people with hay fever. Common Ragweed emerges in the late spring,
and sets seed in later summer or fall.
Habitat Ambrosia artemisiifolia is commonly found in ruderal or waste sites associated with frequent
and extensive disturbance regimes resulting from human activities. Roadsides, railways,
gravel pits, construction sites, agricultural fields, waterways, urban areas, and private gardens
are all sites that this species establishes easily and prolifically on (Bohren, 2006). Common
ragweed is a pioneer species establishing after disturbance in early successional plant
communities (Maupin & Apparicio, 2004). It prefers full sun and warm areas, with nutrient
rich and slightly acidic soils (Wittenberg, R. (ed.) 2005) and can tolerate dry soil conditions
(Maupin & Apparicio, 2004). The texture of the soil does not play an important role in
establishment but the thickness of the organic layer is inversely related to its presence
(Maupin & Apparicio, 2004).
Uses Ambrosia artemisiifolia is used in phytoremediation projects, removing heavy metals such as
Lead from the soil.
Distribution In Java once (1954) collected in Pengalengan, tea-plantation Talun; 1650 m alt.
25
Artemisia vulgaris L.
Asteraceae
Origin Europe, Continental Asia, & N. America (+northern Africa?).

Indonesian names Baru cina (Indonesia, Sumatera), Daun manis, brobos krebo; Beunghar kucicing, jukut lokot
mala, suket gajahan (javanese); Kolo, goro-goro cina (Maluku).
English names Mugwort or common wormwood.
Description It is a tall herbaceous perennial plant growing 1–2 m (rarely 2.5 m) tall, with a woody root.
The leaves are 5–20 cm long, dark green, pinnate, with dense white tomentose hairs on the
underside. The erect stem often has a red-purplish tinge. The rather small flowers (5 mm
long) are radially symmetrical with many yellow or dark red petals. The narrow and
numerous capitula (flower heads) spread out in racemose panicles. It flowers from July to
September.
Habitat It is a very common plant growing on nitrogenous soils, like weedy and uncultivated areas,
such as waste places and roadsides.
Uses Mugworts are used medicinally, especially in Chinese, Japanese and South Korean traditional
medicine, and are used as an herb to flavor food.
Distribution Naturalized in Java.; locally a common weed in open localities, chinchona- and tea-
plantations, road-sides, sandyplains, dikelets of rice-fields, agricultural fields.; at dusun Lebo,
desa Madiredo,kecamatan Pujon, Kabupaten Malang.; weed of tea plantations Ciliwung,
Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed in the vegetable fields
in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; Introduced and naturalized locally in SE.
Asia, e.g. in Java, Peninsular Malaysia and the Philippines.
References/Notes 1, 2, 22, 34, 70, 75, 88.
26
Athroisma laciniatum DC/ A. visdicum Z. & M.

Asteraceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Indonesia in the northern plain of Java and the islands of Madura and Kangean.
References/Notes 3.
27
Austroeupatorium inulifolium (Kunth) R. M. King & H. ROB/

Eupatorium inulifolium Kunth/ Eupatorium pallescens DC./
Eupatorium javanicum auct. non Blume
Asteraceae

Indonesian names
English names Austroeupatorium.
Description Austroeupatorium inulifolium is described as a "Perennial spreading scrambling shrub 1 to 5
m tall. Stems terete, covered with dense short hairs. Leaves opposite, spear-shaped, 7 to18 cm
long, 2.5 to 8 cm wide, pubescent, pale green beneath, abruptly narrowing to a wedge-shaped
petiole 0.5 to 3 cm long. Floral heads 2 to 3 mm diam., 5 to 6 mm long, arranged in large
terminal corymbs; each head comprising 3 or 4 series of involucral bracts enclosing 10 to15
creamy white florets with corollas 4 to 5 mm long; flowers fragrant. Achenes oblong, angular,
to 1.5 mm long, with a whitish pappus 4 mm long" (Waterhouse & Mitchell 1998, in PIER
2008).
Habitat Savannas, swamps, forest borders, disturbed areas, 100 to 2100 m (Berry et al 1997, in PIER
2008). Disturbed forest, plantations and perennial crops, roadsides. Prefers moist conditions.
Near sea level to 2000 m altitude (Waterhouse & Mitchell 1998, in PIER 2008). The recent
naturalization of the Neotropical Austroeupatorium inulifolium (Kunth) R. M. King & H.
Rob. has been observed at 1300 to 1400 meter altitudes in the Central Mountain Range of
Taiwan (Hsu Peng & Wang 2006). In Taiwan it can reach two meters tall on open slopes,
along road sides or in landslide areas and it is associated with other weedy plants (Hsu Peng
& Wang 2006).
Uses
Distribution Introduced elsewhere.
References/Notes 2, 104.
28
Austroeupatorium uliginosa (Sw.) R. Cass./ Spilanthes uliginosa Sw./

Spilanthes iabadicencis A. H. Moore/ Jaegeria uliginosa (Sw.)/ Baker
in Mart./ Coreopsis acmella (L.) K. Krause var. uliginosa K. Krause
Asteraceae
Origin Carribean & Brazil.

Indonesian names
English names
Description
Habitat
Uses
Distribution Now pantropical.
References/Notes 2.
29
Bidens pilosa L. var. minor (BI.) Sherff/ B. sundaica BI., incl. var.
minor BI./ B. leucantha Willd. var. sundaica (BI.) Hassk.
Asteraceae
Origin S. Africa.
Indonesian names Ajeran, hareuga (Sundanese), jaringan, ketul (Javanese).
English names Cobbler's Pegs or Spanish Needle.
Description Bidens pilosa is an annual forb, of gracile habit. It does however grow aggressively enough
on disturbed land to become a weed. The leaves are opposite. They are pinnate with three to
five dentate, ovate-to-lanceolate leaflets. The petioles are slightly winged.
Bidens pilosa may flower at any time of the year, but in temperate regions mainly in summer
and autumn. Flowers are borne in small heads on relatively long peduncles. The heads bear
about four or five broad white petals of ray florets, surrounding a disk of tubular yellow
florets; this is a morphology that occurs commonly in the Asteraceae. The fruits are slightly
curved, stiff, rough black rods, tetragonal in cross section, about 1 cm long, with typically two
to three stiff, heavily barbed awns at their distal ends. The infructescences form stellate
spherical burrs about one to two cm in diameter. They present the barbed awns to best
advantage to catch onto animals or clothing. The fruit cling to livestock and humans,
sometimes injuriously. It is an effective means of seed dispersal by zoochory, through which
the plant has become a cosmopolitan weed in temperate-to-tropical regions.
Habitat This plant is considered a weed in some tropical habitats.
Uses Source food or medicine.
Distribution Before 1835 already naturalized in Java; has spread everywhere except Kalimantan and the
Moluccas.; Pan(sub)tropical, one variety in Sumatera.; Coffee plantations in South Sulawesi .;
Oil Palm plantation in South Sumatera.; Sifting cultivation Timor, NTT.; Weed of tea
plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed
in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
References/Notes 1, 2, 3, 11, 13, 13, 34, 70, 88, 92, 108.
30
Centipeda minima (L.) A. Br. & Aschers./ C. minuta (G. Forst.)

Benth. ex C. B. Clarke/ C. orbicularis Lour./ Artemisia minima L./
Cotula minima (L.) Wills./ Cotula minuta G. Forst./ Grangea minima
(L.) Poir. In Lam./ Grangea minuta (G. Forst.) Poir. In Lam.
Asteraceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Mbakoan (Javanese), pecah pinggan.
English names Sneezweed, Sneeize-wort.
Description Annual herb, ± glabrous to woolly; stems prostrate to ± ascending, 10–20 cm high, much-
branched. Leaves narrow-ovate or elliptic to cuneate or spathulate, c. 10 mm long, 1–4 mm
wide; apex acute to obtuse, base narrowed, margins entire or toothed, often coarsely so near
apex; glabrous to woolly; petiole usually indistinct.
Heads ± sessile, usually solitary, hemispherical, 2–4 mm diam.; involucral bracts c. 1 mm
long, obtuse. Female florets 3–5-seriate. Bisexual florets c. 10.
Achenes obconic, 1.5–2 mm long, ribs extending ± to apex (mostly NT, CT, ST, NWS, SWS)
or achenes c. 1 mm long and similar to C. cunninghamii.
Habitat It is an annual plant, seen in a wide range of habitats, including growing in wet places,
marshy banks, sometimes found submerged in shallow water and rice fields. It can inhabit
waste grounds and roadsides. The plant grows almost all types of soil, in any habitat.
Uses Antibacterial properties courtesy of several sesquiterpene lactones, monoterpenoids and
thymol with effective action against bacteria like Bacilus subtilis and Staph aureus, among
others.
• Antimicrobial qualities coming from 23 compounds that are effective against microbes like
Yersinia enterocolitica, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staph aureus. Experts see potential
applications of the sneezeweed extract in public health and safety.
• Anti-allergen properties that have been proven effective in treating allergic rhinitis.
31
• Anti-inflammatory action in the treatment of acute pleural effusion.

• Anti-protozoal, anti-proliferative and anti-asthma properties have also been observed with
the use of the sneezeweed extract.
Distribution Afghanistan to Japan, NE Australia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Pacific Island; Malesia
(Malay Peninsula, Sumatera, Java, Lombok, Sumbawa, Timor, Sarawak, Sulawesi,
Philippines (Luzon), New Guinea).; Tropical and subtropical. Through-out Indonesia.
References/Notes 2,3, 109, 110, 228.
32
Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) Walker/ C. ambigua DC./ Erigeron

sumatrensis Retz./ Erigeron linifolius auct. non Willd
Asteraceae

Indonesian names -
English names Fleabane, tall fleabane, broad-leaved fleabane, white horseweed, Sumatran fleabane,
Guernsey fleabane.
Description Stems and leaves: An erect plant growing to 1 to 2 metres in height. It has a central stem
branching towards the top of the plant below the inflorescence (flowerheads). The stems are
very leafy and softly hairy. The leaves are grey/green in colour they are 4-10cm long and 5-
12mm wide. The basal leaves form a rosette and are lanceolate with toothed edges. As you
move up the stem the leaves are then alternate, these leaves being lanceolate (tapering from a
rounded base toward an apex) to linear with the margin entire. The leaves are covered in
small, white hairs.
Flowers and fruit: Each "flower" is in fact a group of small flowers callet florets. The
"flowers" are arranged in groups that form a pyramid like shape. Each "flower" is broad-
campanulate (bell-shaped) and is 4-6mm long and 6-10mm wide. The involucral bracts (outer
covering) are hirsute (hairy), greenish white in colour with the inner surface when reflexed
being a reddish brown colour. The florets are cream coloured and less than 1mm long. The
fruit is 3mm in length, ovoid and sparsely hairy. It is single seeded with a straw coloured
pappus that has minutely barbed bristles. Flowering occurs chiefly from December to August.
Habitat It is an erect, annual (living 1 season only) that is 1 to 2 metres tall with basal leaves in a
rosette formation. The rosette formation being particularly evident at the juvenile stage. The
plant develops from the middle of the rosette and arises from a central stem branching
towards the top of the plant. Adapted to most soil types, particularly disturbed or neglected
areas.
Uses
Distribution Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Sumatera, Java, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, The Philippines, New
33
Guinea, Fiji Islands, Tonga Islands.; Pantropical. Found for the first time in Java before 1860,
and spread throughout Indonesia
34
Crassocephalum crepidiodes (Benth.) S. Moore/ C. diversifolium

Hiem/ Gynura cepridiodes Benth.
Asteraceae
Origin Tropical Africa.

Indonesian names Sintrong hutan.
English names Ebolo, thickhead, redflower ragleaf, orfireweed.
Description Erect annual herb, mostly 50–100 cm high, sparsely hairy.
Leaves with lamina elliptic to ovate in outline; lowest leaves lyrate-pinnatifid, up to 20 cm
long and 10 cm wide, base often with a pair of stipule-like lobes, margins coarsely toothed;
upper leaves smaller, not lobed or with a lobe each side towards base; petiole up to 4 cm long.
Heads in cymes, few to many, nodding at first, later erect; heads c. 4 mm diam.; outer
involucral bracts c. 1 mm long, inner involucral bracts c. 16, 8–10 mm long. Florets reddish.
Achenes c. 2 mm long; pappus 8–10 mm long, white tinged reddish or mauve.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In 1926 first observed in the Malay Archipelago (Medan, N.-Sumatera), from there purposely
introduced into Java where it has run wild in several localities.; Now a pantropical weed,
widespread in Malesia.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin) and Central
Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Weed in tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua,
Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed in potato plantations Koto Baru, Kabupaten Tanah
Datar, South Sumatera.; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi
Kuning, Bali.
References/Notes 1, 2, 6b, 31, 34, 42, 70, 88, 109.
35
Dichrocephala integrifolia (L.f.) Kuntze/ Hippia integrifolia L.f./

Cotula bicolor Roth/ Cotula latifolia Pers./ Grangea latifolia (Pers.)
Poir./ D. bicolor (Roth) Schlechtend./ D. latifolia (Pers.) DC. in Guill.
Asteraceae
Origin Tropical Asia.

Indonesian names Jukut meurit (Sundanese), wedahan, seprah (Javanese).
English names Veronia.
Description Dichrocephala latifolia is an annual, erect or spreading, smooth or hairy weed, 30 to 60
centimeters in height. Leaves are entire or pinnatifid, ovate or lanceolate, up to 10.5
centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide; the terminal lobe is large, broadly ovate and
coarsely toothed. Flowering heads are yellow or purplish, rounded, and about 3 millimeters in
diameter. The ray flowers are very slender, curved, and obscurely toothed. Achenes are very
minute and smooth.
Habitat Dichrocephala integrifolia is a common weed of fallowed ricefields and most waste places.
Uses Considered analgesic, anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, sudorific,
vulnerary.
Distribution Tropical Africa, India, China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Japan,
Hawaiian islands, Melanesia, Polinesia, Australia, New Caledonia, Malesia (Malay Peninsula,
Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea.; From Asia trough Malesia to Australia, the Pasific and
Africa. Everywhere in Indonesia except in Kalimantan.; Weed in vegetable fields in in the dry
and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
References/Notes 2, 3, 70, 112, 113.
36
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L./ E. alba (L.) Hassk. var. prostrata/

E. erecta L. var. zippeliana (BI.)/ E. alba Hassk./E. alba (L.) Hassk.
var. erecta Miq./ Verbesina prostrata L./ Verbesina alba L.
Asteraceae

Indonesian names Orang-aring (Indonesia, Sundanese, Javanese).
English names False daisy.
Description A prostrate or reclining to erect, often branched, annual or perennial herb, 30—100—cm tall.
Stem: cylindrical, green or purplish, rooting at basal nodes, and often covered with long white
hairs.
Leaf: oblong to lance-shaped, opposite, sessile or short-stalked, with more or less coarse
hairs; margins entire or slightly toothed, up to 2—16—cm—long.
Inflorescence: terminal and axillary, about 1—cm across, white or cream, on peduncles to 7—
cm—long.
Fruit: achene, densely warted, either brown or black, 2—3—mm—long.
Habitat Widespread and adapted to a range of environments. Found in poorly drained wet areas,
saline conditions, along streams, in drains and canals of irrigated lowland rice paddies, in
waste areas, and in upland fields.
Uses Eclipta prostrata is an alternate host of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.).
Distribution Introduced into all warm countries.; Worl-wide, tropical and subtropical. Throughout
Indonesia.; Dry lands of Flores, NTT.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil
Manarap).; Pantropical.
37
Elephantopus mollis Kunth/ E. carolianus Raeuschel var. mollis

(Kunth) Beurl./ E. martii Graham ex Sch. Bip./ E. scaber L. var.
martii Miq./ E. tomentosus auct. Non L.
Asteraceae
Origin S. & C. America.

Indonesian names -
English names Herb-of-school, grass-thick, smoke-mad, tongue-in-cow, elephant's foot.
Description Herbs 0.4-2 m. Leaves usually concentrated at the base, the stem gradually smaller, short
petioles, spanned the base; blade 7-15 × 5 to 2.2 cm, oblanceolada, attenuated base, apex
acute to obtuse, margin crenada-serrate, the upper muricate, sparsely estrigosa the sericea,
underside densely albo-sericea. Inflorescence panicle leafy-bracteosa, paraclades
botrióides. Chapters 3 side surrounded by bracts foliaceous, cordate, short-acuminate,
seríceas; shell from 7.2 to 9.3 mm alt., involucral bracts 8, in 4 series decussadas, apex
acuminate. 4 flowers, corolla ca. 6 mm. Cipsela 1.8-2.2 mm, sparsely sericea, dotted with
glands between the coasts; papus 4 to 5.6 mm, with 5-8 setae abruptly widened at the base
(Moraes, 2006, p. 15).
Habitat Species heliophytic or diffuse light, ruderal, indifferent to soil physical conditions. Occurs in
the Amazonia, Caatinga, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Pampa and Pantanal.
Uses It has medicinal properties in their roots and leaves are used as a tonic, antipyretic,
anticatarral, expectorant, emollient, diuretic, healing, anti-rheumatic, astringent and
sudorífera. In folk medicine, a poultice of the leaves is used in case of bruises and
elephantiasis, and the infusion of the leaves gives positive results in cases of kidney stones,
whooping cough and bronchitis.
Distribution Introduced elsewhere, in Malesia : Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java (once 1920), Borneo
(Sabah, Serawak, not yet from Kalimantan), Sulawesi, the Philippines (Luzon, Mindanao,
Mindoro, Palawan, Samar). Nusa Tenggara (Flores), Maluku (Buru, Halmahera, Morotai,
Ternate), New Guinea.; Weed of shifting cultivation Timor, NTT.; Bogor Botanic Garden,;
Undergrowth plant in Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.; Tropical
38
America.; introduced and widely naturalized in tropical Africa and Asia. Reported for
Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Sulawesi and the Philippines.
39
Elephantopus scaber L.
Asteraceae

Indonesian names Tapak liman.
English names Prickly Leaved Elephant‘s Foot, Elephant‘s Foot.
Description Erect herb, up to 38 cm high; rootstock short, giving off many stout fibrous roots. Leaves
12.5-20 cm long, mostly radical forming a spreading rosette on the ground, obovate-oblong,
coarsely serrate-dentate, hairy. Heads numerous, sessile, closely packed, forming a large flat-
topped terminal inflorescence, nearly 2.5 cm across, and surrounded at the base by three
large, broadly ovate, leafy bract. Flowers small, violet.
Habitat Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Uses The herb is diuretic, laxative, analgesic, alterative, ferbrifuge, cardiac and brain tonic; used in
griping, inflammations and bronchitis.
Distribution Naturalized in Java and Madura on grassy fields, road sides, dikes, rice-field-dikelets, forest
borders, young forests.
40
Eleuntheranthera rudelaris (Sw.) Sch.-Bip./ E. prostrata Sch. Bip./

Melampodium ruderale Sw./ Kegelia ruderalis Sch. Bip./ Ogiera
ruderalis (Sw.) Griseb.
Asteraceae

Indonesian names Babandotan.
English names Ogiera.
Description Stem: Herb 10-70 cm tall. Whole plant hairy. Stems and leafy twigs ribbed or 4-angled and
clothed in hairs.
Leaves: Leaf blades 25-65 x 10-40 mm, petioles hairs, 4-10 mm long. Leaf blade surfaces
clothed in hairs, somewhat sandpapery on both surfaces.
Flowers: Flower heads usually consist of 3-6 flowers and are subtended by 5 leafy bracts.
Bracts 5-10 x 3-4 mm, lanceolate to elliptic, upper surface clothed in long white hairs. Calyx,
i.e. pappus, of numerous hair-like trichomes. Corolla tube about 0.5 mm long, lobes 0.5-0.6
mm long, clothed in yellow bristles on the inner surface. Anthers black, about 0.5 mm long,
filaments about 1 mm long. Ovary about 1 mm long, clothed in white hairs. Stigma bifid.
Fruit: Fruits about 4 mm long, surface warty. Pappus very short. Seeds black. Cotyledons
about 1 mm long, much wider than the radicle.
Habitat Altitudinal range from 10-650 m. Found in mesophyll rainforest, open Eucalyptus forest,
notophyll vine forest, Eucalyptus woodland and places of agriculture.
Uses -
Distribution In 1888 discovered in Bogor, at present naturalized in West Java., collected also here and
there in Central and East Java, locally often abundant.; Central and South America,
introduced elsewhere.
41
Emilia javanica (Burm. F.) Merr./ Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC./ E.

sagittata (Vahl) DC./ E. sagittata DC./ E. javanica auct. non C. B.
Rob./ Cacalia cocinea Sims/ Cacalia sagittata Willd./ Cacalia
sonchifolia L./ Senecio soncifolius (L.) Moench/ Emilia sonchifolia
(L.) DC. var javanica (Burm.) Mattfeld
Asteraceae

Indonesian names Jonge/temu wiyang.
English names Tassel flower.
Description Robust herb, sparsely branched. Leaves alternate, radical ones a few, lyrate; cauline ones
several, (ob)ovate, to 8 x 2.5 cm, chartaceous, base auricled, margin crenate, apex acute,
crispate-pubescent. Corymbs lax. Capitula a few, homogamous, 1.7 cm wide. Receptacle
convex, 7 mm wide; peduncle to 6 cm. Involucre 1-seriate. Phyllaries 6 mm. Florets bisexual.
Pappus 1-seriate, 4.5 mm. Corolla tubular, 1.5 mm; lobes 5. Style branches exserted. Achenes
5-ribbed.
Habitat Wastelands.
Uses -
Distribution In Java locally cultivated as a garden-ornamrntal.; Tropical Africa, India, China, Thailand,
Japan to Hawaii; Malesia (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, the Philippines (Luzon), New
Guinea.; Weed of cabbage plantations Cibungbulang, Bogor.; Weed in the vegetable fields in
the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; Undergrowth plant at Purwodadi Botanic
Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.; Occurs wild throughout the Old World, including
SE. Asia. In America it has been introduced and become naturalized.
42
Enydra fluctuans Lour./ E. linifolia Sch.-Bip./ E. longifolia (BI.) DC/

E. paludosa (Reinw.) DC./ Tectractis paludosa Reinw./ Meyera
fluctuans (Lour.) Spreng
Asteraceae
Origin Indochina.
Indonesian names Godobos.
English names Water Cress, Marsh Herb.
Description A trailing marsh herb, also floating on water; stem 30-60 cm long, rooting at the nodes.
Leaves sessile, 2.5-7.5 cm long, linear-oblong, acute or obtuse, entire or subcrenate. Heads
axillary and terminal, sessil, flowers white.
Habitat Grows in swampy ground in Tropical climate.Native to India, Bangladesh,Burma, Sreelankha
and several places in south east Asia.Hingcha or Kankong-kalabau is found inRizal Province
in Luzon, being occasional along the banks of small streams in and about Manila. It was
certainly introduced, being found also in tropical Africa and Asia to Malaya.InBengal it is
commonly known as Hingha and grows plenty in ponds & lakes.
Uses The leaves of E. fluctuans are somewhat bitter and are eaten as a salad or vegetable in several
tropical countries. In Zaïre E. fluctuans has been reported a favourite food of the
hippopotamus.
Distribution Tropical regions of the world; Malesia : Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan,
Sulawesi, Luzon.
43
Erechtites hieraciifolia (L.) Rafin. Ex DC./ Senecio hieraciifolius L./

E. hieraciifolia var. cacalioides (Fisch. ex Spreng) Griseb.
Asteraceae
Origin Tropical America/ N. & S. America/ N. America.

Indonesian names -
English names American fireweed.
Description -
Habitat Rocky open woods, eroded slopes, roadsides, railroads.
Uses -
Distribution Since long naturalized in Java, collected there for the first time in 1863; locally often a
common weed, frequently together with the next species (E. valerianifolia (Wolf) DC.; It is
adventitious in C. Europe, Hawaii and SE. Asia. Other variety Erechtites hieraciifolia L. var.
cacalioides (Fisch. ex Spreng.) Griseb.; was also reported in Malesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo,
Flores, Irian Jaya (Biak)).
44
Erechitites valerianifolia (Wolf) DC./ Senecio valerianifolius Wolf

Asteraceae
Origin Tropical & Subtropical America.

Indonesian names Sintrong.
English names Brazilian fireweed, tropical burnweed.
Description Flowers white to mauve; erect herb to about 1.5 m tall. A robust herb with thick ribbed stems,
leaves are opposite at the base, but alternate above, deeply divided to 20 x 8 cm; margins are
toothed. Flowers in capitula, several clustered together, florets white to mauve; pappus hairs
protrude, pink to mauve.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In 1845 accidentally (with coffee-beans) introduced from Brazil, rapidly naturalized
throughout not too dry regions of Java.; Coffee plantations South Sulawesi.; Oil palm
plantations (4 years) South Sumatra.; Research Centre Plantations Bogor.; weed of rubber
plantations Cimulang, Bogor.; Adventitious iin many other tropical areas including SE. Asia,
S. China, Australia & the Pasific Island.
45
Erigeron karvinskianus DC./ E. mucronatus DC.

Asteraceae
Origin C. America.
Indonesian names -
English names Mexican fleabane, Latin American fleabane, Santa Barbara daisy or Spanish daisy.
Description This is a vigorous, spreading perennial plant growing from woody rhizomatous roots to a
maximum height of 15cm. Its leaves are located along the stem, the basal leaves dying off as
the plant bolts. They are sometimes slightly toothed or lobed near the tips. The inflorescences
hold one or more flower heads which are each about 1 cm wide. They have golden yellow
disc florets in the center and a fringe of up to 80 white to pinkish ray petals.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java in the mountainous regions locally cultivated as an ornamental and sometimes half-
wild on earth- and brick-walls.
46
Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng./

E. glandulosum H. B. K. non Michx.
Asteraceae
Origin Central America.

Indonesian names -
English names Eupatory, sticky snakeroot, crofton weed, and Mexican devil.
Description Ageratina adenophora is a perennial herbaceous shrub that may grow to 1 or 2 metres (3.3 or
6.6 ft) high. It has opposite trowel-shaped serrated leaves that are 6–10 cm (2.4–3.9 in) long
by 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in) in width. The small compound flowers occur in late spring and
summer, and are found in clusters at the end of branches. Each flowerhead is up to 0.5 cm in
the diameter and creamy white in colour. They are followed by a small brown seed with a
white feathery 'parachute'.
Habitat The plant can spread vegetatively, that is the stems can sprout roots and grow upon contact
with earth. The seed is also carried by the wind or water and colonises disturbed areas, such
as fields and areas near human habitation, readily. Seed may also be transported on animals
and in soil.
Uses -
Distribution In 1934 collected for the first time in Java (Mt. Malabar), at present copiusly naturalized on
and around Mt. Malabar (West Java).
47
Eupatorium odoratum L. f. Squarrosum Koster/ E. conyzoides Vahl/

Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robins/ Osmia odorata (L.)
Schultz-Bip.
Asteraceae
Origin C. & S. America.

Indonesian names Kerinyu, lahuna.
English names Bitter Bush, Tonka Bean.
Description Eupatorium odoratum is a woody herbaceous perennial growing as a climbing shrub to 3
meters in height, typically shorter. The leaves are arranged oppositely, to 15 cm in length,
triangular to ovate with an acuminate leaf apex and dentate leaf margin with large teeth. The
vegetative structures are covered with articulate hairs throughout.
The actinomorphic flowers are arranged in corymbs of heads subtended an involucre made of
4 series of phyllaries. The calyx is modified as hairs forming a pappus. The corolla has 5
fused white to lavender petals. There are 5 stamens fused to the base of the corolla. The
ovary is inferior with a single locule. The fruit is an achene at maturity that retains the
modified calyx (pappus).
Habitat Eupatorium odoratum grows in human disturbed areas as well as Pine Woodlands, and the
edges of Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation – Woodland/Shrubland (low
coppice/scrubland).
Uses Eupatorium odoratum is not used medicinally in the Bahamas.
Distribution In Java locally naturalized in West Java.; Pantropical. Introduced in Java via Thailand
(henced called ―Siam Weed‖), then spread throughout Indonesia; also in SE. Australia, N.
India, S. Africa and Peru.; In Indonesia, the first herbarium specimen was collected from
Lubuk Pakam, North Sumatra. It is now spread all over the island of Indonesia, from Aceh to
W. Irian,; Morus alba plantations South Sulawesi.; young rubber plantations (3 years), and oil
palm plantations (4 years) in South Sumatra.; Bandar Lampung.; Tidal areas of Central
Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua,
48
Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed of young rubber plantations at PT. Palem Baja, Talang
Petaling, Palembang.; West Java (Depok, Cibadak, Pelabuhan Ratu, Sindangbarang, Ciomas,
Sempur, Lawanggintung, Puncak, Pacet, Sindanglaya, Padalarang, Cirebon); Central Java
(Cilacap, Purwokerto); Aceh.
References/Notes 1, 3, 6c, 11, 13, 26, 31, 34, 41, 55, 57, 58, 59, 80, 123.
49
Eupatorium riparium Reg.

Asteraceae
Origin Mexico & West Indies.

Indonesian names Teklan (Sundanese), tekelan (Javanese).
English names Creeping Crofton Weed; Mist Flower.
Description Stem: Usually flowers and fruits as a herb but occasionally flowers as a shrub 1 m tall.
Leaves: Leaf blades about 3-12 x 0.8-3 cm with about 6-10 teeth on each side. Underside of
the leaf blade clothed in hooked hairs on the midrib and lateral veins only, upper surface
glabrous. Petiole grooved on the upper surface. Twigs clothed in erect, light brown, hooked
hairs.
Flowers: Inflorescence a cymose panicle of heads each containing about 15-25 flowers.
Heads about 5-6 mm diam., subtended by green bracts. Sepalsrepresented by about 15 hair-
like appendages. Anthers fused but the filaments free.
Fruit: Fruits about 1-2 mm long, longitudinally ribbed, each rib with a line of hairs.
Endosperm very thin and scanty.
Seedlings: Cotyledons orbicular, about 2-4 mm diam., petiole about 1-3 mm long. First pair
of leaves opposite, margins toothed. At the tenth leaf stage: leaf blade narrowly elliptic, about
5 x 2 cm, apex acute, base attenuate, margins coarsely serrate, very sparsely hairy to almost
glabrous.Petiole about 7 mm long.
Habitat Altitudinal range in NEQ not known but collected at altitudes of 1000-1100 m. Grows in
damp areas of disturbed rain forest or along roads in damp areas of upland and mountain rain
forest.
Uses -
Distribution Long ago introduced Java, at peresent naturalized in many places on Mt Gede-Pangrango
(West Java).; weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten
Bogor, West Java.; Weed in vegetable fields in the dry seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
50
Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl/ E. aya-pana Vent. ex Millin/

Ayapana triplinervis (Vahl ex Blume) R. M. King & H. Robinson
Asteraceae
Origin Brazil.
Indonesian names Prasman, Jukut prasman (Sundanese); godong prasman, raja panah (Javanese); acerang, daun
prasman, daun panahan (Sumatera).
English names Ayapana tea.
Description An erect annual herb, grows up to 90 cm in height. Leaves simple, opposite, lanceolate,
acuminate, glabrous, subsessile; flowers light blue, tubular coryms; fruits 5 sided truncated.
Habitat -
Uses Plant pacifies vitiated kapha, pitta, dyspepsia, hemorrhage, hemoptysis, menorrhagia,
wounds, edema, ulcers, stomatitis, cardiac debility, skin diseases, poison bites, cough, asthma,
bronchitis and general debility.
Distribution Very long ago introduced in Java, there locally cultivated for medicinal purposes and as a
groundcover in tea- and rubber-plantations.; Introduced into Indonesia and the Philippines,
locally naturalized in Java. It is occasionnally cultivated and naturalized elsewhere (e.g. in
India).
51
Galinsoga parviflora Cav./

Wollastonia zollingeriana auct. non Sch.-Bip.
Asteraceae
Origin Peru.
Indonesian names Rumput liar kuning; Batakacut, Balaketut, Jukut saminggu, Balinggang (Sundanese); Bribil,
Kuningan, Mondreng, Pakelele (Javanese).
English names Gallant soldier.
Description Galinsoga parviflora is a annual growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to October.
The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by
Insects, self.The plant is self-fertile.
Habitat Cultivated Beds.
Uses -
Distribution Long ago introduced in Java and there a very common weed; Naturalized in Java.; Tropical
America origin, now world-wide.; Tropical. Temperate and subtropical regions. Has spread
throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan and the Moluccas.; Madiredo village, kecamatan
Pujon, kabupaten Malang.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan
Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy
seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
52
Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir./ Artemisia maderaspatana L./

Cotula maderaspatana (L.) Willd
Asteraceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names Marcella; Kembang paku konde, Serawan hutan (Indonesia).
English names Madras Carpet.
Description Madras Carpet is a herb commonly seen in flat bunches in harvested fields, dry river and
pond beds. This hairy, branched herb spreads from the roots and grows up to 70 cm in height.
The buds are white and woolly. The leaves are alternate, stalkless, deeply cut, and divided
into toothed lobes. Yellow flowering heads are borne opposite the leaves, and are short-
stalked, rounded, and 8-10 mm across. The flowers are small, very numerous. The involucral-
bracts are ovate, thick, rigid, and hairy. The achenes are cylindric, glandular, and about 2 mm
long. The papus-hairs are connate, ending in a short, fimbriate tube.
Habitat -
Uses Leaves are regarded in India as a valuable stomachic possessing deobstruent and
antispasmodic properties, and are prescribed as an infusion and an electuary in cases of
obstructed menses and hysteria.
Distribution Africa, Srilanka, India, China, Indochina, Malesia (Sumatra, Java, Sumba, Timor, and
Luzon).; Tropical Asia. In Indonesia : in Java, Sumatra and the Lesser Sunda Island.; Tidal
areas of South Kalimantan (Belandean, Handil Manarap).
53
Mikania micrantha Kunth./ M. orinocenis Kunth./ M. Subcrenata

Hooker & Arnott/ M. Umbellifera Gardner
Asteraceae

Indonesian names Mikania, rumput selaput tunggul, sembung rambat (Javanese), caputuheun (Sundanese).
English names Bitter Vine or Climbing Hemp Vine or American Rope.
Description A branched, slender-stemmed perennial vine. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along
the stems and are heart-shaped or triangular with an acute tip and a broad base. Leaves may
be 4-13cm long. The flowers, each 3-5mm long, are arranged in dense terminal or axillary
corymbs. Individual florets are white to greenish-white. The seed is black, linear-oblong, five-
angled and about 2mm long. Each seed has a terminal pappus of white bristles that facilitates
dispersal by wind or on the hair of animals (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk).
Habitat Mikania micrantha is native to Central and South America, where it grows in and near
forests, along rivers and streams and in disturbed areas such as roadsides.
Uses It is used to heal cuts and stop minor external bleeding in Fiji but its medicinal properties are
still yet to be fully discovered.
Distribution Widely distributed in S. America.; The Botanic Garden of Bogor received this species from
Paraguay in 1949. In 1956 it was used as a soil cover in rubber, and has now spread
throughout Indonesia.; Oil palm plantations (4 years) South Sumatra.; Cihea Cianjur, West
Java.; Oil palm plantations Medan.; Bandar Lampung.; Weed of rubber plantations Cimulang,
Bogor.; West Java (Leuwi Liang, Cigudeg, Semplak); Lampung (Terbanggi, Way Besay,
Baturaja Ogan Komering Ulu, Banjarsari, Bendosari, G. Terang Kemiling, Terbanggi); South
Sumatra(Musi Banyuasin, Sungkai Selatan, Ogan Komering Ilir); Riau (Kp. Pinang Siak
Hulu, Kampar); West Sumatra (Limau Manis, Padang); Jambi(Tebing Tinggi, Batanghari).;
West Sumatra(Batang Asam Pulau, SW. of Lubuk Alung; Tanjung Anau, Kota nan Gadang,
Payakumbuh; Lembah Anai, Padang Pariaman; Bukit Kajai, SE. of Lubuk Sikaping; Lurah
Barangin, Bonjol; Sungai Pisang, S. of Padang; NW. of G. Talamau, Rimbo Panti Nature
54
(Paasaman); Anduring, N. of Padang; Laing Solok); It was first observed in Fiji in 1907, in
Java 1951 and is now found in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, New
Guinea and several Pacific Island.
References/Notes 2, 3, 13, 21, 24, 26, 47, 59, 80, 88, 104, 126.
55
Porophyllum ruderale (Jacq.) Cass./ P. Ellipticum Cass./ P. ruderale

(Jacq.) Cass. var. ellipticum (Cass.) A. Gray ex B. L. Robinson/
Kleinia ruderalis Jacq./ Cacalia ruderalis (Jacq.) Sw./ P.ruderale
(Jacq.) Cass var. ruderale
Asteraceae

Indonesian names Ketumbar Bolivia, Senggit mangga ngora (Sundanese).
English names Bolivian coriander, papalo.
Description Category: Annuals, Herbs.
Height: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm), 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m).
Spacing: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Bloom Color: Brown/Bronze, White/Near White, Cream/Tan
Bloom Time: Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid Fall
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In 1945 collected for the first time (near Bogor); since then rapidly naturalizing.; S. and C.
America.; Introduced in Malesia
56
Pseudelephantopus spicatus (Juss.) Gleason/ Elephantopus spicatus

Juss.
Asteraceae

Indonesian names -
English names Elephant Weed.
Description Stem: Usually flowers and fruits as a herb but occasionally flowers as a shrub.
Leaves: Leaf blades variable in size, up to 18 x 5 cm. Hairs present on both the upper and
lower surfaces of the leaf blade but more numerous near the margin. Glands visible on the
underside of the leaf blade.
Flowers: Flowers borne in narrow bullet-shaped heads, four flowers per head. Two of the
pappus bristles of each flower are much longer than the others and are sigmoid near the apex
(something like an ornate shepherd's crook). Corolla white, about 7 mm long. Anthers fused
to one another. Pollen white.
Fruit: The pappus on the end of each fruit consists of two longer and thicker bristles which
have been twisted and contorted to form sigmoid heads and a number of shorter, thinner
bristles. Fruit about 5-6 mm long.
Seedlings: Hypocotyl glabrous, stem above the cotyledons clothed in erect, white hairs.
Cotyledons obovate, about 8-9 x 3-4 mm, apex glandular. First pair of leaves with toothed
margins. At the tenth leaf stage: leaves obovate or narrowly obovate, sessile +/- clasping the
stem. Both the upper and lower surfaces sparsely clothed in pale prostrate hairs. Lower
surface of the leaf blade minutely glandular.
Habitat On roadsides, open fields and disturbed sites.
Uses It is used to make brooms, fodder and medicinal.
Distribution In 1917 collected for the first time in Java (near Bidara Cina, S. of Meester Cornelis, Jakarta;
± 25 m alt.) in a well-shaded native village, then already numerous, from there introduced in
Bogor (1919, West Java; ± 250 m alt.) and Pasuruan (1925, East,; ± 4 m alt.). introduced in
57
tropical Africa and Asia. In SE. Asia, reported very locally in Java and widespread for the
Philippines; also in Vietnam, S. China and Taiwan.
58
Rhynchospermum verticillatum Reinw. ex Blume

Asteraceae
Origin -
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Perennial herbs, rhizome very short. Stems erect, rigid, 25-100 cm tall, usually divaricately
branched in upper part, minutely puberulous. Leaves 5-15×2.5-4 cm, shallowly undulate-
toothed on upper half, short setulose on both surfaces, basal leaves withered at anthesis; lower
cauline leaves oblanceolate or oblong-oblanceolate, apex acute, base narrowed to petiole,
middle leaves many, densely arranged, lanceolate, acuminate at both ends, gradually smaller
upward. Heads 3-4 mm long, 4-5 mm across, solitary or in short racemes or panicles in
successive leaf axils. Peduncle 5-15 mm long, pubescent. Involucre broadly campanulate, ca.
2 mm long, 3-4 mm across, bracts in 3-series, subequal,scarious, oblong, obtuse, ca. 1.6 mm
long, glabrous, margins thinly membranaceous, ciliate. Ray florets many in 2 or 3 rows,
corolla ligulate, rather thick, white, 0.7-1 mm long, glandular dotted, ligules entire or bifid.
Disc florets bisexual, corolla yellowish, ca. 1 mm long, glandular dotted, limb campanulate,
5-lobed. Achenes oblanceolate-oblong, flat, 1.8-2×ca. 0.8 mm, glandular dotted. Pappus
white, capillary, bristles 1.5 mm long, early deciduous. Fl. Jul-Jan. Chromosome number, 2n
= 18 (Peng & Hsu, 1978).
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution As the genus; Malesia (Sumatra, Java, Sabah (Mt. Kinibalu)).
59
Sigesbeckia orientalis L.
Asteraceae
Origin -
Indonesian names Menyuwun, Jabung, Limpungan, Jabungan (Javanese); Nampong (Sundanese).
English names Small yellow crown beard.
Description A small composite plant or small shrub growing in hot climates. The heads are small with an
involucre of five bracts covered with very sticky glandular hairs. The secretion continues till
after the fruit is ripe and aids in its distribution, the whole head breaking off and attaching
itself to some passing animal. In China it is a common weed. The drug contains a white
crystalline body resembling salicylic acid.
Habitat Isle of Bourbon.
Uses Used by Creoles as a protective covering for wounds, burns, etc. The juice when applied to
the skin leaves a coating similar to that of collodion. Creoles call it 'Colle Colle' - Stick Stick.
In China it is used as a remedy for ague, rheumatism, and renal colic; used in Britain chiefly
as a cure for ringworm in conjunction with glycerine. Used in Mauritius Islands for syphilis,
leprosy, and various skin diseases.
Distribution (Sub) tropics of Old World, introduced in Brazil and Rumania.; Weed in the vegetable fields
in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
60
Sonchus arvensis L./ S. wightianus DC.

Asteraceae
Origin Europe & S. W. C. Asia, Eurasian / Asia.

Indonesian names Tempuyung.
English names Corn Sow Thistle, Dindle, Field Sow Thistle, Gutweed, Swine Thistle, Tree Sow
Thistle, Field Sowthistle.
Description Appearance: Perennial herbaceous plant, 2 - 5' tall erect, single stem, branches near the top
into several flower stalks. Broken stems emit a sticky milky bitter juice with a sour odor.
Leaves: Alternate, lower leaves are deeply lobed, upper leaves clasp the stem; similar to
dandelion leaves except with teeth ending in small weak prickles.
Flowers: Bright yellow up to 2" wide daisies, blooming from June through August.
Seeds: Tufted, dispersed by the wind.
Roots: Widely spreading white brittle roots penetrating five to ten feet, producing new plants
from small root pieces.
Habitat Spreads vegetatively as well as through windborn seeds. Each tiny piece of root can grow
another plant. It colonizes in cultivated fields, pastures, woodlands, roadsides and gardens.
Uses -
Distribution In the West half of Java naturalized in many places; rare in C. and E.; Introduced elsewhere.
Has spread throughout Indonesia except the Moluccas and Papua.; at dusn Lebo, Mardiredo
village, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Weed of potato
plantations Koto Baru, Kabupaten Tanah Datar, South Sumatra.; Distributed from Afganistan
through S. Asia and Indo-China to Taiwan. In Malesia it occurs in the Philippines and
Indonesia (Java).
References/Notes 1, 2, 3, 22, 30, 42, 69, 88, 129, 130.
61
Sonchus asper (L.) Hill/ S. cuspidatus BI./ S. oleraceus L. var. asper

L.
Asteraceae
Origin Europe, N. Africa & Continental Asia.

Indonesian names Jombang (Sundanese) Deligiyu (East Java).
English names Sharp-fringed Sow Thistle, Prickly Sow Thistle, Spiny Sow Thistle, or Spiny-leaved Sow
Thistle.
Description An annual plant with spinyleaves and yellow flowers resembling those of the dandelion. The
leaves are bluish-green, simple, lanceolate, with wavy and sometimes lobed margins, covered
in spines on both the margins and beneath. The base of the leaf surrounds the stem. The plant
can reach 180 cm (6 ft) in height. The leaves and stems emit a milky sap when cut. The
flowers grow in clusters and the end of the stems.
Habitat This plant is native to Europe, but is also a common weed in North American roadsides,
landscapes, and pastures.
Uses Its edible leaves make a palatable and nutritious leaf vegetable.
Distribution Introduced into Java already before 1826 and naturalized.; Cosmopolitan weeds, occuring
from the Arctic zone to the tropics.; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons
in Candi Kuning, Bali.
62
Sonchus oleraceus L./ S. sundaicus BI.

Asteraceae
Origin Europe, N. Africa & Continental Asia.

Indonesian names Tempuyung.
English names Common sowthistle, sowthistle, annual sowthistle, common milk sowthistle, milk thistle,
milkweed, thalaak, colewort, hares lettuce, soft thistle.
Description Stems and Leaves:
The stems are a 5 angled hollow stem that is dark green (sometimes tinted with a reddish-
purple tinge). The mature plant is 30-110cm in height and arises from a deep taproot. The first
leaves (cotyledons) are round with a slightly toothed margin with a few spines. They have
sparse hairs on the upper leaf surface. The mature leaves are thin, soft and dark-green in
colour with irregularly-toothed margins ending in small, soft spines. They become
increasingly lobed with maturity. The lower stem leaves can be up to 25cm long. They have
pale white to pale purple veins on them and they form a rosette(a cluster of leaves at the base
of a plant often lying flat against the ground).
Flowers and Fruit:
The flower heads are yellow and are 5-6mm in diameter and are borne on stalks at the ends of
branches, in an irregular terminal panicle (a compound inflorescence with a main axis and
lateral branches which are further branched, and in which each axis ends in a flower or bud),
with or without hairs. The flowers tend to open primarily between the hours of 6am till 11am.
The fruit is an achene (a dry indehiscent, non opening, 1-seeded fruit) that is 2.5-4mm long
and 1mm wide, brown, 3-ribbed on each face, wrinkled with narrow margins
and compressed and obovoid in shape. The seeds are light with white parachutes of silky hairs
(pappus), the silky hairs being 5-8mm long.
Habitat Habitats include most soil types, fields, pastures, roadsides, gardens and edges of yards,
vacant lots, construction sites, and waste places.
Uses Sonchus oleraceus may have been used as a food source in the Mediterranean (Leonti et al.
2006). It is also eaten in Africa, both cooked and raw. It is also used to treat a wide variety of
infections, diseases and other medicinal uses. A few examples include use as a sedative, a
diuretic and to treat salmonella infection, anaemia, wars, eye problems, liver infections, and
as a cure for opium addiction (Grubben & Denton, 2004).
Distribution Introduced into Java already before 1826 and naturalized.; Introduced in subtropical to
temperate areas elsewhere.; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi
Kuning, Bali.
63
Sphaeranthus africanus L./ S. microcephalus Willd.

Asteraceae
Origin Africa.
Indonesian names Sembung gantung, ki heuleut (Sundanese), sembung delan, brincil (Javanese).
English names East Indian Globe Thistle.
Description Is a more or less hairy or nearly smooth, rather coarse, erect or spreading, branched herb less
than 1 meter in height. Stems and branches are prominently winged with three thin, wide,
longitudinal structures which are the extension of the leaf blades. Leaves are obovate to
oblong-obovate, 4 to 13 centimeters long, without stalks, and finely toothed at the margins.
Heads are numerous, borne in dense, rounded clusters about 1 centimeter in diameter, and
occur singly at the ends of erect, winged stalks. Flowers are greenish-white.
Habitat In open, rather damp waste places in and about towns at low and medium altitudes throughout
the Philippines.
Uses Leaves used as pot-herb. Used as anthelmintic, as powder, 2 to 4 grams, with a little molasses
or syrup. Bitter and aromatic, used for diseases of the stomach and intestines for tonic and
stimulant effect. Decoction of leaves and tops used as stomach tonic and also employed as
antiblenorrhagic. In Ayurveda, plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta epilepsy, migraine, jaundice,
fever, cough, hemorrhoids, helminthiasis, skin diseases. In Bengal, plant used as tonic,
vermifuge, and diuretic. In Indo-China, used as emollient and resolvent; applied as poultice to
any ailing body part. Juice of leaves used as gargle in inflammation of the throat.
Distribution Africa, Madagascar, India, Srilanka to China (Kwantung) and Australia, Malesia(Malay
Peninsula, Singapore, Simulue, Sumatra, Java, Lombok, Borneo, Sulawesi, Luzon, Mindoro,
Basilan).; Throughout Indonesia.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean,
Handil Manarap).
64
Sphaeranthus indicus L./ S. hirtus Willd./ S. mollis Roxb. ex DC.

Asteraceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names Sembung gantung, ki heuleut (Sundanese), sembung delan, brincil (Javanese).
English names East Indian Globe Thistle, Indian sphaeranthus.
Description East Indian globe thistle is a much branched, strongly-scented annual herb with winged stem
and the wings toothed. Alternately arranged obovate-oblong leaves are narrowed at the base,
dentate and serrate, 1-3 cm long. Flowers occur in purple spherical heads, 8-15 mm,
consisting of numerous tiny flowers. Flowers are purple and the stamens pale-
purple. Flowering: October-January.
Habitat Common rabi weed found in rice fields.
Uses According to Ayurveda, this herb is hot, laxative, digestible, tonic, fattening, alterative,
anthelmintic and alexipharmic. It is used in insanity, tuberculosis, indigestion, bronchitis,
spleen diseases, elephantiasis, anaemia, pain in uterus and vagina, piles, asthma, leucoderma,
dysentery, vomiting, hemicrania, etc.
Distribution Srilanka, India into Burma, N. Australia, Malesia (Java, Lombok, Sumatra, Sulawesi).;
Tropical Asia.; Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan, the Moluccas and Papua.; Now
spread pantropically as a weed. In Indonesia not in Kalimantan, the Moluccas and Irian Jaya.
65
Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski/ Silphium trilobatum L./ Wedelia

trilobata (L.) A. Hitchch/ Seruneum trilobatum (L.) Kuntze/
Complaya trilobata (L.) Strother/ Thelechitonia trilobata (L.) H.
Robinson & Cuatrecasas
Asteraceae

Indonesian names -
English names Singapore Daisy, Creeping-oxeye, Trailing Daisy, and Wedelia.
Description Spreading, mat-forming perennial herb up to 30 cm in height. Has rounded stems up to 40cms
long, rooting at nodes and with the flowering stems ascending. Leaves are fleshy, hairy, 4–
9 cm long and 2–5 cm wide, serrate or irregularly toothed, normally with pairs of lateral
lobes, and dark green above and lighter green below. Peduncles are 3–10 cm long; involucres
are campanulate to hemispherical, about 1 cm high; chaffy bracts are lanceolate, rigid. The
flowers are bright yellow ray florets of about 8-13 per head, rays are 6–15 mm long; disk-
corollas 4–5 mm long. The pappus is a crown of short fimbriate scales. The seeds are
tuberculate achenes, 4–5 mm long. Propagation is mostly vegetatively as seeds are usually not
fertile.
Habitat It has a very wide ecological tolerance range, but grows best in sunny areas with well-
drained, moist soil at low elevations.
Uses As an ornamental groundcover.
Distribution Now widely cultivated and escaping.
66
Spilanthes oleracea L.
Asteraceae
Origin Brazil.
Indonesian names -
English names Toothache plant, eyeball plant, peek-a-boo plant.
Description This unusual selection is quick and easy to grow. Oval shaped blooms are golden yellow with
dark burgundy-red eyes starting in mid-summer and blooming repeatedly until fall. The
handsome, dark green foliage grows as a mound reaching 12 to 18 inches in height and 12
inches wide. Some literature states that foliage can have a purple or bronze effect, but I have
not seen that coloration in the plants I have grown. Toothache plant grows best in full sun but
is reported to survive in partial shade. The plant requires average water needs - but do not
overwater. Soil should be well drained in the pH range of 6.1 to 7.5.
Habitat -
Uses In addition to its medicinal properties and ornamental value, it can also be used as a culinary
herb. If used in salads, it has a pepper-like flavor. Cooked leaves lose their strong flavor. Both
fresh and cooked leaves can be used in dishes such as stews and often combined with chilies
and garlic to add flavor.
Distribution In Java locally cultivated for medicinal purposes.
67
Spilanthes paniculata Wall. ex DC/ S. pseudo-acmella auct. non (L.)

Murr./ S. acmella auct. non (L.) Murr
Asteraceae

Indonesian names Jotang, jocong, daun getang.
English names -
Description Is an annual short-lived perennial herb, erect or prostate at the base and rooting at the nodes
where upwards often strongly branched. The leaf blade is broadly ovate to ovate-triangular
and measuring 1-12 cm x 0,5-7 cm. There are 8-14 involucral bracts in 2 rows. The peduncle
is up to 16 cm long. The flower heads are radiate or conical, and measuring 10-15 mm x 8-11
mm. The one-seeded fruit is 2-3 mm long.
Habitat Grows in drier places, such as upland field, waste places, roadsides, and riversides. In Java,
occurs up to 1200 m alt, while in Papua New Guinea up to 300 m.
Uses -
Distribution S. E. Asia, also in the Pasific. Throughout Indonesia, but not every common in Papua.; Occur
in S. America but also common weeds in SE. Asia including Papua New Guinea.
68
Struchium sparganophorum (L.) O. K./ Sparganophorus vaillantii

Crantz./ S. sparganophorum (L.) Kuntze/ Ethulia struchium Sw./
Ethulia nodiflora Lam./ Sparganophorus struchium Poir./
Sparganophorus sparganophorus (L.) Jeffrey
Asteraceae

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect herbs, commonly 40-60 cm. tall, the stems simple or much branched, stout, terete,
sparsely short-pilose or almost glabrous; leaves short-petiolate, the blades thin, mostly
oblanceolate or elliptic, 5-12 cm. long, acuminate, attenuate to the base, conspicuously or
obscurely and coarsely serrate, very sparsely and inconspicuously strigillose or glabrate,
punctate on both surfaces; heads about 50-flowered; involucres 4-5 mm. high; phyllaries
appressed, with broad, pale margins, abruptly contracted into a short, spinulose
tip; achenes oblong, 1.5-2 mm. long, the crown whitish, about half as long as the achene.
Habitat In Fiji, "a naturalized weed at elevations up to about 150 m on rocky shores of rivers, along
roadsides, and in pastures, usually in damp places" (Smith, 1991; p. 259). "Occasional on
streamsides and other wet places in central Upolu" (Whistler, 1988; 12). In Guatemala
(native), "wet thickets or forest, often a weed in banana plantations, at or little above sea
level‖.
Uses -
Distribution Since long naturalized in Java (first collection in 1875, near Jakarta) many localities in West
Java, a few in East Java; moreover in Triangle Jatiroto-Jember-Puger (East Java).; Introduced
into Tropical Africa, Comores, Madagascar, Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, New
Guinea, Fiji Island.
69
Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn./ Verbesina nodiflora L.

Asteraceae
Origin C. and South America.

Indonesian names Jotang kuda, babadotan lalaki, jukut berak kambing atau jukut gendreng (Sundanese);
bruwan, gletang warak, krasuk, atau serunen(Javanese); serta gofu makeang (Ternate).
English names Cindrella Weed, Nodeweed, Pig grass, Synedrella.
Description Stem: Usually flowers and fruits as a herb or shrub about 0.5-1 m tall.
Leaves: White appressed hairs present on the twigs, petioles and both the upper and lower
surfaces of the leaf blade. Leaf blades about 6-10 x 3-6 cm. Petiole bases form a ridge across
the twig and this ridge resembles a stipular scar.
Flowers: Flowers produced in heads about 8-10 mm long, in each head the outermost flowers
are female and the innermost flowers are male, intermediate flowers are hermaphrodite.
Anthers fused to one another but the filaments are free. Pollen yellow. Stigmas hairy.
Fruit: Fruit shape variable depending on the type of flower from which it developed. Fruits
about 4 mm long, equipped with hairy spines by which fruits adhere to clothes, etc.
Cotyledons wider than the radicle.
Seedlings: Hypocotyl pubescent, hairs short and erect. First pair of true leaves with hairs on
both the upper and lower surfaces but less frequent on the upper surface, margins
inconspicuously toothed. At the tenth leaf stage: stems, petioles and both the upper and lower
surfaces of the leafblade clothed in white appressed hairs. Ridges resembling stipular scars
usually visible across the stems between the petiole bases.
Habitat Altitudinal range from near sea level to 800 m. Usually grows as a weed of agricultural land
and waste places but also found in monsoon forest, vine thickets, and in clearings and along
roads in rain forest.
Uses -
Distribution Introduced in Java before 1888 (first collection, then numerous); at present a common weed
of cultivated grounds.; Bogor Botanic Garden,; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu
Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kp. Muara, Bogor, West Java.;
Weed in the vegetable fields in the rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; undergrowth plant
in Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.
70
Taraxacum officinale Weber ex. F. H. Wigg.

Asteraceae
Origin Europe & Continental Asia.

Indonesian names Jombang.
English names Dandelion.
Description Taraxacum officinale grows from generally unbranched taproots and produces one to more
than ten stems that are typically 5 to 40 cm tall, but sometimes up to 70 cm tall. The stems
can be tinted purplish, they are upright or lax, and produce flower heads that are held as tall or
taller than the foliage. The foliage is upright-growing or horizontally orientated; the leaves
have petioles that are either unwinged or narrowly winged. The stems can be glabrous or
sparsely covered with short hairs. Plants have milky latex and the leaves are all basal; each
flowering stem lacks bracts and has one single flower head. The yellow flower heads lack
receptacle bracts and all the flowers, which are called florets, are ligulate and bisexual. The
fruits are mostly produced by apomixis. [6]
The leaves are 5 to 45 cm long and 1 to 10 cm wide, and are oblanceolate, oblong, or obovate
in shape, with the bases gradually narrowing to the petiole. The leaf margins are typically
shallowly lobed to deeply lobed and often lacerate or toothed with sharp or dull teeth.
The calyculi (the cuplike bracts that hold the florets) are composed of 12 to 18 segments: each
segment is reflexed and sometimes glaucous. The lanceolate shaped bractlets are in two
series, with the apices acuminate in shape. The 14- to 25-mm wide involucres are green to
dark green or brownish-green, with the tips dark gray or purplish. The florets number 40 to
over 100 per head, having corollas that are yellow or orange-yellow in color.
Habitat The dandelion is a common colonizer of disturbed habitats, both from wind blown seeds and
seed germination from the seed bank.
Uses Diuretic and laxative, rheumatic problems, blood purifier, salad and stir-fries, wine, coffee.
Distribution It is now distributed almost all over the world. In the Malesian region has been introduced
and naturalized in Peninsular Malaysia, West Java and the Philippines (Benguet Province). It
is sometimes cultivated as a vegetable for medicinal aplications.
71
Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsley) A. Gray/ Mirasolia diversifolia

Hemsl./ Urbanisol targetiflora (Desf.) Kuntze (‘targetifolius’) var.
diversifolius (Hemsl.) Kuntze
Asteraceae
Origin Mexico & Cenral America/ Tropical S. America (?)

Indonesian names Harsaga, kembang mbulan (Javanese), srengenge leutik (Sundanese).
English names Tree marigold, Mexican tournesol,Mexican sunflower, Japanese sunflower or Nitobe
chrysanthemum.
Description Tithonia diversifolia is 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) in height with upright and sometimes ligneous
stalks in the form of woody shrubs. The large, showy flowers are yellow to orange colored
and 5–15 cms. wide and 10–30 cms. long. Leaves are sub-ovate, serrate, acute, 10 to 40 cms.
long, simply or mostly 3-7 lobed, somewhat glandular, and slightly grayish beneath. The
seeds are achenes, 4-angled, and 5mm long. The seeds are spread by wind.
Habitat Disturbed sites, agricultural areas, roadsides.
Uses In Japan, towards the end of the Meiji Period, they were imported as ornamental plants
although seldom cultivated there. Having a characteristic bitter taste, they were used to induce
a fever to help fight poisoning, although not used for direct medicinal purposes. They are sold
in herbal medicine markets in Taiwan. It is the provincial flower of Mae Hong Son Province,
Thailand. It is the unofficial symbol of Da Lat city, Vietnam.
Distribution Naturalized in many tropica regions.; already long before 1900 introduced in Java, in present
cultivated as an ornamental, as a hedge-plant or in order to protect taluses from erosion;
especially above 200, often running wild.; Now introduced to southern part of East Asia,
South Africa and Southeast asia and escaped.; Introduced into most tropical countries, often
naturalized.
72
Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill.) S. F. Blake/ T. targetiflora Desf.

Asteraceae
Origin C. America.
Indonesian names -
English names Red sunflower, giant Mexican sunflower, Japanese sunflower, Mexican sunflower, shrub
sunflower, tree marigold.
Description Native to Mexico and Central America, Mexican sunflower is a vigorous annual that typically
grows in a single season to 4-6‘ tall. Showy sunflowers (to 3‖ across) with orange to orange-
red rays and orange-yellow disks bloom from mid-summer to fall. Entire or lobed dark green
leaves (3-12‖ long) with hairy undersides are generally ovate to triangular in shape with
serrate to crenate margins. Good cut flower.
Habitat This species invades savanna grasslands, roadsides, degraded land and riparian zones (banks
of watercourses).
Uses Garden uses (backgrounds, screens).
Distribution Introduced as an ornamental.
73
Tridax procumbens L.
Asteraceae
Origin Tropical America/ C. America, part of S. America (Bolivia, Columbia, Peru, Venezuela).
Indonesian names Gletang, katumpang (Sundanese) gletangan, cemondelan, gobesan, londotan, orang-aring,
prepes, sangga langit, sidawala, srunen (Javanese) tar-sentaran, taroto (Madura).
English names Coat buttons and tridax daisy.
Description The plant bears daisylike yellow-centered white or yellow flowers with three-toothed ray
florets. The leaves are toothed and generally arrowhead-shaped. Its fruit is a hard achene
covered with stiff hairs and having a feathery, plumelike white pappus at one end. Calyx is
represented by scales or reduced to pappus. The plant is invasive in part because it produces
so many of these achenes, up to 1500 per plant, and each achene can catch the wind in its
pappus and be carried some distance.
Habitat This weed can be found in fields, meadows, croplands, disturbed areas, lawns, and roadsides
in areas with tropical or semi-tropical climates.
Uses Tridax procumbens is known for several potential therapeutic activities like antiviral, anti
oxidant antibiotic efficacies, wound healing activity, insecticidaland anti-inflammatory
activity. Some reports from tribal areas in India state that the leaf juice can be used to cure
fresh wounds, to stop bleeding, as a hair tonic. Despite these known benefits, it is still listed
in the United States as a Noxious Weed and regulated under the Federal Noxious Weed Act.
Distribution Long ago introduced in Java, collected there for the first time in 1875 and naturalized;
pan(sub) tropically introduced elsewhere, e. g. in Sumatera.; India and SE. Asia.; Pepper
plantations South Sulawesi.; Weed of cotton plantations Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul,
Yogyakarta).; Undergrowth plant Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East
Java.; Introduced and now naturalized in many tropical countries.
References/Notes 1, 2, 3, 11, 40,72, 80, 88, 142.
74
Verbesina alata L.
Asteraceae

Indonesian names -
English names Capitaneja.
Description 40 (60)cm, Capitaneja is a showy, fast growing annual from Puerto Rico and The Virgin
Islands. It makes glossy, dark green leaves and losely branching stalks topped by rich orange
flower discs. Easily grown in any rich, well drained soil in a sunny spot. Sow seeds in pots in
mid spring at some 20°C in a sunny spot.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In and around Bogor, locally run wild and very rarely cultivated, not really naturalized.
75
Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. var. typica J. Koster/ V. Abbreaviata DC./

V. Laxiflora Less./ V. Leptophylla DC./ V. Linifolia BI./ V. Parviflora
Reinw./ V. Zollingeriana Schult.-Bip/ Conyza cinerea L.
Asteraceae
Origin Unknown/Old World.

Indonesian names Buyung, lidah anjing, rumput ekor kuda (Melayu), maryuna, nyawon, pidak bangkong
(Javanese), leuleuncaan, mareme, rante piit, sasawi langit, sembung, capeu tuhur
(Sundanese), gofu mutiara (Ternate).
English names Little ironweed (USA); Blue Fleabane, Inflammation Bush; Strongman-Bush, Tropical
Fleabane.
Description It is an erect, slender, rarely branching annual herb that grows up to 3 cm tall. The stems are
ribbed, finely pilose and glandular. The leaves are alternate, lower ones being perioled while
the upper ones are reduced and sessile, oval or broadest about or above the middle and
taperring to each end, sgallowly toothed. They measure between 2-6 cm long; more oe less
densely and finely hairy. The heads are small, pedunculed, in open, loose corymbs; about 7
mm long, and 2,5 mm in diameter. The flowers are all tubular, rahter brigh purple, pink, or
white, about 20 in each head, twice as long as the involucral bracts. The pappus bristles while,
dentate, measuring 3-5 mm long. Te achenes are rounded, nearly ribless and measure about
1,5 mm long.
Habitat Common in waste places and road side.
Uses Considered a febrifuge, diaphoretic, alterative, diuretic, antispasmodic, alexipharmic and
anthihelmintic.
Distribution Africa, Arabia, Baluchistan, Sri Lanka, Bombay, Himalaya, Sikkim, Assam, Madras,
Bangladesh, Burma, Andaman Islands, Ceylon, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, China
(Hainan), Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines (Luzon, Mindanao), Sumatera, Borneo, Java,
Lombok, Timor, Sulawesi, Maluku, New Guinea, Polynesia, Australia.; Tropical. Throughout
Indonesia.; Young rubber plantations (3 years) South Sumatra.; sulfat acid soil and Trial
garden Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan(Banjarmasin,
Beladean, Handil Manarap), and Central Kalimantan(Unit Talas).; Weed of cotton plantations
Segayung (Kabupaten Batang, Central Java) and Kalitirto Garden (Kabupaten Sleman,
Yogyakarta).; Undergrowth plant Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, Jawa
Timur.; Pantropical weed. In Malesia, it is common throughout the region.
References/Notes 2, 3, 13, 18, 19, 31, 40, 72, 75, 112, 143, 144.
76
Spilanthes iabadicensis A. H. Moore/ S. acmella auct. non (L.) Murr.

Asteraceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Gletang, jotang kecil.
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Throughout Indonesia, except Papua.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin,
Belandean, Handil Manarap).; Occurs in S. America but also common weeds in SE. Asia
including Papua New Guinea.
77
Azolla pinnata R. Br.

Azollaceae

Indonesian names Mata lele (Javanese), kayu apu dadak, kakarewoan (Sundanese).
English names Feathered mosquitofern and water velvet.
Description This is a with a triangular frond measuring up to 2.5 centimeters in length which floats on the
water. The frond is made up of many rounded or angular overlapping leaves each 1 or 2
millimeters long. They are green, blue-green, or dark red in color and coated in tiny hairs,
giving them a velvety appearance. The hairs make the top surface of the leaf water-repellent,
keeping the plant afloat even after being pushed under. A water body may be coated in a
dense layer of the plants, which form a velvety mat that crowds out other plants.
Habitat It has the ability to survive on moist soil in and around rivers, ditches, and ponds which may
allow the plant to survive low water levels and periods of drought. (NC Aquatic Fact Sheet).
Uses Azolla is useful as a "soybean plant in rice field", because it can assimilate atmospheric
nitrogen gas owing to the nitrogen fixation by cyanobacteria (blue green alga) living in the
cavities located at the lower side of upper (dorsal) lobes of leaf. (Duke).
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia, except the Lesser Sunda island, the Moluccas and Papua.;
Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean, Handil Manarap).
78
Impatiens balsamina L./ I. Cornuta L.

Balsaminaceae
Origin India & SE. Asia.

Indonesian names Bunga pacar air, Sumatera: Lahine, paruinai, Jawa: pacar cai, pacar banyu; Kimhong
(Jakarta), Nusatenggara: pacar foya, pacar aik; Sulawesi: Tilang-gele duluku, kolendingi
unggaagu; Bunga jabelu, giabebe, gofu, laka gofu, bunga taho, ; inai anyer. (Maluku).
English names Garden balsam, garden jewelweed, rose balsam, touch-me-not.
Description It is an annual plant growing to 20–75 cm tall, with a thick, but soft stem. The leaves are
spirally-arranged, 2.5–9 cm long and 1–2.5 cm broad, with a deeply toothed margin. The
flowers are red, pink, purple, or white, and 2.5–5 cm diameter; they are pollinated by bees
and other insects, and also by nectar-feeding birds. The ripe seed capsules undergo explosive
dehiscence.
Habitat Waste places in and around villages. Cultivated Beds.
Uses Antibiotic, cancer, cathartic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, poultice, tonics, warts.
Distribution In Java often cultivated, and sometimes naturalized.; It is widely cultivated and often
naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions. Throughout SE. Asia it is commonly grown in
gardens.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten
Bogor, West Java.
79
Millingtonia hortensis L.f.

Bignoniaceae
Origin Burma.
Indonesian names -
English names Indian Cork Tree.
Description It is a fine tree, fast growing, but with brittle wood, liable to be damaged by storms. In
favourable positions it can grow to 24 m tall. The ashy bark is cracked and furrowed and the
numerous fissures make removal of the cork an easy matter. It is used as an inferior substitute
for true cork. From April until the rains and again in November and December, a profusion of
silvery-white, delightfully fragrant flowers crown the foliage. Upright open clusters with
arching blooms terminate every branchlet. Each flower is a tiny bell-shaped calyx, a long
slender tube of palest green dividing into four waxy, white petals and several conspicuous
yellow anthered stamens. Many flowers are delicately tinted with rose. As the flowers are
short-lived, the flower sprays mostly consist largely of long whitish buds, while the ground
below is spangled with innumerable little stars. Between January and March the leaves are
shed and renewed during April and May, although the tree is never quite naked. The long
leaves bear two or three widely spaced pinnae, each with five or seven smooth leaflets, oval,
pointed and slightly round-toothed. Each is from 2.5 to 7.5 cm. long. Sometimes the lower
pinnae, are again divided and bear one pair of three leaved pinnae, one or two pairs of leaflets
and one leaflet at the end. The fruit is very long and narrow, pointed at both ends and contains
thin flat seeds.
Habitat -
Uses Ornamental plant, The flowers can be rolled liked tobacco for smoking as a treatment for
throat ailments, and the extract of the leaves has good antimicrobial activity. Used as tea, its
dried flowers make a good lung tonic.
Distribution Naturalized in Java. Locally planted in parks and along roads; sometimes seemingly wild.
80
Heliotropium curassavicum L.
Boraginaceae
Origin Coastal areas of S. America.

Indonesian names -
English names Seaside Heliotrope, Salt Heliotrope, Monkey Tail, Quail Plant and "Chinese parsley".
Description This is a perennial herb which can take the form of a prostrate creeper along the ground to a
somewhat erect shrub approaching 0.5 m (1.6 ft) in height. The stem and foliage are fleshy,
with the leaves thick and oval or spade-shaped. The plentiful inflorescences are curled,
coiling double rows of small bell-shaped flowers. Each flower is white with five rounded
lobes and a purple or yellow throat. The fruit is a smooth nutlet.
Habitat Agricultural areas, coastland, estuarine habitats, range/grasslands, ruderal/disturbed.
Uses Medicines.
Distribution Many years ago in Bogor Botanic Garden on soil of Peruvian origin.; In Malesia ocasionally
occuring as a weed in Java and the Philippines.
81
Heliotropium indicum L.
Boraginaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Sangketan, Gajahan, langun, uler-uleran, sangketan, cocok bero, Tlale gajah, tulale gajah
(Javanese), Bandotan lombok,; Buntut tikus, ekor anjing, tusuk konde (Sumatera).
English names Indian heliotrope, Indian turnsole, Erysipela plant.
Description Terrestrial, annual, erect herb, up to 75 cm tall. Taproot white or brown. Stems erect,
grooved, hollow, hairy. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, alternate, spiral,
or sometimes basal ones opposite, stalked, ovate, more than 2 cm long/wide, hairy, scabrous,
margin entire, apex acute, base obtuse or rounded, pinnately veined. Flowers bisexual,
grouped together in a many-flowered, terminal, elongated cyme, blue with a orange throat,
petals 5, fused. Fruit nut-like.
Habitat Waste places and settled areas.
Uses In fusion of the leaves and young shoots are used to treat nettle rash. Infusion of the flowers
taken in small doses regulates menstruation, where large doses are abortive. Decoction of the
leaves are used as a vermifuge. Juice of the leaves is antiseptic and anti-inflammation and
applied to wounds, sores, boils, gum-boils and pimples on the face. Boiled with castor oil, it
is applied to scorption bites. It is also employed locally in nophthalmia, when the cornea is
inflamed or excoriated.
Distribution Throughout Indonesia, except Papua and the Moluccas.; Weed of cabbage plantations
Cibungbulang, Bogor.
82
Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern/ R. Atrovirens (Hornem.) Ohwi & Hara/ R.

Sinapsis (Burm.f.) Ohwi & Hara/Nasturtium indica (L.) DC.
Brassicaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Indian Field-Cress, variableleaf yellowcress, yellow cress.
Description Indian Field-Cress is a perennial herb with short rhizomes. Stem is erect or sometimes rising,
usually branching below, angled. Basal and lower leaves are stalked, elliptical to
lanceshaped-oblong, pinnately cut or irregularly toothed, up to 15 cm long and 4 cm wide.
Upper leaves are shortly stalked or stalkless, lanceshaped, irregularly toothed, pointed, base
sometimes eared. Inflorescence is a corymb, elongating later. Flowers are approximately 3-5
mm in diameter, bright yellow. Flower stalk is 2-3 mm long, perianth double, segments free.
Sepals are 2-3 mm long, elliptical-oblong, spreading. Petals are 3-4 mm long, usually longer
than sepals, bright yellow, spoon-shaped, stamens 6. Fruit is a narrow elongated seed capsule,
15-25 cm long, 1-1.5 mm wide, narrowly linear, slightly curved.
Habitat Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds.
Uses Vegetable and medicines.
Distribution Asia, Africa. Throughout Indonesia.; Weed in the vegetable fileds in the dry and rainy
seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
83
Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau/ Alisma flava L./ L. emarginata

Kunth./ L. plumieri Richard
Butomacea (Limnocharitaceae)
Origin Tropical America Amerika Selatan/ Tropical & subtropical America.

Indonesian names Genjer, paku rawan.
English names Yellow Sawah Lettuce, Yellow Burr Head or Yellow Velvetleaf.
Description It is a roughly 50 cm tall plant growing in clumps. Its triangular-shaped leaves and hollow
stems are glabrous. Its inflorescences have a very characteristic shape, producing three-lobed
yellow flowers about 1.5 cm in diameter. The fruits are spherical. Although it is not a floating
plant, its seeds are carried away by currents.
Habitat Yellow Burr Heads grow generally wherever there is not very deep stagnant fresh water, in
swampy areas. It sometimes invades rice fields where it can become a weed. As an invasive
species it has become a pest in some wetlands in other parts of the world.
Uses Food.
Distribution In 1870 collected in Java for the first time as a wildgrowingplant near Mesteer Cornelis
(Jakarta) but possibly introduced long before that time at present copiously naturalized in the
W. half of the island, much less in the E. half, not yet found in Madura; SE. Asia. Has spread
throughout Indonesia, except the Moluccas and Papua.; - West Java (Bogor, Jakarta, Ciampea
(Bogor), Cibodas.; (Cianjur), Bandung, Rangkasbitung, Malingping, Sajiran, Klapa Nunggal,
G. Guntur, Jasinga, Sukabumi, Purwakarta, J. Sembung, Cirebon, Cicurug, Kiara Tanjung,
Rarahan Darmaga).; Central Java (Banyumas, Pekalongan, Rawabening, Purwokerto,
Wonosobo, Kedu).; East Java (Jember, Situbondo, Pasuruan); Lampung (Teluk Betung,
Lampung, Danau Ranau); North Sumatra (Danau Toba, Serdang, Sibolangit, Samosir, Medan,
Karo, Asahan); West Sumatra (Kerinci, Padang Panjang); Bengkulu; South Sumatra (Plaju);
DI Aceh (G. Leuseur); South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).; East Kalimantan (Samarinda);
South Sulawesi (Danau Tempe).; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai,
Handil Manarap, Kertak Hanyar, Sungai Tabuk).; It was introduced into SE. Asia more than
century ago. Now it occurs naturalized in Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka.
References/Notes 1, 3, 12, 31, 69, 88, 158, 159.
84
Bauhinia purpurea L. var purpurea

Caesalpiniaceae
Origin Continental Asia.

Indonesian names Bunga kupu-kupu.
English names Butterfly tree, Pink butterfly tree, Purple bauhinia, Purple butterfly tree, Purple orchid tree.
Description Bauhinia purpurea is a small to medium-size deciduous tree growing to 17 ft tall. The leaves
are 10–20 cm long and broad, rounded, and bilobed at the base and apex. The flowers are
conspicuous, pink, and fragrant, with five petals. The fruit is a pod 30 cm long, containing 12
to 16 seeds.Have long seeds as pea .leaves are alternate.
Habitat -
Uses Bauhinia purpurea is used in several traditional medicine systems to treat various diseases.
Distribution In Java often cultivated as an ornamental, and locally (i.a. near Songgoriti, East Java, ± 1000
m alt.) ± run wild.
85
Cassia bicapsularis L.
Caesalpiniaceae
Origin America.
Indonesian names -
English names Rambling Senna (formerly "cassia"), Christmas Bush, Money Bush, and Yellow Candlewood.
Description It is a shrub growing to 3.5 m tall. The leaves are 2.5–9 cm long, pinnate, with six to eight
leaflets; the leaflets are 1.6–4.5 cm long and 1.1–2.3 cm broad. The flowers are produced a
few together on short racemes, the individual flowers yellow, 12–16 mm long.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In West Java and Central, Java here and there cultivated as an ornamental, locally run wild.
86
Cassia siamea Lmk/ C. florida Vahl/ Senna siamea (Lamk) Irwin &
Barneby/ Senna sumatrana (Robx. ex Hornem.) Roxb.
Caesalpiniaceae
Origin SE. Asia.

Indonesian names Javanese : Juwar (Sundanese,Betawi); Johar (Jateng, Banyuwangi); Sumatera : Bujuk,
dulang; Johor (Melayu).
English names -
Description Siamese Cassia is a small to medium sized tree, up to 15-20 m tall, with a short bole and low
branching high crown. Leaves pinnate, alternate, rachis 25-30 cm long, with a marked furrow,
8-13 pairs of leaflets of different size. Leaflets oblong, rounded at the base and at the apex,
slightly retuse. Upper side dark green and shining, underside dull-green, shortly haired.
Flowers yellow, up to 3.5 cm long, in dense racemes at the end of the shoots, and in their
axils. Racemes 15-30 cm long. Glabrous, brown, slightly curved pods in dense clusters, up to
25 cm long with ca 20 seeds in each. Originates in India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and
Malaysia.
Habitat The plant grows exclusively in forests in tropical South-East Asia and in Thailand they are
found mainly in low-lying (sea level) regions.
Uses Leaves:Treatment of diabetes, disturbances in the association of the element Fire (Asian view
of bodily functions), Bubo (lymph node swelling), urine stones, general deficiency
conditions, Beri Beri (Singhalese: great weakness), classic deficiency of avitaminose by lack
of vitamin B1 (thiamine) in gastrointestinal disorders - malabsorption - meals taken with
polished rice etc., antihypertensive, insomnia (sleeplessness), against dysentery and disorders
of the large intestine.
Distribution In Java and Madura., 1-1000 m alt., often planted (mostly as a road-side tree), and not rarely
± running wild, but not truly naturalized.; Kecamatan Jumantono, Kabupaten Karang Anyar,
Surakarta.; It is widely planted throughout the tropics and is locally naturalized.
87
Parkinsonia aculeata L.
Caesalpiniaceae
Origin America.
Indonesian names -
English names Retama, Paloverde, Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem thorn, Lluvia de Oro.
Description Parkinsonia aculeata may be a spiny shrub or a small tree. It grows 2 to 8 m (6.6 to 26 ft)
high, with a maximum height of 10 metres (33 ft). Palo verde may have single or multiple
stems and many branches with pendulous leaves. The leaves and stems are hairless. The
leaves are alternate and pennate (15 to 20 cm long). The flattened petiole is edged by two
rows of 25–30 tiny oval leaflets; the leaflets are soondeciduous in dry weather (and during the
winter in some areas) leaving the green petioles and branches tophotosynthesize.
The branches grow double or triple sharp spines 7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 in) long at the axils of
the leaves. The flowers are yellow- orange and fragrant, 20 mm (0.79 in) in diameter,
growing from a long slender stalk in groups of eight to ten. They have five sepals and five
petals, four of them clearer and rhomboid ovate, the fifth elongated, with a warmer yellow
and purple spots at the base. The flowering period is the middle months of spring(March&
April or September & October). The flowers are pollinated by bees. The fruit is aseedpod,
leathery in appearance, light brown when mature.
Habitat Parkinsonia aculeata has a high tolerance to drought, simply attaining shorter stature. In
moist and humus-rich environments it becomes a taller, spreading shade tree. This plant
prefers a full sun exposure, but can grow on a wide range of dry soils (sand dunes, clay,
alkaline and chalky soils,etc.), at an altitude of 0–1,500 metres (0–4,900 ft) above sea level.
Uses -
Distribution In Central and East Java in the plains cultivated as an ornamental, and locally run wild.
88
Senna pendula (Willd.) Irwin & Barneby/ Cassia celutoides Collad./

Cassia chrysocoma De Not/ Cassia reindwartii Hassk./ Cassia
indecora Humb.
Caesalpiniaceae
Origin America.
Indonesian names -
English names Cassia, senna.
Description Spreading shrub to 3 m high. Leaves 4–8 cm long; gland 1, between 2 lowest leaflets, erect;
leaflets 3–6 pairs, broad-oblanceolate to obovate, the largest 20–50 mm long, 10–15 mm
wide; petiole 20–40 mm long. Peduncles 3–4 cm long; pedicels 20–25 mm long. Fertile
stamens 6 or 7; 3 largest anthers to 8 mm long, 2 longest filaments 15 mm long, central lower
filament 4 mm long; 2 of 3 lower stamens with long C-curved filaments almost at right angles
to the plane of floral symmetry. Pods cylindrical, 10–14 cm long, 8–12 mm diam., straw-
coloured.
Habitat -
Uses Ornamental plant.
Distribution Perhaps locally cultivated in Java.; Tropical and subtropical S. America; elsewhere occuring
as a weed; very rare in Malesia.
References/Notes 1, 4b, 109, 111.
89
Cleome aculeata L.
Cappareaceae
Origin Suriname.
Indonesian names -
English names Prickly Spider Flower.
Description Stem: Erect annual herb up to 50 cm tall, with prickles on stem.
Leaves: Leaves mostly trifoliolate with simple leaves or bracts produced below each flower.
Leaflet blades 48-85 x 28-45 mm, leaflet stalks nil or 2-3 mm long. Stipules spiny, curved, 1-
3 mm long.
Flowers: Pedicels 20-30 mm long, flowers 10-12 mm diam. Calyx lobes about 3 mm long.
Corolla lobes 6-7 mm long, clawed, i.e. stalked. Anthers about 2 mm long, filaments about 4
mm long. Pollen yellow. Stamens and ovary seated on a green disk. Ovary about 2 mm long.
Stigma sessile. Ovules numerous on each placenta.
Fruit: Fruits about 4-6 mm long. Seeds numerous in each fruit, each seed about 2 mm diam.,
coiled like a snail and transversely ribbed but not extending completely across the seed.
Funicle white.
Habitat Altitudinal range 10-200 m. Usually grows in openings in rainforest, mixed forest and
Eucalypt forest also in various types of woodland and creek beds.
Uses -
Distribution In West Java locally in Bogor and Cianjur, run wild.
90
Cleome chelidonii L.f./ Polanisia angulata DC./

Polanisia chelidonii (L.f.) DC.
Cappareaceae
Origin India, Burma, perhaps also Java.

Indonesian names -
English names Celandine Spider Flower .
Description Celandine Spider frower is a herb, growing up to 50 cm tall. Leaves are 1- or 3-foliate at the
top and 5- or 7-foliate at the base. Leaflets are obovate, middle one 2-3 cm long, 0.5-1.5 cm
wide, lateral ones 0.8-1 cm long. Flowers have 4 rose colored petals, and big mass of over
100 stamens in the center. Capsule is hairless.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution India, Burma, Central and East Java.
References/Notes 3.
91
Cleome rutidosperma DC./ C. ciliata Schum. & Thonn.

Cappareaceae
Origin W. Tropical Africa from Giunea to Angola.

Indonesian names Maman (Madura), Mamam (Javanese).
English names Fringed spider-flower.
Description Terrestrial, annular, erect or tufted herb, up to 100 cm tall. Taproots white or brown. Stem
erect, quadrangular, solid, hairy. Leaves compound, tri-foliolate, alternate spiral, stalked,
margin entire, leaflets lanceolate to elliptic, hairy on both sides, apex acute, base
acute,pinnately veined. Flowers bisexual, solitary, stalked, pink, blue, or purple, petals 4, free.
Fruits a capsule opening with 2 valves.
Habitat Lowland ruderal. Rainfed and upland rice fields.
Uses Squeezed juice of leaves is used as eye drop and seeds are mixed with tobacco to make it
strong in Sumatra. Young leaves are boiled as food and the roots are used as a vermifuge.
Distribution As early as 1920 collected in surrounding of Medan (N. Sumatra); in 1945 discovered in Java
(Tanjung Priuk, W; ± 1).; Introduced in the Caribbean area; first recorded in 1920 near
Medan (N. Sumatra); in Singapore in 1946; in Java (near Jakarta in harbour yard) in 1958; in
1946 found in Thailand, in 1948 in Burma; spreading quickly in Indonesia.; Oil palm
plantations (4 years) in South Sumatra.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Oil palm plantations in
Medan, North Sumatra.; Bandar Lampung.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).;
Weed of chili plantations Cibungbulang, Bogor.
References/Notes 1, 3, 13, 21, 24, 26, 31, 44, 91.
92
Cleome speciosa Rafin./ Gynandropsis speciosa DC.

Cappareaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Showy Spider Flower, Volantines Preciosos.
Description It is an annual herb, growing up to 1.5 m in height, with hairless stem and leaves. Leaves are
palmately compound, alternately arranged, elliptic leaflets 2-16 cm long. It can flower
anytime after maturity. Flowers are many, borne in an erect, showy raceme, at the end of the
stem. Each flower is subtended by a small leaf-like bract. Flower has 4 free, inverted-lance
shaped, pink to white petals, 2.8-3.8 cm long. Flowers have 6 stamens, on filaments that are
3-6 cm long! Fruit is a linear capsule up to 8 cm long, on a long stalk. The plant is propagated
by seed.
Habitat A tolerant ruderal plant on arable land; along roadsides, refuse heaps, coconut grooves; often
in great quantities. Prefers sunny, lighter soil, both under seasonally dry and under ever-wet
conditions; sometimes on sandy or calcareous soils. In E. Java it is typical on recently formed,
veryporous and light volcanic soil. Near the coast or in savannahs, up to 500 m alt. (mostly
lower).
Uses The sap of leaves mixed with water or milk is applied to the eye in Java. The whole herb is
rubbed on the body against rheumatism. The seeds contain an appreciable quantity of
alkaloids. Leaf decoction is used for eyesore. In Sumatra the seeds are added to tobacco to
enhance narcotic quality. In Australia, the aerial parts are used for respiratory tract infections
and infected wounds. In the USA it is a noxious weed.
Distribution From Tropical Africa and S. Arabia to Tropical Australia. Throughout Indonesia.
93
Cleome viscosa L./ C. icosandra L./ Polanisia icosandra (L.) W. & A./
P. Viscosa (L.) DC.
Cappareaceae
Origin Old World.

Indonesian names -
English names Sticky spider-flower.
Description Terrestrial, annual, erect, aromatic (fetid smell) herb, up to 120 cm tall. Taproots white or
brown. Stem erect, rounded, solid, (glandular) hairy. Stipules absent. Leaves compound,
trifoliolate, alternate spiral, stalked, leaflets elliptic, (glandular) hairy on both side, margin
entire,apex acute, base acute, pinnately veined. Flowers bisexual, single, axillary, stalked,
yellow, petals 4, free. Fruits a capsule, opening by two valves.
Habitat A tolerant ruderal plant on arable land; along roadsides, refuse heaps, coconut grooves; often
in great quantities. Prefers sunny, lighter soil, both under seasonally dry and under ever-wet
conditions; sometimes on sandy or calcareous soils. In E. Java it is typical on recently formed,
veryporous and light volcanic soil. Near the coast or in savannahs, up to 500 m alt. (mostly
lower).
Uses The sap of leaves mixed with water or milk is applied to the eye in Java. The whole herb is
rubbed on the body against rheumatism. The seeds contain an appreciable quantity of
alkaloids. Leaf decoction is used for eyesore. In Sumatra the seeds are added to tobacco to
enhance narcotic quality. In Australia, the aerial parts are used for respiratory tract infections
and infected wounds. In the USA it is a noxious weed.
Distribution From Tropical Africa and S. Arabia to Tropical Australia. Throughout Indonesia.
94
Cerastium glomeratum Thuill.

Caryophyllaceae
Origin Europe.
Indonesian names -
English names Sticky mouse-ear chickweed and clammy chickweed.
Description This is an annual herb growing from a slender taproot. It produces a branched, hairy stem up
to 40 or 45 centimeters tall. The hairy leaves are up to 2 or 3 centimeters long. The
inflorescence bears as few as 3 or as many as 50 small flowers. The flower has five hairy
green sepals which are occasionally red-tipped, and five white two-lobed petals which are a
few millimeters long and generally shorter than the sepals. Some flowers lack petals. The fruit
is a capsule less than a centimeter long which is tipped with ten tiny teeth.
Habitat Fields, pastures, prairies, open woods, roadsides, railroads.
Uses -
Distribution Run wild from Gede (West Java) to Tengger (East Java); 1250-2600 m alt.
95
Cerastium holosteoides Fries

Caryophyllaceae
Origin Europe & Continental Asia.

Indonesian names -
English names Common Mouse-Ear Chickweed.
Description Cerastium holosteoides is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower
from Apr to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)
and are pollinated by Flies, self.The plant is self-fertile.
Uses -
Distribution Run wild on Gede-Pangrango (West Java).
96
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd ex R. & S./ D. Diandra BI.

Caryophyllaceae
Origin America.
Indonesian names Cirempas bidek (Batak), piti-piti (Makasar), jukut ibun (Sundanese); angleng, katingan, randa
nunut, selaton, cebungan, cemplonan(Javanese); rekere nindu (Madura).
English names Tropical chickweed.
Description Spreading annual herb to 20 cm high. Stems angular, hairless to glandular hairy, often rooting
at nodes. Leaves 5–25 mm long, 5–30 mm wide on a stalk 2–15 mm long. Fruit 1.5–2.5 mm
long, opening by 3 valves. Seeds 1–1.5 mm wide, red brown, with tiny wart-like projections.
Habitat Grows wild on road side.
Uses The pounded leaf is applied to snake bites in China. The plant is appetizer, depurative,
emollient, febrifuge, laxative and stimulant. The juice of the plant is used. Tropical
Chickweed is widely used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of diverse
ailments including painful and febrile conditions.
Distribution Naturalized in Java.; Coffee and clove plantations in South Sulawesi.; Dusun Lebo, desa
Madiredo, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu
Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed of potato plantations Koto
Baru Kabupaten Tanah Datar, South Sumatra.
97
Drymaria villosa Cham. & Schlecht./ D. hirsuta Auct. Non Bartl. ex

Presl
Caryophyllaceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Slender herb, erect or prostrate and rooting at the base, 5-40 cm long.Stem hairy or sparsely
hairy, or glabrous, nodes on each sides with 2 or 3 hair-like appendages. Leaves opposite,
shor-t stalked, broadly ovate to reniform, 3-12 x 4-18 mm, both surface hairy when young,
sparsely hairy to glabrous when old. Inflorescence in terminal and axillary cymes, in 1-2
times forked cymes, followed by cincinnous long and thin branches; pedicels up to 9 mm
long; Sepal 5, free, glabrous. Petal 5, deeply 2-lobed to almost 2-partite, as long as or longer
than the sepals, at the base with small ears, white; stamen 3-5; style divided into three about
half way. Fruit a 12-23 seeded capsule, opening with three valves, when ripe persisting until
after shedding of the seeds. Seedsmore or less circular in outline, flattened, warty.
Habitat Arable land, road-and watersides, road banks, gardens, river sides; Upland rice fields, tea,
cinchona coffee and sugarcane plantations.
Uses It is used as fodder and honey.
Distribution Naturalized in Java.; Pantropical. Introduced to Java before 1910; has spread to the rest of
Indonesia except Kalimantan and the Mollucas as far as known.; Weed in the vegetable fields
in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
98
Silene gallica L.
Caryophyllaceae
Origin Europe.
Indonesian names -
English names Catchfly, small-flowered catchfly, and windmill pink.
Description It is native to Eurasia and North Africa, but it can be found throughout much of the temperate
world as a common roadsideweed. It is an annual herb growing up to 40 or 45 centimeters
tall, its branching stem coated in long, curling hairs and shorter, glandular hairs. The lance-
shaped leaves are up to 3.5 centimeters long low on the plant, and smaller on the upper parts.
Flowers occur in a terminal inflorescence at the top of the stem, and some appear in the leaf
axils. Each flower has a tubular calyx of fused sepals lined with ten green or purple-red veins.
It is coated in long hairs. It is open at the tip, revealing five white, pink or bicolored petals,
each with a small appendage at the base.
Habitat Roadside.
Uses Emollient, ophthalmic.
Distribution In Java once found subspontaneous on Hyang plateau (East Java).
99
Spergula arvensis L.
Caryophyllaceae
Origin Europe.
Indonesian names Damar waja.
English names Corn Spurrey.
Description Spergula arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The flowers are hermaphrodite
(have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Flies, self.The plant is self-fertile.
Uses Diuretic.
Distribution In East-half of Java, run wild in many places.
100
Stellaria media (L.) Vill.

Caryophyllaceae
Origin Europe.
Indonesian names -
English names Chickweed.
Description Stellaria media is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is not frost
tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Jan to December, and the seeds ripen from Jan
to December. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are
pollinated by Bees, flies, self.The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Uses Antirheumatic, astringent, carminative, demulcent, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue,
expectorant, galactogogue, laxative, ophthalmic, poultice, refrigerant, TB, vulnerary.
Distribution Naturalized in Java.; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi
Kuning, Bali.
101
Vaccaria pyramidata Med.

Caryophyllaceae
Origin Europe.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java near Bogor (250 m alt.) once found as weed among sowings of America origin.
References/Notes 1.
102
Chenopodium ambrosioides L.
Chenopodiaceae
Origin America/ C. & S. America.

Indonesian names -
English names Mexican tea, worm seed, worm grass, goosefoot (USA).
Description Chenopodium ambrosioides is an herb that grows to a height of 40cm. The leaves are oval (up
to 4cm long and 1cm wide) and toothed. The flowers are small and green, and the seeds are
very small and green when fresh and black when dry. The plant has a very strong odor. Seeds
can be purchased through seed catalogues.
Habitat -
Uses Amebicide – Trinidad; Analgesic – China; Anemia – Colombia; Arthritis – China; Asthma --
Dominican Republic, Panama, Trinidad, and Turkey; Bite(Bug) – China; Dysentery --
Panama and Trinidad; Fungicide – Trinidad; Narcotic -- U.S.; Nerves -- Mexico, Turkey, and
U.S.; Stimulant -- Trinidad and Turkey; Stomach (ache) and/or colic -- Brazil, Chile, China,
Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Turkey, and Venezuela; Vermifuge --
Bahamas, Brazil, China, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Panama, Spain,
Trinidad, Turkey, U.S., and Venezuela
Distribution In Java locally naturalized in West and East Java.; It has been introduced in Europe, Africa,
Asia, and Australia. In the Malesian regions in Java, Sulawesi and the Philippines, and has
occasionally been found in Papua New Guinea. Its cultivation Java for medicinal purposes
was abandoned because it was unprofitable. It is still cultivated in The Philippines.
103
Commelina benghalensis L.
Commelinaceae

Indonesian names Gewor.
English names Benghal dayflower, blue commelina, dayflower, Indian dayflower, tropical spiderwort,
wandering-jew (English-United States).
Description Commelina benghalensis can be an annual or perennial herb. Leaves are ovate to lancolate,
2.5-7.5cm long, 1.5-4cm wide, with parallel veination, entire leaf margins, and pubescence on
top and bottom. The leaf sheath is covered in red and sometimes white hairs at the apex which
is a primary identification factor for this species. Stems can be erect or crawling along the
ground rooting at the nodes or climbing if supported, 10-30cm in height, 20-90cm in length,
covered in a fine pubescence and dichotomously branched. Flowers are produced in spathes
often found in clusters, funnel shaped, fused by two sides, 10-20 mm long, 10-15 mm wide,
on peduncles 1-3.5 mm in length. Aerial flowers are staminate, perfect, and chasmogamous
with 3 petals 3-4 mm long. The upper two flower petals are blue to lilac in color, with the
lower petal lighter in color or white and much less prominent. Seeds are rectangular, 1.6-3
mm in length, 1.3-1.8 mm wide, brown to black in color, and have a netted appearance.
Habitat Agricultural areas, ruderal/disturbed. Commelina benghalensis is often found on disturbed
sites, forest edges, road sides, agricultural sites, and home gardens. Vegetation and flower
growth are optimal between 30-35 degrees Celsius but can grow between 20-40 degrees
Celsius.
Uses In Africa and India the leaves and stems of Commelina benghalensis are chopped and cooked
as vegetables and used as feed for livestock. Different components of C. benghalensis are also
used as a medicinal for ailments such as sore feet, sore throat, burns, eye irritation, thrush in
infants, and stomach irritation. In southern Africa, C. benghalensis is used to combat
infertility.
Distribution Pantropical and subtropical.; Oil palm (4 years) plantations and onion plantations in South
Sumatra.; Kalianda, Lampung Selatan.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung Tugu Utara,
Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.
References/Notes 3, 13, 20, 30, 31,34, 104, 152, 153.
104
Commelina difusa Burm. f.

Commelinaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Aur-aur.
English names Climbing dayflower or spreading dayflower.
Description Commelina diffusa is typically an annual herb, though it may be perennial in the tropics. It
spreads diffusely, creeping along the ground, branching heavily and rooting at the nodes,
obtaining stem lengths up to 1 metre. The leaf blades are relatively variable, ranging from
lanceolate to ovate, with proximal leaves tending to be more oblong. They measure 3 to 12
cm in length by 0.8 to 3 cm in width. North American populations tend to have smaller leaf
size, typically measuring 1.5 to 5 cm, by 0.5 by 1.8 cm. The leaf apex is acute to acuminate.
The leaf surface can be either glabrous (i.e. hairless) or hispid (i.e. bristly). The leaves are
subsessile (i.e. having a very small petiole) with a leaf sheath striped with red and covered
with hispid pubescence.
The flowers are arranged into cincinni (singular: cincinnus), or scorpioid cymes. This is a
form of a monochasium where the lateral branches arise alternately on opposite sides of the
false axis. There are typically two cincinni present, with the lower cincinnus bearing 2 to 4
flowers, while the upper cincinnus has one to several flowers. The upper cincinnus is
generally exerted on specimens with larger spathes, but it may be included in specimens with
smaller spathes. The upper cincinnus bears only male flowers and has a longer peduncle,
while the lower cincinnus bears bisexual flowers on a shorter peduncle. The pedicels
supporting single flowers, and later the fruits, are thick and curved and measure about 3 to 5
mm. The membranoussepals are inconspicuous at only 3 to 4 mm in length. The petals are
blue, though may be lavender in rare cases. The upper two petals measure 4.2 to 6 mm. The
anther connective (i.e. the tissue connecting the two halves of the anther) of the centre-most
stamen has a broad transverse band of violet. The spathes are solitary, borne on a peduncle
and typically falcate (i.e. sickle-shaped) with a cordate (i.e. heart-shaped) to rounded base,
acuminate apices and can be either glabrous or hispidulous (i.e. minutely hispid) beneath.
They usually measure 0.8 to 2.5 cm long, but may be as short as 0.5 cm and as long as 4 cm.
They are typically 0.4 by 1.2 cm wide, but may be up to 1.4 cm long. Their peduncles are
usually 0.5 to 2 cm long and rarely up to 2.9 cm. Flowering occurs from May to November.
The fruit is a capsule which has three locules and 2 valves. It measures 4 to 6.3 mm long by 3
to 4 mm wide, though it may be as narrow as 2.1 mm. They contain five brown seeds that are
2 to 2.8, rarely up to 3.2 mm long, by 1.4 to 1.8 mm wide. They are deeply reticulate (i.e. net-
like). The chromosome number is 2n = 30.
105
Habitat In China it can be found from sea level up to 2100 metres, and is typically associated with
forests, thickets, stream banks and other open and humid habitats. In the West Indies it is a
commonweed that is especially associated with roadsides, moist ditches and waste places and
it can be found from sea level to 1050 metres. In the United States it is also typical of
disturbed locations, such as gardens, cultivated areas and lawns, but can also be found in
woods and other moist situations.
Uses Within China, Commelina diffusa is used as a medicinal herb with febrifugal and diuretic
effects. A dye is also obtained from the juice of the petals for use in painting.
Within Hawaii, "honohono grass" was used as medicine to aid with deep cuts. While other
Hawaiian herbs just get superficial cuts, honohono grass is an herb to aid with deeper
troubling issues.
Distribution Pantropical, also subtropical.; Young rubber plantations (3 years) and oil palm plantations (4
years) in South Sumatra.; Kalianda, Lampung Selatan.; Dusun Lebo, desa Madiredo,
kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean, Handil Manarap).; Weed in the vegetable fields in the
dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali
106
Cyanotis axillaris (L.) Sweet/ Commelia axilliaris L./ Tradescantia

axillaris L./ Amischophacelus axilliaris (L.) Rolla Rao & Kammathy
Commelinaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Rumput pait (Melayu), paitan (Javanese), jukut pait (Sundanese).
English names Spreading dayflower.
Description Terrestrial, annual, prostrate herb, up to 70 cm long, rooting at nodes. Roots fibrous, white or
brown. Stem rounded, solid, glabrous, succulent. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, not divided
or lobed, alternate, spiral, sessile, glabrous on both sides, margin entire, apex acute, base
clasping, parallel-veined, with close secondary veins, leaf sheath present, rounded in cross
section, hairy. Flowers bisexual, in axillary or terminal inflorescences, covered by a spathe,
single or few, sessile, blue, petals 3, connate. Fruit a capsule, opening with 3 valves.
Habitat Humid meadows, shallow ditches and borders, humid parts of teak forest, old brick walls,
more common in areas with a longer dry season. Occurs from 10-250 m alt. Flowers from
July to December in Java; flowers open only once for a few hours.
Uses This species is used to treat boils and ascites. A plant is decoction of the whole plant is
reportedly used in swellings above the abdomen. Another species, Cyanotis vaga (common
Cyanotis), is used for rheumatisms and joint pains. The plant is used as food for pigs.
Distribution Pantropical.; From India and Sri Lanka to China, and throughout SE. Asia to Australia.
107
Cyanotis cristata (l.) D. Don

Commelinaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Djeworan.
English names -
Description Nabhali is a prostrate herb with erect or ascending branches, 15-30 cm long, which are
smooth or slightly hairy with subspreading hairs. Leaves ovate to oblong, sessile, distant,
acute to subobtuse, entire, 5-10 cm long, 1-1.5 cm broad. Flowers blue, usually in terminal
clusters subtended by ovate-falcate, 1.5 cm long, acute, folded spathes. Capsules 3-4 mm
long, trigonous, obtuse, membranous, nearly glabrous, usually 6-seeded.
Habitat Cyanotis cristata is reported from wet rocky areas, moist soil, grasslands, ravines, stream
edges.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical.
108
Cuscuta campestris Yunck.

Convolvulaceae
Origin N. America.
Indonesian names -
English names Golden dodder, field dodder.
Description Parasitic climber. Can survive over winter on perennial hosts. Leaves reduced to scales. Fruit
a globe-shaped capsule, 3–4 mm wide, containing up to 4 seeds. Seeds brown, yellow or grey,
1–2 mm long, more or less globe-shaped, surfaces roughened.
Habitat Cuscuta campestris also attacks a wide range of naturalised species and native plants that are
growing in grasslands, open woodlands, coastal vine thickets, gardens, degraded land,
riparian zones (banks of watercourses) and wetlands.
Uses Cuscuta campestris and other Cuscuta species are frequently used as a research tool, to create
a bridge between different plants for transmission of diseases from one host to another.
However, this use cannot compensate for this plant's overall negative impacts.
Distribution In Java collected above Cianjur (1000 m alt.) and on Pangalengan (1600 m alt.), both in West
Java; and Dieng, above Wonosobo (Central Java, 1500 m alt.); Bandar Lampung.
109
Ipoemoea cairica (L.) Sweet

Convolvulaceae
Origin Africa & Asia.

Indonesian names Ubi kates, telo kates (West Java).
English names Cairo morning glory, five-fingered morning glory, ivy-leaved morning glory, mile a minute
vine,morning glory, oastal morning glory.
Description Perennial herb with twining and trailing stems. Roots tuberous and plant rooting at nodes.
Plants hairless. Leaves round in outline, 3–10 cm long and wide, leaf stalk 2–6 cm long.
Inflorescence axillary, 1–3 flowered. Capsule almost globe-shaped, 9–12 mm wide, with 2
chambers, splitting into 4 valves, contains up to 4 seeds. Seeds dark brown to black, 5–6 mm
long, flattened ovoid, hairy with pale brown long hairs on outer ridges.
Habitat Agricultural areas, natural forests, planted forests, ruderal/disturbed.
Distribution Locally naturalized iin West Java.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin,
Sakalagun).; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten
Bogor, West Java.
110
Ipoemoea fistulosa Mart. ex Choisy/ I. carnea Auct. non Jacq./ I.

crassicaulis (Bth.) B. L. Robins.
Convolvulaceae

Indonesian names Kangkung hutan.
English names Bush morning-glory.
Description An erect, sparsely branched shrub growing about eight feet. tall; leaves with a long stalk, the
blades essentially hairless, lanceolate, five to eight inches long and about two inches broad,
with a long-tapering tip and a truncated or shallowly heart-shaped base; flowers borne in
small clusters in the axils of the uppermost leaves, funnel-shaped with five shallow lobes on
the margin, three to four inches across, pink to lavender or purple but darker in the throat,
opening only in the morning.
Habitat It has been collected in a variety of habitats, from maritime strands and dry fields to wet
bottomlands and roadside ditches in the following countries: Collier, Lee, Manatee, Monroe
and Pinellas.
Uses Medicines plant.
Distribution In Java cultivated and naturalized at medium altitudes.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap, Sakalagun).; From Florida and Mexico, through the
Caribbean to Brazil and Paraguay, spread throughout the Pacific and SE. Asia, up to Pakistan.
Occasionally cultivated in SE. Asia and India.
111
Ipoemoea triloba L.
Convolvulaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Littlebell and Aiea morning glory.
Description This is a fast-growing, vining, annual herb producing long, thin stems with ivy-like, petioled,
heart-shaped leaves 3 to 6 centimeters long. The leaves sometimes, but not always, have three
lobes. The vines produce tubular bell-shaped flowers, each about two centimeters long. They
are quite variable in color, in shades of pink, red or lavender, with or without white markings.
Habitat Altitudinal range from near sea level to 250 m. Usually grows in riparian situations in open
forest areas but also found along roads in rain forest.
Uses -
Distribution Naturalized in Java and Madura.; Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan as
far as known.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).
112
Momordica charantia L./ M. indica L./ M. elegans Salisb./ M.

chinensis Sprengel
Cucurbitaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Pare, paria.
English names Bitter melon, bitter gourd or bitter squash.
Description A much branched annual climber. Leaves simple, deeply lobed, cordate, orbicular and
membranous. Tendrils single, slender and elongate. Flowers unisexual, yellow in long
peduncles. Fruits 3 valved capsules, with numeruous trinagular tubercles. Seeds many with
irregular surfaces.
Habitat -
Uses Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha diabetes, skin disease, constipation, worm infestation,
burning sensation, wound, ulcers, inflammation and general debility.
Distribution Pantropical distribution, with wild and cultivated population.; It was possibly first
domesticated in E. India and S. China. It now has a pantropical distribution, with wild and
cultivated population.
References/Notes 6d, 69, 75, 88, 124.
113
Bulbostylis barbata (Rottb.) C. B. Clarkeg

Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names
English names Watergrass.
Description Stem: Tufted sedge with glabrous stems 5-30 cm tall.
Leaves: Leaves shorter than the stems and curve downwards; leaf sheath with long white
hairs; lamina longitudinally ridged.
Flowers: Inflorescence capitate, with 3-20 spikelets, 5-15 mm across; involucral bracts 2-3,
filiform, basal bract erect; spikelets sessile ovate to oblong; glumes reddish brown, strongly
keeled;, keels on glomes greenish, margins of glumes toothed in the upper half, mucro on
glumes curved outwards; stigma shorter than the style.
Fruit: Seed triquetrous, obovate in outline, very smooth and white to cream coloured, 0.5-
0.75 mm long.
Habitat Altitudinal range from near sea level to 580 m. Grows in sclerophyll forest, open forest,
deciduous vine thicket, riverbeds, dune scrub and woodland. Widely distributed over the
warm parts of the Old World, also in USA.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical, also in the southern USA. Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan and
Sulawesi, as far as known.
114
Bulbostylis puberula (Poir.) C. B. Clarke/ Fimbristylis puberula Back.

ex Steem/ Scirpus puberulus Poir./ Stenophyllus purberulus (Poir.)
Killip.
Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect, tufted, non-rhizomatous annuals; culms slender, 6-32 cm tall, setaceous, pubescent.
Leaves basal, 3-10 cm long, c. 0.5 mm wide, filiform, capillary, pubescent; sheaths 5-8 mm
long, 4-5 ribbed, with stramineous spots, margins hyaline, mouth acute. Inflorescence
subumbellate, 6-10 x 5-8 mm; bracts 2-4, one longer than the inflorescence, others shorter.
Spikelets 4-8 x 1-1.5 mm, ovate-acute. Glumes spiral, 1.5-2 x 1-1.5 mm, ovate-acute, densely
pubescent, mucronulate, strongly keeled, reddish-brown, 1-2 basal ones empty. Stamen 1;
anther oblong. Style linear, broader at base; stigmas 3. Nut c. 1 x 0.5 mm, obovoid,
triquetrous, transversely wrinkled, white-stramineous.
Habitat Sandy areas near riverbanks and sea shores, and wastelands.
Uses -
Distribution Tropical Asia and Africa, rarely in Western Malesia. In Indonesia : Sumatra, Java, Madura
and Kalimantan as far as known.
115
Cyperus babakan Steud./ C. babakensis Steud./ C. vilosus Vahl f.

babakensis Valck-Sur.
Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Perennials. Rhizomes stoloniferous. Culms 60-80 cm tall, slightly stout, compressed
triquetrous, smooth. Leaves basal, slightly shorter than or subequaling culm; sheath brown
and purplish red striate, basalmost bladeless; leaf blade ca. 8 mm wide, with short and
transverse septate nodes, midvein and margin scabrous, basally folded, apically flat.
Involucral bracts 3 or 4, leaflike, much longer than inflorescence, longest to 25 cm.
Inflorescence a simple anthela; rays 3-5, 2.5-12 cm, each with a spike; raylets absent. Spikes
ovoid to ellipsoid, ca. 2.5 × 1.8 cm, with several to many spikelets; rachis slightly densely
yellowish brown hispidulous. Spikelets slightly densely arranged, spreading, narrowly linear-
ovoid to linear-oblong, 0.8-1.2 cm × ca. 2.5 mm, subturgid, 12-30(-40)-flowered; rachilla
wings white, narrow, hyaline. Glumes yellowish on both surfaces with purple striae, slightly
densely arranged, ovate, 2.5-3 mm, membranous, 7-9-veined, keel green and spinulose
especially distally, margin white hyaline, apex obtuse and mucronate. Stamens 3; anthers
oblong, 0.7-1 mm; connective prominent beyond anthers. Style short; stigmas 3, ± longer than
style. Nutlet black when mature, broadly obovoid to broadly ellipsoid, ca. 1/2 as long as
subtending glume, 3-sided, densely puncticulate.
Habitat Wet places, paddy fields; below 300 m.
Uses -
Distribution From India and Assam to Indochina, Malesia. Throughout Indonesia except the Lesser Sunda
Islands and the Moluccas as far as known.
116
Cyperus halpan L./ C. haspan L.

Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat 1000-1200 m; Tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate regions of both hemispheres. A
weed in rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution Tropics and subtropics of the whole world. Throughout Indonesia.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean, Kertak Hanyar, Sungai Tabuk) and Central Kalimantan
(Unit Tatas).
117
Cyperus iria L.
Cyperaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Rice flat sedge and rice flatsedge.
Description Terrestrial, annual or perennial, tufted herb, with stolons. Roots fibrous, white or brown.
Stems triangular, solid, hairy. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, nor lobed or divided, alternate
spiral, sessile, linear, more than 2 cm long/wide, glabrous or hairy, margin entire, apex acute,
base clasping, parallel-veined. Leaf sheath present, triangular in cross section, glabrous.
Flowers bisexual, grouped together into a terminal umbel, sessile, green, petals absent. Fruits
a nut.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia from Iran, Afghanistan, China, and Japan
to the S. Pacific and Australia, W. and E. Africa.; introduced in the USA and W. Indies;
common in Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.; Coffe plantations in South Sulawesi.; Sulfatic
acid soil in Banjar Baru.; Trial plantations in Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.; Kalianda,
South Lampung.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Dry and wetland in Flores-NTT.; Tidal areas of
South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean, Kertak Hanyar, Sungai Tabuk) and Central
Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Kp. Muara, Bogor, West Java.; Weed of chili plantations
Cibungbulang, Bogor.; Weed in vegetable fields in the rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.;
From Iran, Afghanistan, China and Japan to Australia, also in E. Africa; common throughout
Indo-China, Thailand and Malesia. Introduced and naturalized in SE. United States and The
West Indies.
References/Notes 3, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, 31, 36, 39, 44, 70, 75, 88, 91.
118
Cyperus kyllingia Endl./ C. monocephalus (non Roxb.) F.v.M./

Kyllinga monocephala Roxb. Cyperaceae
Cyperaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Rumput kenop.
English names White kyllinga.
Description A smooth plant, with creeping underground stems. Leaves many, short; leaf sheaths thin,
membranous, pale to purplish. Flower stems often 3 to 18 inches high, ridged, soft, with three
to four dark brown leafy bracts at the top. Spike 1 (rarely 2 to 3), ovoid to round, 1/4 inch in
diameter; spikelets white, numerous, 1- to 2-flowered; flower scales membranous, strawlike.
Fruit a nut, brown (6).
Habitat A weed in waste and grassy places. Occasionally used as a lawn grass in shady areas.
Uses -
Distribution Tropics and subtropics of Asia, less common in the tropical Africa and Australia, rare in
tropical America, widely distributed in Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.; Oil palm plantations
(4 years) South Sumatra.; Shifting cultivations Timor, NTT.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.;
Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).;
Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West
Java.; Kp. Muara, Bogor, West Java.; Weed of potato plantations Koto Baru Kabupaten
Tanah Datar, South Sumatra.; Common in tropical and warm temperate Asia, less common in
tropical Africa and Australia and rare in S. America; common throughout Malesia.
References/Notes 3, 13, 14, 21, 30, 31, 34, 36, 39, 42, 75, 196, 300.
119
Cyperus odoratus L./ C. ferox Rich./ Mariscus ferox Clarke/

Torulinium ferox Hamilt.
Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Rumput teki.
English names Fragrant flatsedge and rusty flatsedge.
Description Size: From 16 to 90 and up to 130 cm tall.
Stalk triquetrous, up to 5 mm thick at the tip, sometimes with the bulb-shaped base.
Sheets: The sheets or V shaped cross section of M, 10 to 65 cm long by 4 to 12 mm wide,
straw colored sheaths coffee.
Inflorescence: bracts (modified leaves accompanying inflorescence) from 4, but most
common from 6 to 10, 6 to 70 cm in length by 1 to 12 mm wide, uneven inflorescence stems
6 to 10 (the bra inflorescence) or unequal beams, up to 20 cm in length, occasionally absent,
and then form a glomerulus dense inflorescence, the longest stems usually with side up to 4
cm in length, secondary bracts to 6 cm in length 1 to 4 mm wide, profilo (tubular structure
that envelops the base of the stem) from 10 to 60 mm long, tubular, bicuspidado (which ends
in two rigid tips and acute), pins 10 to 30 mm long and 10 a 30 mm wide, ovoid to
cylindrical.
Flores: spikelets (small spike) from 5 to 27 mm long, about 1 mm wide and thick, brown to
reddish-brown, more or less divaricate (which forms an open angle of 75 to 105 °), so
Generally subdísticas (placed in two vertical rows on opposite way), but cylindrical (not
flattened), sometimes densely packed, from 3, but most common from 6 to 30 flowers raquilla
(spikelet axis) disarticulating at the base of each achene (dry fruit, simple and it does not open
at maturity), thickened and fluffy white fabric sterile side, on the side with two wings hyaline
fertile (very thin) or brown, 1 to 1.2 mm long and 0.4 0.5 mm wide, which surrounds the
lower half of achene bractéola (secondary blade on the support generally flower) of about 1
mm in length by 0.2 to 0.3 mm width in side view, acuminada (with straight margins convex
or terminating at an angle less than 45 th), 5-7-nerved, profilo side 1.2 to 1.5 mm long and 0.5
mm wide in lateral view obtuse husks (leaves located frequently in pairs, on the basis of
inflorescence) of 2 to 3.5 mm in length and 0,7 to 1 mm wide in side view, somewhat rigid,
with 7-9 ribs, with the keel (set of petals) green and glossy sides, brown to reddish stamens 3
with filaments of 2 to 2.5 mm, hyaline, and anthers from 0.4 to 0.8 mm.
Nuts and seeds: Aquenio 1.5 mm long, 0.5 to 0.7 mm wide, unequally triangular section,
truncate and apiculate, with the sides nearly flat, somewhat curved, punticulada surface (with
scores tiny), brown to almost black.
Root: Fibrous, sometimes with rhizomes (underground modified stem horizontal) short.
Habitat It is a plant of wet places (banks of water bodies, swamps, irrigation canals, ditches), and
frequently disturbed.
120
Uses -
Distribution Warmer regions of whole world; throughout Malesia, but now here common. Throughout
Indonesia.
121
Cyperus pumilus L./ C. nitens Retz./ Pycreus nitens (Reetz.) Nees./

Pycreus pumilus Nees.
Cyperaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Herbs, annual, cespitose. Culms trigonous, 1–35 cm × 0.5–1 mm, glabrous. Leaves flat, 5–20
cm × 1–2 mm. Inflorescences: heads ± digitate, 8–26 mm diam.; rays 1–6, 0.5–5 cm; bracts
3–4, ± horizontal, flat, 3–18 cm × 1–2 mm. Spikelets 6–25, ovoid to linear-lanceoloid,
compressed, 4–15 × 1–2 mm; floral scales 8–28(–40), clear, laterally ribless, ovate, 1.4–1.6 ×
0.8 mm, apex awned, awn excurved, 0.3–0.5 mm. Flowers: stamens 1–2; anthers 0.2 mm;
styles 0.5 mm; stigmas 0.3 mm. Achenes dark brown to black, sessile, obovoid, 0.6 × 0.4 mm,
apex obtuse, apiculate, surfaces minutely punctate.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Indochina, S. China, Taiwan, Queensland, scattered in Malesia; varieties in America and
Africa. Throughout Indonesia except Papua, as far as known.
122
Cyperus pygmaeus Rottb./ Juncellus pygmaeus (Rottb.) C. B. Clarke

Cyperaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Small, tufted, leafy annual with reddish roots. Culms triquetrous, smooth, 1–20 cm high, to
1.5 mm diam. Leaves not septate-nodulose, usually longer than culms, 1–2 mm wide.
Inflorescence densely head-like, 6–18 mm diam.; involucral bracts leaf-like, 5–7 or more
spreading, very much longer than inflorescence, often a few smaller bracts protruding from
the head. Spikelets flattened, very numerous per cluster, 3–5 mm long, 1.5–2 mm wide in side
view, 8–20-flowered; rachilla not winged, persistent. Glumes acute, short-mucronate, with
sides 1- or 2-nerved, c. 2 mm long, c. 0.5 mm wide, white to pale brown with conspicuous
green midrib. Stamens 1 or 2. Style 2- or occasionally 3-fid. Nut dorsally flattened with a flat
or concave face against the rachilla, or sometimes trigonous, obovoid to ellipsoid, half to a
third as long as glume, 0.8–1 mm long, 0.2–0.5 mm diam., pale brown.
Habitat Marshy areas.
Uses -
Distribution Mediterranean area; E. Africa, from the Middle East trough S. and SE. Asia to Australia; very
rare in Malesia; a few localities in the Philippines. In Indonesia : Java, Sumatra (according to
Dekker), Sulawesi and Papua.
123
Cyperus rotundus L.
Cyperaceae
Origin India / Africa.

Indonesian names Teki.
English names Coco grass, nut grass, nut sedge, nutgrass, purple nut sedge, purple nut sedge, purple
nutsedge, red nut sedge.
Description Cyperus rotundus is a perennial plant, that may reach a height of up to 140 cm (55 inches).
The names "nut grass" and "nut sedge" (shared with the related species Cyperus esculentus)
are derived from its tubers, that somewhat resemble nuts, although botanically they have
nothing to do with nuts.
As in other Cyperaceae, the leaves sprout in ranks of three from the base of the plant, around
5–20 cm long. The flower stems have a triangular cross-section. The flower is bisexual and
has three stamina and a three-stigma carpel, with the flower head have 3-8 unequal rays. The
fruit is a three-angledachene.
The root system of a young plant initially forms white, fleshy rhizomes, up to 25 mm in
dimension, in chains. Some rhizomes grow upward in the soil, then form a bulb-like structure
from which new shoots and roots grow, and from the new roots, new rhizomes grow. Other
rhizomes grow horizontally or downward, and form dark reddish-brown tubers or chains of
tubers.
Habitat Agricultural areas, coastland, riparian zones, water courses.
Uses Decoctions of the plant in Brazil are used for their anti-infective and anti-inflammatory
properties (Cristina et al. 2005). Various preparations of C. rotundus have been used for
centuries in perfumes, spices and traditional medicines in India, China, Arab and Africa
(Sharma & Gupta 2007). C. rotundus is also an important ingredient of anti-aging Ayurvedic
neutraceutical Chyavanprash (Sharma & Gupta 2007). Pigs eat its tubers; however it makes a
poor fodder species; it is also reportedly used as a soil stabilizer (Ellison & Barreto 2004).
Distribution Warmer parts of the whole world, widely distributed; very common in Malesia. Throughout
Indonesia.; Cotton and cashew nut plantations South Sulawesi; Young rubber plantations (3
years), oil palm (4 years) and onions plantations in South Sumatra.; Shifting cultivations of
Timor, NTT.; Sugarcane plantations Takalar.; Sulfatic acid soil in Banjar Baru.; Trial
plantations Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Dusun Rebo, desa
Madiredo, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.; Dry and wetland of Flores-NTT.; Tidal
areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).; Weed of tea plantations
Ciliwung Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kalitirto, Berbah,
Sleman, Yogyakarta.; Kp. Muara, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed of cotton plantations
124
Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul, Yogyakarta), Segayung (Kabupaten Batang, Central Java),

Kebun Gading (Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta) dan Kebun Kalitirto (Kabupaten
Sleman, Yogyakarta).; Weed of potato plantations Koto Baru Kabupaten Tanah Datar, South
Sumatra.; Weed of garlic plantations in Batu, East Java.; Weed in the vegetable fields the in
dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; Undergrowth plant in Purwodadi Botanic
Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.; Now it is widely distributed throughout the warmer
parts of the world and it is very common all over SE. Asia.
References/Notes 3, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 27, 31, 34, 38, 39, 40, 42, 45, 70, 72, 75, 78, 88, 104, 289.
125
Cyperus sanguinolentus/ C. eragrostis (non Lamk.) Vahl/ Pycreus

eragrostis Palla/ Pycreus sanguinolentus (Vahl) Nees.
Cyperaceae
Origin Eastern hemisphere.

Indonesian names -
English names Purple-glume flat sedge.
Description Annuals with fibrous roots or perennials with short rhizomes; culms tufted, forming small
clumps 5-60 cm tall. Leaves basal, shorter than to slightly longer than the culm, 0.5-2 mm
wide, apex acute; sheaths brown. Inflorescences umbelliform or occasionally contracted into
a more or less lobed, head-like, umbelliform cluster, rays 2-5, 1-5 cm long, spikes densely
bearing 4-20 spikelets; involucral bracts 3-4, unequal, the lower ones longer than the
inflorescence; spikelets 10-24-flowered, oblong-elliptic, flattened, 6-15 mm long, 2-2.5 mm
wide, obtuse, rachilla not winged; glumes dark purple to brownish black with broad pale
margins, thick, membranous, ovate, 1.8-2 mm long, apex obtuse, the keel green, 3-nerved;
stamens 2-3; stigmas 2. Achenes dark brown, obovate to obovate-orbicular, lenticular, 1-1.3
mm long, contracted to a short-acuminate apex.
Habitat In Hawai‗i, naturalized in wet sites, 910-920 m. In China (native), "sparse forest margins,
grasslands on mountain slopes, meadows, swamps, lake margins, sunny places at river
margins or shallow water, valleys, wet places along trails, field margins, old fields; below
100-3400 m.
Uses -
Distribution Warmer parts of the eastern hemisphere; tropical Africa, from the Black Sea trough C. and E.
Asia to Japan and Australia; often common in Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.
126
Cyperus sphacelatus Rottb.

Cyperaceae
Origin Tropical Africa/America.

Indonesian names -
English names Roadside flatsedge.
Description Herbs, annual or perennial, cespitose. Culms trigonous, 15-60 cm x 1-3 mm,
glabrous. Leaves 2-6, flat to V-shaped, 6-30(-40) cm x 2-4 mm. Inflorescences: spikes
broadly ellipsoid, 5-45 x 10-30(-45) mm; rays (2-)5-9, (0.3-)3-10 cm; rachis 4-17 mm; bracts
5-6, horizontal to ascending, V-shaped, 1.5-30 cm x 0.5-4 mm; rachilla persistent, wings
hyaline, 0.4-0.5 mm wide. Spikelets 5-30, pale greenish white or stramineous, compressed,
linear-lanceoloid, 7-35 x (1.2-)1.4-2 mm; floral scales deciduous, 6-34, spreading or
appressed, laterally greenish white, often reddish or brown speckled, medially green, laterally
3-5-ribbed, medially 3-ribbed, elliptic, (2.2-)3-4(-4.4) x (1.2-)1.8-2.2 mm, apex
acute. Flowers: anthers 0.6 mm; styles 0.6-1.2 mm; stigmas 1-1.4(-1.7) mm. Achenes reddish
brown to dark brown, stipitate, narrowly ellipsoid, 1.4-2 x 0.6-0.9 mm, apex apiculate,
surfaces puncticulate.
Habitat In North America, disturbed, wet soils at low elevations.
Uses -
Distribution Introduced in Asia (also in Malesia), Australia, Oceania, rapidly spreading and to be expected
in Java; collected by Molhuysen in 1905 was labelled ―Lawang‖ (East Java), but probably
wrong localized.; Tropical Africa and tropical America; introduced in S. India, Australia,
Tahiti, Malesia, New Britain. First collected in N. Sumatra in 1922. Spread throughout
Indonesia except Sulawesi and the Lesser Sunda Islands, as far as known.
127
Cyperus tenuispica Steud./ C. flavidus (non Retz.) Clarke

Cyperaceae
Origin E. Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect, tufted, non-rhizomatous annual herbs; roots reddish-purple; culms 12-32 cm tall,
triquetrous. Leaves few, basal, 5-20 x 0.2-0.3 cm, linear, flat, gradually acuminate, scabrid on
upper margins; sheaths upto 5 cm long, reddish-brown. Inflorescence compound to
decompound 5-12 cm long and as wide; leafy bracts 1-3, the longest upto 12 cm long;
primary rays 5-12. Spikelets digitate in clusters of 3-9, 3-7 x 1-1.5 mm, linear-oblong,
flattened. Glumes 0.5-1 x 0.5 mm, ovate-oblong, obtuse, mucronate, straw-coloured. Stamens
1 or 2. Stigmas 3. Nut upto 0.5 mm long, obovate, trigonous, white, minutely tuberculate.
Habitat It is an annual plant grows in wet habitats, swamps, marshy places, moist areas, streams,
ditches, seasonally flooded areas and rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution Warm regions of the eastern hemisphere; tropical Africa; from India to S. China and S. Japan;
from Malesia to tropical Australia; scattered in Malesia. Throughout Indonesia, except in
Kalimantan and Papua, as far as known.
128
Eleocharis acicularis (L.) R. & S./ Scirpus acicularis L.

Cyperaceae
Origin Northern hemisphere.

Indonesian names -
English names Needle spikerush and dwarf hairgrass, trimming hairgrass.
Description This is an annual or perennial spikesedge with long, grasslike stems to about 15 centimeters
in height, shorter in bog conditions, from a creeping rhizome. In shallow water it will form
short spikes of tiny flowers amongst flat overlapping bracts. The tiny flowers are less than
five millimeters in diameter and are borne at the tip of each stem in single, sharply pointed,
lanceoloid spikelets up to about six millimeters long.
Habitat This is a plant of marshes, vernal pools, and bogs, and it is also used as an aquarium plant.
Uses -
Distribution Widely distributed in N. America; throughout Europe and Northern Asia, Japan, Korea,
extending south to te Ryukyu Islands, Yunan, Annam, Taiwan; a northern element in Malesia
and the Philippines. In Indonesia : so far found around Lake Toba in N. Sumatra and in S.
Sulawesi.
129
Eleocharis acutangula (Roxb.) Schult./ E. fistulosa Schult./ Scirpus

acutangulus Roxb.
Cyperaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Partially submerged rhizomatous perennials; rhizome creeping, clothed with brown scales;
culms 30-65 cm high, partially submerged and spongy. spikelets 30 x 3.5 mm, linear-oblong,
cylindric; glumes 4.5 x 4 mm, broadly ovate, obtuse, 1-nerved, concave; margin striate with
red lines; bristle 3.5 mm long, pale brown; stamens 3, anthers 2.5 mm long; style base wider
than ovary. Nut 2 x 1.5 mm, obovoid, obtuse, longitudinally striate; epidermal cells
transversely oblong.
Habitat Marshy areas in grasslands.
Uses -
Distribution Widely distributed, but nowhere common in the Old and New World and the African tropics,
Taiwan, Japan and tropical Australia. Scattered in Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.; Tidal
areas of South Kalimantan (Handil Manarap).
130
Eleocharis atropurpurea (Retz.) Presl./ Scirpus atropurpureus Retz.

Cyperaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Purple spikerush.
Description Plants tufted, without creeping rhizomes. Culms 2–12(–19) cm × 0.2–0.4 mm. Leaves: distal
leaf sheaths firm, distally tightly sheathing, apex acute. Spikelets ovoid to ellipsoid, 2–6(–8) ×
1–2.5 mm, apex acute; proximal scale with or without flower, not amplexicaulous; floral
scales to 100, 15–19 per mm of rachilla, often loosely appressed, dark red-brown to
stramineous, ovate to elliptic, 0.6–1.3 × 0.3–0.7 mm, membranous, apex rounded to acute.
Flowers: perianth bristles (0–)4–6, typically 4, colorless to whitish, vestigial to 1/2 as long as
achene, smooth or spinuliferous; styles 2-fid. Achenes black, obovoid, biconvex, 0.3–0.5 ×
0.3–0.4 mm, apex often constricted proximal to tubercle, smooth at 40X. Tubercles
stramineous to whitish, umbonate to subconic, 0.1–0.2 × 0.1–0.2 mm, apex acute. 2n = 20.
Habitat This plant can be found in wet areas from ocean shores to rice fields and irrigation ditches to
inland lakes and rivers.
Uses -
Distribution Tropics of the Old and New World, also in the USA; in Europe; in Italy and Switzerland; in
tropical Australia; very rare in Malesia. In Indonesia : in Java, Sumatra and Papua, as far as
known.
131
Eleocharis geniculata (L.) R. & S./ E. capitata R. Br./ E. caribaea S.F.

Blake/ Scirpus geniculatus L.
Cyperaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Bent spikerush and Canada spikesedge.
Description It is an annual spikesedge growing to a maximum height of about 40 centimeters. It has a few
straw-colored leaves and many thin erect stems. The stems hold inflorescences of rounded
spikelets each containing at least 10 tiny flowers. The flowers are covered with dark greenish-
brown bracts. The fruit is a shiny purple-brown achene not more than a millimeter long.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution The most widely distributed Eleocharis in the warmer parts of the Old and new World; in
Malesia scattered. Throughout Indonesia.
132
Eleocharis ochrostachys Steud./ E. subulata Boeck./ E. variegata (non

Presl, nec Kunth) Boeck./ Scirpus ochrostachys (Steud.) O.K.
Cyperaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Spike rush.
Description Stem: Perennial with short rhizomes and long stolons. Stems erect, tufted, rigid, terete,
smooth, 35-60 cm tall and 2-5 mm diam.
Leaves: Sheaths membranous and closelt appressed and purplish at the base.
Flowers: Spikelet cylindrical, broader than the stem, acute, pale green, 10-20 x 3-4 mm;
glumes firm and loosely imbricate, appressed, obtuse, many nerved with a prominent
midnerve, 4-5 x 2-3.5 mm, with broad papery margins Bristles 5-7, coarse, 2-3 times as long
as the nut, retrorsely scabrous in the upper half.
Fruit: Nut turgidly and unequally biconvex and ribbed on the margins with horizontal cells
inbetween, obovate to broadly obovate, with an annular prominence ca. as wide as the nut at
the apex, shining straw-colored to grey, 1.5-2 mm long, longitudinal ridges prominent. Style
base deltoid, flat and dark brown.
Habitat Altitudinal range from near sea level to 60 m. Grows along streams in closed forest also in
Melaleuca swamps.
Uses -
Distribution From India to Indonesia, Taiwan, Pasific; scattered Malesia, often, very local; in Java only in
western part, in the Moluccas only recorded from Halmahera.; not yet recorded from the
Lesser Sunda Island.; Tidal areas of Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).
133
Eleocharis retroflexa (Poir.) Urban/ E. chaetaria R. & S./

Chaetocyperus setaceus Nees.
Cyperaceae
Origin S. E. Asia or America.

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Terrestrial, annual, tufted herb. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stems erect, grooved, solid,
glabrous. Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, in a rosette, alternate spiral, sessile, linear, less
than 2 cm long/wide, margin entire, base clasping. Leaf sheath present, rounded in cross
section,glabrous. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a terminal head, sessile, yellow,
petals absent. Fruit a nut.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Tropics of America, Asia, Australia; common in Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.; Tidal areas
of South Kalimantan (Belandean, Sakalagun, Handil Manarap) and Central Kalimantan (Unit
Tatas and Pangkuh).
134
Fimbristylis alboviridis C. B. Clarke

Cyperaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect, tufted, non rhizomatous annuals, 10-15 cm tall; stems compressed, smooth, glabrous.
Leaves few, basal, flat, linear, 6 cm long, 1 mm wide; sheath laterally compressed, keeled on
the back, 1-2 cm long, brown coloured, mouth oblique, acute, hairy; ligule a fringe of short
white hairs. Inflorescence subcompound 3 x 2 cm, loose, rays cymose, ending in single
spikelets; bracts 2, suberect, shorter than the inflorescence. Spikelets whitish green, solitary,
5-6 mm long, 2 mm wide, ovoid-acute, brown; rachilla narrowly winged; glumes spiral, basal
few empty, ovate-obtuse, apiculate, squarrose, not keeled, 3-nerved with stramineous bands
on sides, 2 x 1.5 mm. Stamen 1, anther 0.5 mm long. Style linear, flat, narrowly thickened at
base, ciliate in the upper part, 1 mm long; stigmas 2, shorter than the style. Nut obovoid,
biconvex, 0.9-1 mm long, 0.7-0.8 mm wide, stramineous, shortly stipitate, verruculose,
trabeculate with epidermal cells in 10-16 rows, which are not distinct.
Habitat It is a herbaceous annual grows in the range of 15-30 cm height. Found at the edges of pools
but also in moist and shady places, in dry grassland and along roadsides.
Uses -
Distribution Southeast Asia, from India to west Malesia, Philippines. In Indonesia : so far only collected in
Java.
135
Fimbristylis aphylla Steud./ F. globulosa (Retz.) Kunth var aphylla

Miq./ F. quinquangularis (non Kunth) Koorders.
Cyperaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names Sie (Tapah); Daun tikar (Manado); Lai, Mansiang macik (West Sumatera); Purun tikus
(Lampung, Banjarmasn); Baih-baih, Mansiro baih, M.ibuh, M. Lai, M. pandan
(Minangkabau), Mendong (Javanese, Sangir); Nanaiang, Kamun, Berot, Werot, Tehek (North
Sulawesi).
English names -
Description Tufted perennials; rhizome creeping, woody; culms 60-90 cm tall, acutely 4-5-angled. Sheath
rounded, restricted at the base of the stem, very rarely short-bladed. Umbel 7 x 10 cm,
globose; bracts filiform; rays many, spreading. Spikelets 4-6 x 3 mm, mostly pedicelled, 50-
60 in an inflorescence; glume 2.2 x 1.7 mm, obtuse, 3-nerved, reddish brown. Nut 0.5 x 0.3
mm, obovate, trabeculate, minutely tubercled.
Habitat Perennial or perhaps also annual found in wet places and swamps.
Uses -
Distribution From India to Indochina; in western Malesia and in Philippines. In Indonesia : Sumatra and
Java, as far as known.; Oil palm plantations (4 years) in South Sumatra.
136
Fimbristylis bisumbellata (Forsk.) Bub./ Scirpus bisumbellatus Forsk.

Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Greyish-green, small tufts forming annual, (3-)10-35 cm. Stem terete, 0.5-1 mm diam.,
glabrous. Leaves c. 1/2 of stem length; sheaths open, villous in upper parts; lowest bladeless,
bicarinate, with scarious margins; ligule compact fringe of hairs; blades 0.5-1 mm wide, flat,
adaxial side almost glabrous, abaxial side villous esp. in proximal parts, margins towards
apex scabrous. Inflorescence to 5 cm diam., with 15-30 spikes, mostly solitary, occasionally a
few sessile grouped together; lowest bract usually shorter than inflorescence; peduncles
grooved. Spikes 3.5-4.5 x 1.3-1.5 mm, narrowly ellipsoid, more or less angular, acute, light
brown to greyish brown; rachis brown to dark brown, with scarious wings; glumes 1.3-1.8 x
c. 1 mm, ovate, glabrous or, occasionally, slightly hirsute, keeled, with prominent mid-nerve,
arista conspicuous, margins widely scarious, slightly ciliate. Stamens 1, sometimes 0;
filaments scarious, compressed; anthers c. 1 mm; style brown, c. 1 mm, flat, ciliate,
stylopodium whitish, c. 0.25 x 0.25 mm, stigmas 2. Nut c. 0.8 x 0.7 mm, lenticular, widely
obovoid, trabeculate, yellowish to almost white.
Habitat F. bisumbellata is a herbaceous annual which occurs on the edges of drying pools, in wet
flushes, springs, along streams and rivers on sandy river bars. It is also a common weed of
rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution From the Meditterranean to the tropics of SE. Asia to Australia; rare in Malesia. In Indonesia
: with certainty only recorded from Java and Kalimantan.
137
Fimbristylis globulosa (Retz.) Kunth/ F. efoliata Steud./ F.

umbellaria (Lamk.) Vahl/ Scirpus globulosus Retz.
Cyperaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names Sie(Tapah); Daun tikar (Manado); Lai, Mansiang macik (West Sumatra), Purun tikus
(Lampung, Banjarmasin); Baih-baih, Mansiro baih, M. ibuh,M. lai, M. pandan
(Minangkabau); Mendong (Java, Sangir); Nanaiang, Kamun,Berot, Werot, Tehek (North
Sulawesi); Tiohu (Gorontalo); Tokogu (Buol);Tuyu(Palu).
English names Fimbry, fimbristyle, or fringe-rush.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution From India trough China to Micronesia and Polynesia; scattered in Malesia. Throughout
Indonesia.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin) and Central Kalimantan (Unit
Tatas).
138
Fimbristylis griffithii Boeck./ F. aestivalis (non Vahl) Clarke.

Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Teki, parang, kodokan, sulang, watu.
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Bengal, Burma, Thailand, Indochina, scattered in Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.; Sulfat acid
soil of Banjar Baru.; Trial plantations Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.
139
Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl/ F. littoralis Gaudich

Cyperaceae

Indonesian names Babawangan, Panon munding (Sundanese), Tumbaran (Javanese).
English names Grasslike fimbry and globe fringerush.
Description Terrestrial, annual or perennial, tufted herb. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stems erect, flat,
solid, glabrous. The stem transversal section is four or five-angled and somewhat flattened.
Stipules absent. Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, sessile, linear, more than 2 cm
long/wide, margin entire, apex acute, base clasping. Leaf sheath present, rounded or
compressed in cross section. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a terminal umbel, sessile,
green or brown, petals absent. Fruit a nut.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Kalianda, Lampung Selatan.; Under growth plant in
Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.
140
Fimbristylis ovata (Burm.f.) Kern/ F. monostachyos (L.) Hassk./

Abildgaardia compressa Persl/ Carex ovata Burm.f.
Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect, tufted, rhizomatous perennials; rhizome short, knotty; culms 10-42 cm tall, slender,
thickened at base, 3-sided, compressed. Leaves many, 8-26 cm long, 0.5-1 mm wide,
slenderly linear, apex subacute, scabrid on upper margins; sheaths 1-5 cm long, straw-
coloured. Inflorescence a single terminal spikelet, the lower most glume modified into a
setaceous bract, 6-7 mm long. Spikelets 8-15 x 3-6 mm, ovate, acute, slightly compressed,
yellow-green. Lower glumes distichous, lower 1-2 glumes empty, awned, the upper ones
becoming more or less spirally imbricated, 3-6 x 2-4 mm, broadly ovate, boat-shaped, acute,
mucronate, keeled, pale yellowish. Stamens 3. Stigmas 3. Nut 2-2.5 x 1.5-2 mm, obovate,
trigonous, shortly stipitate, tuberculate, cream-white.
Habitat Wet grasslands and marshy areas.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical; everywhere in Malesia, rare in the Malay Peninsula. Throughout Indonesia.
141
Fimbristylis schoenoides (Retz.) Vahl/ F. bispicata Nees & Meyen/

Scirpus schoenoides Retz./ F. longifolia S.T. Blake/ Abildgaardia
nervosa Presl.
Cyperaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Annual or perennial, 25-50 cm. Stem slender, terete or compressed, deeply grooved, grey-
green. Leaves c. 1/2 of stem length; sheaths to 12 cm, brown, two uppermost longer than
other, tight, mouth straight or oblique; ligule c. 0.2 mm, a fringe of hairs, not or slightly
arched; blades c. 0.7 mm wide, resembling stem, canaliculate, margins involute, apex long,
flat, scabrous. Inflorescence of 1-3 spikes; peduncles to 12 mm, with tubular prophyll; bracts
glume-like, 3.4-6.5 mm, incl. arista of 1-4 mm. Spikes 5.4-6.2 x 3.8-4.2 mm, with 30-35
glumes, ovoid or ellipsoid, smoothly rounded, yellow-brown; spike rachis c. 0.8 mm diam.,
deeply notched, winged with pieces (remnants) from glume bases, reddish brown; glumes
2.5-3 mm, cymbiform, rounded, obtuse to acute, yellowish brown, with 4-6 paler nerves on
both sides, glossy. Stamens 3, anthers 0.6-0.8 mm; style caducous, flat, ciliate above,
stylopodium 0.3 x 0.2 mm; stigmas 2. Nut 1.6-1.9 x 1.1-1.2 mm, incl. stipe c. 0.2 mm,
obovoid, bi- finely reticulate, pale yellow brown, glossy.
Habitat Mostly wet disturbed open places.
Uses -
Distribution S.E. Asia, India, S. China, from Taiwan to Tropical Australia, introduced but still rare in
America, scattered in Malesia. Throughout Indonesia, except Sulawesi, the Moluccas, and
Papua, as far as known.; East Africa (rare), India, Indo-China, Taiwan, Peninsular Malaysia,
Sumatra, Borneo, Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali and Nusa Tenggara), the Philippines,
and Tropical Australia; introduced into N. America.
142
Fimbristylis tomentosa Vahl/ F. podocarpa Nees & Meyen ex Nees/ F.

schoenoides (non Vahl) Back
Cyperaceae
Origin S.E. Asia.

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Plants annual, cespitose, to 75 cm; rhizomes absent. Leaves nearly distichous, ascending, 1/2–
3/4 length of culms; sheath margins ciliolate, adaxial surface sparsely to copiously hirtellous
distally; ligule present, complete; blades narrowly linear, 2–4(–5) mm wide, flat to shallowly
involute, margins ciliate-scabrid, abaxial surface pilose-hirsute. Inflorescences: anthelae
compound, ascending-branched, longer than broad; scapes distally oval or flattened, glabrous
to pubescent; longest involucral bract exceeding anthela. Spikelets rusty brown, lanceoloid,
4–6 mm; fertile scales broadly ovate to nearly orbiculate, 2–3 mm, broadly acute, midrib
excurrent as mucro or cusp. Flowers: stamens 2; styles 2-fid, flat, fimbriate. Achenes pale to
dark brown with pale umbo, lenticular-obpyriform, 1.7–2 mm, finely pitted, appearing nearly
smooth, the pits in at least 20 narrow vertical rows per face. 2n = 10.
Habitat Moist to wet sands, silts or peats of low fields, clearings, waste areas, stream and pond banks,
very weedy in ricelands; 0–200m.
Uses -
Distribution Tropical Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, from India to S. China, Micronesia and Tropical
Australia, more widely distributed than F. dhicotoma (L.) Vahl. in Malesia.
143
Fuirena ciliaris (L.) Roxb./ F. glomerata Lamk./ Scirpus ciliaris L.

Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect, tufted, non-rhizomatous annual herbs; culms 10-34 cm tall, slender, obtusely angular,
2-4-noded, pubescent. Leaves 2.5 - 9 x 0.3-0.6 cm, linear or linear-lanceolate, base rounded,
apex acute, wholly pubescent, 3-5-nerved, basal leaves reduced to bladless sheaths; sheaths to
2.5 cm long; ligules 1-2 mm long, hairy. Inflorescence with 1 to 3 glomerulous clusters of
spikelets; clusters 1-2 cm across, bearing 4-10 spikelets; bracts leaf-like. Spikelets 5-10 x 2.5
- 3.5 mm, ovate or oblong-elliptic, squarrose, pubescent. Glumes spiral, 1.5-2 x 1 mm,
oblong-obovate, pubescent, 3-nerved; awn c. 1 mm long, recurved. Hypogynous bristles 3,
scabrid. Hypogynous scales 3, c. 1 x 0.5 mm, longitudinally rectangular with 3-denticulate
apex, base long-stipitate. Stamens 3. Stigmas 3, papillose. Nuts c. 1 x 0.5 mm, obovate to
elliptic, triquetrous.
Habitat Grows in seasonally wet ground, swamps, pools and lake edges. Also in seasonally flooded
grasslands and savannas. Appears to be tolerant of disturbance and grows in rice paddies and
other very wet cultivated areas.
Uses -
Distribution Tropics of Asia and Africa, also in Australia. Throughout Indonesia.
144
Rhynchospora corymbosa (L.) Britt./ R. aurea Vahl/ Scirpus

corymbosus L.
Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Stem: Attains a height of about 1.5 m but also flowers and fruits when smaller.
Leaves: Leaf blades about 70-150 x 1-2.5 cm bases sheathing. Margin finely toothed and
similarly the midrib on the underside of the leaf blade.
Flowers: Flowers enclosed in about 4-6 bracts (glumes). Tepals consist of six scabrous
bristles about 2-3 mm long. Stigma bifid at the apex.
Fruit: Fruits almost spindle-shaped, about 6-7 mm long, divided into a soft upper part and a
harder lower part with the dividing line marked by a distinct groove. Bristles persistent at the
base of the fruit.
Habitat Altitudinal range in northern Australia from near sea level to 750 m. Usually grows in
swampy situations, sometimes on the edge of rain forest or in disturbed rain forest.
Uses -
Distribution Tropics and subtropics of the world. Throughout Indonesia.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Banjarmasin, Belandean) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).
145
Scirpus articulatus L.
Cyperaceae
Origin Asia or Africa.

Indonesian names -
English names Bullrush.
Description It is a densely tufted plant, growing up to 20 to 50 centimeters high. Stems are rather spongy,
terete, leafless, and when dry, often transversely septate. Spikelets are 7 to 30, crowded, ovoid
to oblong, 1 centimeter long or less. Glumes are ovate, about 4 millimeters long. Nuts are 3-
angled, black and shining, obovoid, about 2 millimeters long. Hypogynous bristles are absent.
Habitat -
Uses In India, plant is used as a purgative. In the Jaipur district, used for vomiting. In Bangladesh,
roots and branches used for baby's vomiting and diarrhea. The juice from well-grounded roots
given to babies before breakfast.
Distribution From the Mediterranean trough Africa and S. Asia to Northern Australia. In Indonesia : in
Java, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi and Papua, as far as known.
146
Scirpus juncoides Roxb./ S. erectus (non Poir.) Clarke

Cyperaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Bulrush.
Description S. juncoides is tufted in clumps and without a distinct rhizome. Culms are upright, 15-70 cm
tall, 1-4 mm thick, subterete or obtusely several-angled, light-green, dull, and clothed by a
few tight bladeless sheaths at the base. The lower basal sheaths are 3-4 cm long, brownish and
scale-like; upper sheaths are 5-15 cm long, pale-green and obliquely truncate at the mucronate
orifice. The inflorescence is a pseudolateral head with 1-12 spikelets without branches. The
bract is almost erect, 5-15 cm long, subacute at the apex, with one furrow on the ventral side
and dilated at the base. Spikelets are oblong to ovoid-oblong, 6-18 mm long, 3-6 mm wide,
straw coloured, contracted to subobtuse at the apex and densely many-flowered. Glumes are
oval to ovate-oval, 3-4 mm long, 1.8-2.7 mm wide, thickly membraneous, pale and brown-
tinged, the apex rounded to shallow-emarginate and mucronate, the keel broad, green, and
one- to three-nerved. Achenes are broadly obovate, unequally biconvex, 1.8-2 mm long, 1.5
mm wide, suddenly contracted to a cuneate base, rounded to a mucronate apex, the sides
maturing dark brown, shiny and transversely wrinkled; style 2-2.2 mm long, somewhat
flattened; two stigmas, but occasionally with a rudimental third one. There are four to six
hypogynous bristles, retrorsely scabrous except for base, the longer four as long as or slightly
surpassing the achene, remainder half as long as the achene or shorter (Koyama, 1985).
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution From India, China, and Japan to Hawaii, S.E. Asia to tropical Australia; in Malesia more
common in western part. Throughout Indonesia. Except the Moluccas, as far as known.
147
Scirpus mucronatus L./ S. sundanus Miq.

Cyperaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Mendongan(Javanese), mangsiang agam, kumbueh, mansiro hitam ( minang).
English names Roughseed Bulrush, Bog Bulrush.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Warmer parts of the Old World, from S. Europe to Japan and trough S. S.E. Asia to Australia;
rare in tropical Africa. Throughout Indonesia. Except the Moluccas, as far as known.; Tidal
areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean).
148
Cyperus distans L.f.

Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Cyperus distans is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from Aug to
September, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have
both male and female organs).
Habitat Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical and subtropical; common in Malesia. Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).
149
Scirpus lateriflorus Gmel./ S. oryzetorum Ohwi/ S. supinus (non L.)

F. Vill./ Isolepis juncoides Miq.
Cyperaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution S. E. Asia; from India to S. China and Taiwan; Australia; western part of Malesia; Philippines
(Luzon). In Indonesia : Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands, as far as known.
References/Notes 3.
150
Cyperus procerus Rottb./ C. ornatus R. Br.

Cyperaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Perennials. Rhizomes with long stolons. Culms 45-85 cm tall, stout, compressed triquetrous.
Leaves basal, equaling or slightly longer than culm; sheath reddish brown; leaf blade 5-10
mm wide, ± flat. Involucral bracts 3, leaflike, basal 1 or 2 longer than inflorescence.
Inflorescence a simple or compound anthela; rays 3-7, mostly to 15 cm, unequal in length,
obliquely spreading, smooth. Spikes 1-5, broadly ovoid, with 4-16 spikelets; rachis
hispidulous or glabrous. Spikelets laxly arranged, narrowly linear-ovoid to linear-ovoid, 10-
25 × ca. 3 mm, slightly turgid, obliquely spreading to spreading, 14-36-flowered; rachilla
wings white, narrow, hyaline. Glumes yellowish brown and reddish brown punctate but
middle greenish, slightly densely imbricate, broadly ovate, 2.5-3 mm, membranous, 7-9-
veined, keeled, margin white hyaline and undulate, apex obtuse. Stamens 3; anthers linear-
oblong, 1.2-1.8 mm; connective slightly prominent beyond anthers. Style short; stigmas 3.
Nutlet brown, obovoid, 1.3-1.5 mm, ca. 1/2 as long as subtending glume, 3-sided, essentially
smooth. Fl. and fr. Jun-Oct. 2n = 18, 64.
Habitat Fields, water margins, wet places, often in sandy soil; below 100 m.
Uses -
Distribution From India to Indochina and E. China, Taiwan; southwards to Queensland. In Malesia rather
rare. In Indonesia : Java, Kalimantan and the Lesser Sunda Islands.
151
Bergia ammannioides Roxb. er Roth/ B. oryzetum Fenzl/ Elatine

ammannioides W. & A.
Elatinaceae
Origin Tropical Africa or Tropical Asia.

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect, ascending or decumbent herbs, often deep-rooted; branches usually opposite; stems
terete, slightly swollen at nodes, frequently woody at base, glandular-pubescent, often purple-
shaded. Leaves desussate, subsessile, elliptic, oblong or obovate-oblong, cuneate at base,
shortly dentate-serrate at margin, acute at apex, 5-25 x 2-6 mm; midnerve very prominent and
glandular beneath, sunken but prominent above; lateral nerves 3 or 4 pairs, alternate; stipules
ovate-lanceolate or narrowly 3-angled, acuminate at apex, ca 1.5x 0.6 mm, glandular hairy at
margin. Flowers ca 1 mm across, in axillary fascicles; pedicels ca 1.5 mm long, pilose. Sepals
3, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate at apex, ca 1-1.3 x ca 0.5 mm, hyaline and ciliate at margin.
Petals 3, elliptic, obtuse at apex and often apiculate, as long as sepals, membranous, white or
pinkish. Stamens 3, ca 1 mm long. Carpels 5, connate; ovary globose; styles 5, recurved.
Capsules globose, ca 1.5 mm, with 5 longitudinal furrows, dehiscing into 5 valves at maturity;
seeds numerous, minute, oblong or subcylindric, reticulate, shining, brown.
Habitat Fallow lands, paddy fields and grasslands.
Uses -
Distribution Tropical Asia, Iran, Afghanistan, Tropical Asia, China, Taiwan, Australia, Malesia,
Philippines. In Indonesia : Java, Madura, Sumba, and Timor as far as known.
152
Bergia capensis L./ B. repens BI./ B. verticillata Willd./ Elatine

verticillata W. & A.
Elatinaceae
Origin S. India.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Herbs annual, 15-30 cm tall. Stem prostrate and rooting in lower part, terete, slightly fleshy,
glabrous; branches erect. Stipules ovate-triangular, membranous, margin dentate-sinuate;
petiole 1-5 mm, flattened; leaf blade elliptic-lanceolate, obovate-lanceolate, or obovate, 1-4 ×
0.2-1 cm, papery, base acuminate, margin minutely serrulate or subentire, apex acute or
attenuate. Flowers arranged into small, axillary cymes, subsessile or with short pedicel 1-5
mm, very small. Sepals erect, narrowly lanceolate, 1-2 mm. Petals pink, oblong or
subspatulate, subequaling or slightly exceeding sepals. Stamens 10, free; filaments filiform,
base slightly widened. Ovary subglobose; styles straight or curved. Capsule subglobose, ca.
1.8 mm in diam., longitudinally 5-grooved, 5-septicidal. Seeds oblong, minute, angular or
transversely striate.
Habitat Paddy fields, moist places along ditch sides.
Uses -
Distribution India, Ceylon. In Indonesia (so far) : Java
153
Elatine triandra Schkuhr.

Elatinaceae
flickr.com
Origin Europe.
Indonesian names -
English names Threestamen waterwort, longstem waterwort, mudwort.
Description Elatine triandra is a delightful foreground plant. Its small stem width of ½ to 1 inch, rich
bright green color, and ease of growth make it a beautiful choice in any size aquarium. The
somewhat elongated and rosette-like leaves at the stem‘s end make it a unique foreground
plant.
Habitat In nature this plant grows along the edges of waterways and, more specifically, in the mud
flats of tidal rivers and marshes. Its natural habitat is in the cooler regions, and it reseeds itself
for each growing season, making it an annual plant.
Uses Use in Aquascaping: E. triandra is used exclusively as a foreground plant. It can be used
along with other foreground plants of different height and leaf varieties to enhance the overall
interest in the foreground.
Distribution N. America, Europe, India to Australia, New Zealand and Malesia. In Indonesia Sumatra and
Java.
154
Eriocaulon cinereum R. Br.

Eriocaulaceae

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description This aquarium plant stays rather small and grows slowly even under good conditions. Its
maximal height is approximately 8 cm. Around once a month, E. cinereum can be unearthed
for propagation. Cut the part where parent and daughter plant are connected with a sharp tool
like a razor blade or a pair of scissors, and pull the plants apart carefully.
Due to its small size, E. cinereum is ideal as a foreground plant. In Eastern Asia it is often
used in the foreground of so-called Tonina tanks, where it looks like tiny green sea urchins.
With its unique appearance it is suitable for accentuating practically any layout.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Indonesia : Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
155
Eriocaulon heteroplesis Steud. var. nigricans Koern.

Eriocaulaceae

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Very rare; in West and East Java, in Kangean Island (N. of Java), also in Sumatra and
Sulawesi.
References/Notes 3.
156
Eriocaulon longifolium Nees

Eriocaulaceae
flickr.com
Indonesian names -
English names Pipewort.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Indonesia : Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua.
157
Eriocaulon truncatum Buch.-Ham. ex Mart.

Eriocaulaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Short pipe-wort.
Description Terrestrial, annual, tufted herb, up to 20 cm tall. Roots white or brown, fibrous. Obvious stem
absent. Stipules absent. Leaves in a rosette, simple, not lobed or divided, alternate spiral,
sessile, linear, more than 2 cm long/wide, glabrous on both sides, margin entire, apex acute,
base truncate, parallel-veined. Flowers unisexual, grouped together in a terminal head, sessile,
petals 3. Fruit a capsule, opening with 3 valves.
Habitat Soggy grasslands, borders or water courses, on stones in rivers; often gregarious and often
mixed with E. cinerum R.Br. From 15 to 1300 m alt. Flowers all the year round. Lowland
irrigrated and rainfed rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan and the Lesser Sunda Islands.
158
Croton hirtus L’Hérit/ C. glandulosus L. var hirtus (L’Hérit) M. A.

Euphorbiaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Hairy croton.
Description Erect dichotomously branched aromatic herbs upto 60 cm high; branchlets with white to pale
yellow strigose-stellate hairs. Leaves 2.4-9 x 1.5-7.8 cm, ovate to ovate-oblong, base truncate,
broadly cuneate or oblique, margins irregularly serrate, apex acute, stellate white hairy on
both sides, 3-5-nerved from base, 2-stalked gland present at the base of lamina; petiole 0.3-
6.5 cm long, stellate hairy; stipules 2-5 mm long, linear, stellate hairy. Inflorescence terminal,
upto 4 cm long with multibranched numerous glandular hairs, female flowers below, male
flowers above; bracts 2-4 mm long, linear, glandular hairy. Male flowers white; pedicels c. 1
mm long, stellate hairy; tepals 10, 2-seriate, white, 1.5-2 x 0.5-1 mm, obovate or
oblanceolate, obtuse or acute at apex, stellate hairy without. Stamens many. Female flowers
green; tepals 5; longer ones 3, c. 3 mm long, obovate; shorter ones 2, 1-1.5 mm long. Ovary c.
1.5 mm long, ovoid, stellate hairy. Capsules 3-5 x 3-4 mm, ovoid, stellate hairy. Seeds 2-3
mm long, trigonous, brown with black patches, caruncle cream.
Habitat Wastelands.
Uses -
Distribution Naturalized in West Java.; Introduced before 1900 in West Java, area from Bogor aand
Pelabuhan Ratu, and spread throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Lesser
Sunda Islands.; Cotton plantations South Sulawesi.; Oil palm plantations (4 years), South
Sumatra.; Kalianda, South Lampung.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Handil Manarap).;
Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West
Java.; Weed of cotton plantations in Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul, Yogyakarta).
159
Euphorbia heterophylla L./ E. geniculata Ort.

Euphorbiaceae
Origin Mexico & The Antilles.

Indonesian names Kate mas.
English names (Mexican) fireplant, painted euphorbia, desert poinsettia, wild poinsettia, fire on the
mountain, paint leaf and kaliko plant.
Description Erect annual herb to 1.5 (rarely to 4) m high. Stems hollow, usually with scattered hairs.
Leaves ovate to rhomboid, 0.5–5 cm wide, hairless above, hairless or with a few appressed
hairs below, paler toward the base, margins entire or slightly toothed. Capsule 3–4 mm long,
5–6 mm wide, hairless, 3-lobed. Seeds warty, brown or grey, mottled, ovoid, 2.5–3 mm long.
Habitat Introduced for ornamental purposes, it quickly spreads, becoming a common sight by the side
of the roads and rural pathways.
Distribution Introduced in Java along time ago; occasionally cultivated and locally naturalized.; Sulawesi;
Moluccas; Saparua; Lesser Sunda Islands : Bali; Flores; Roti; Timor; Babar; Wetan;
Tanimbar; Jamdena-Naturalized in many parts of the Old World Tropics.; Weed in the
vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
160
Euphorbia hirta L./ E. pilulifera L./ E. capitata Lam./ Chamaesyce

hirta (L.) Millsp./ Chamaesyce pilurifera (L.) Small.
Euphorbiaceae
Origin Tropical America/ C. America.

Indonesian names Patikan kebo.
English names Asthma plant, hairy spurge, garden spurge.
Description Terrestrial, annual, erect herb, up to 60 cm tall. Taproot white or brown. Stem rounded, solid,
hairy, with abundant milksap. Stipules present. Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, opposite,
sessile or stalked, elliptic, less than 2 cm long/wide, hairy on both sides, denser pilosityalong
the veins in the lower face, more scattered on the upper side; leaf base asymmetric, margin
finely dentate, apex acute, base acute, 3-veined not to the top. Flowers unisexual, solitary or
grouped together in an axillary cyme, stalked, petals absent. Fruit a capsule opening with 3
valves.
Habitat E. hirta is a weed of waste places and in crops, occurring up to 2,000 m altitude. It is an
invasive plant which spreads very quickly. It is a species of much brightened environment
that meets so well on dry grounds as in the wetter zones. However, it is not present in altitude.
It prefer the sandy grounds or with gravels. Sunny to lightly shaded, not too moist, grassy
sites; along roads, premises, often between stones; locally common. Early colonize of bare
land.
Uses The latex of the plant is used to cure some wounds. The stalks and leaves are used to prepare
a drink flavoring the milk of young mothers. It is also popular remedy for coughs, coryza, hay
fever, bronchial infections and respiratory disorders. In traditional Cambodian medicine, it is
given to expel worms, bowel complaints and as a paste for gonorrhoea and other venereal
diseases. A tincture is suitable for spasmodic dyspnoea due to asthma, bronchitis, emphysema
and pulmonary, cardiac disorders.
Distribution In Java an early introduction; at present naturalized in Java and Madura.; Pantropical, partly
subtropical. Introduced to Indonesia a long time ago; has since spread throughout.; Sulawesi :
Gorontalo; Minahasa; Muna; Butung; Sula; Mangole; Moluccas : Halmahera, Morotai,
Ceram, Amboina; Lesser Sunda Is.:Bali; Lombok; Sumbawa; Flores; Sumba; Roti; Timor;
Kai; (Aru)-Pantropic weed of C. America origin.; Cotton, Morus alba, pepper, and cacao
plantations in South Sulawesi.; Onion plantations in South Sumatra.; Kalianda, South
Lampung.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Dry land of Flores, NTT.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belawang); Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.; Weed of
cotton plantations in Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul, Yogyakarta), Kebun Segayung
(Kabupaten Batang, Central Java), Kebun Gading (Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, yogyakarta)
161
dan kebun Kalitirto (Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).; Weed in the vegetable fields in the dry
and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; Introduced into SE. Asia long ago and nowadays
occuring throughout Malesia.
References/Notes 1, 3, 5, 11, 13, 20, 21, 27, 31, 38, 40, 70, 75, 91.
162
Euphorbia hypericifolia L./ E. parviflora L./ E. reniformis BI.

Euphorbiaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Spurge.
Description Height: 1 to 1.5 feet; Spread: 0.75 to 1 feet; Bloom Time: Flowers freely; Bloom Color:
White; Bloom Description: White.
Habitat -
Uses Garden uses: Abundant bloomer for landscape areas, border fronts, hanging baskets and
containers. May be grown as a houseplant.
Distribution Lower montane zone in Java.; Sulawesi; Lesser Sunda Is.: Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa; Flores;
Solor; Sumba; Roti; Timor; Southwest : Wetar-Pantropic weed.; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman,
Yogyakarta.
163
Euphorbia peplus L.
Euphorbiaceae
Origin Europe, North Africa & Continental Asia.

Indonesian names -
English names Petty spurge, radium weed, cancer weed, or milkweed.
Description It is an annual plant growing to between 5–30 cm tall (most plants growing as weeds of
cultivation tend towards the smaller end), with smooth hairless stems. The leaves are oval-
acute, 1–3 cm long, with a smooth margin. It has green flowers in three-rayed umbels. The
glands, typical of the Euphorbiacae, are kidney-shaped with long thin horns.
Habitat -
Uses The plant's sap is toxic to rapidly-replicating human tissue, and has long been used as a
traditional remedy for common skin lesions, including cancer.
Distribution Once collected near Sarangan on Lawu (Central) as a weed in a kitchen-garden.
164
Euphorbia prostrata W. Ait./ Chamaesyce prostata (Aiton) Small

Euphorbiaceae
Origin Tropical America/ West Indies (Jamaica).

Indonesian names Patikan cina.
English names Prostrate sandmat.
Description This is an annual herb producing slender prostrate stems up to about 20 centimeters long,
sometimes purple-tinted in color. The oval-shaped leaves are up to a centimeter long with
finely toothed edges. The inflorescence is a cyathium less than 2 millimeters wide, with white
petal-like appendages surrounding the actual flowers. There are four male flowers and a
single female flower, the latter developing into a lobed, hairy fruit one to two millimeters
wide.
Habitat -
Uses Euphorbia prostrata extract has been found effective for treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids
due to its contents of flavonoids, phenolics and phenolic acids
(http://www.bhj.org/journal/2008_5004_october/download/page-577-583.pdf).
Distribution At present naturalized in Java and Madura.; Balitan Maros.; Nowadays introduced and widely
naturalized throughout the tropics and subtropics. In SE. Asia reported from Thailand, Java,
the Philippines, Sulawesi, the Lesser Sunda Islands, the Moluccas and New Guinea, but
probably occuring elsewhere as well.
165
Euphorbia prunifolia Jacq./ E. geniculata Ortega

Euphorbiaceae
Origin Tropical S. America.

Indonesian names Patikan emas.
English names Desert spurge, fire plant, Japanese poinsettia, Mexican fire plant, Mexican fireplant, milk
weed, milkweed, painted euphorbia, painted leaf, painted spurge, paintedleaf, summer
poinsettia, various leaved euphorbia, wild poinsettia, wild spurge, yellow spurge.
Description Seedling: The two seed leaves (i.e. cotyledons) are oval in shape (i.e. elliptic) and are borne
on stalks (i.e. petioles) about 5 mm long. They are about 22 mm long and 8 mm wide when
fully grown. The first true leaves are paired (i.e. oppositely arranged) and are more egg-
shaped in outline (i.e. ovate).
Stems and Leaves: The upright (i.e. erect) main stems are 3-8 mm thick and side (i.e. lateral)
branches are formed in the leaf forks (i.e. axils). These stems are either hairless (i.e. glabrous)
or somewhat hairy (i.e. pilose). The stems and leaves exude a caustic milky sap (i.e. latex)
when broken or damaged. The variable leaves (2-12 cm long and 0.8-5 cm wide) are
generally green in colour and borne on stalks (i.e. petioles) 5-40 mm long. They are usually
oval (i.e. elliptic), egg-shaped in outline (i.e. ovate) or elongated (i.e. lanceolate) in shape
with a pointed tip (i.e. acute apex). These leaves are also either entirely hairless (i.e. glabrous)
or somewhat hairy (i.e. pilose) with margins that are entire to very finely toothed (i.e.
serrulate). Leaves tend to be oppositely arranged on the lower parts of the stem, alternately
arranged along most of the stem, and then oppositely arranged again just below the flower
clusters. The leaves just below the flower clusters (i.e. the floral leaves) may occasionally
have paler whitish patches or splotches of purplish-green towards their bases, but these are
not very distinct.
Flowers and Fruit: The inconspicuous 'flowers' (i.e. cyathia) are actually tiny cup-like
structures (i.e. involucres) each containing several tiny male flowers and one female flower.
The male flowers are reduced to stamens and the female flower consists of a very large
stalked ovary topped with astigma. These 'flowers' (i.e. cyathia) are borne in dense clusters at
the tips of the branches (i.e. in dense terminal cymes), usually with several leaves clustered
directly below them. The 'flowers' (i.e. cyathia) are greenish or yellowish in colour and each
one is borne on a separate stalk (i.e. peduncle). The cup-like structures (i.e. involucres) are
about 2-2.5 mm long and on each of these there is also a smaller rounded cup-like projection
(i.e. floral nectary or gland). The three-lobed capsules (3-4 mm long and 5-6 mm across) are
hairless (i.e. glabrous) and each contains three seeds. The seeds (2.5-3 mm long) are egg-
shaped (i.e. ovoid), either brownish or mottled grey in colour, and have rough (i.e. coarsely
166
tuberculate) surfaces.
Habitat A weed of crops, orchards, roadsides, gardens, waste areas and disturbed sites in tropical,
sub-tropical, semi-arid and occasionally alsotemperate regions. Also commonly growing in
urban bushland and along creekbanks (i.e. in riparian vegetation).
Uses -
Distribution Naturalized in Java,; Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
References/Notes 1, 3, 6e, 108.
167
Euphorbia thymifolia L./ Chamaesyce thymifolia (L.) Millsp

Euphorbiaceae

Indonesian names Patikan china, gelang pasir, krokot china (Javanese), ki mules, nanagkaan gede, useup nana
(West Java), jalu-jalu tona (Maluku).
English names Asthma plant, Pill-bearing spurge, Thyme-leaf spurge, Chiken weed.
Description It is a monocious, prostate, annual herb with branches up to 25 cm long, with numerous
adventitious roots. The stems are with white latex. The leaves are opposite, distichous,
simple; blade ovate, measures up to 8 mm x 4 mm; stipules linear 1 mm long, deeply 2-3
toothed. The base unequal, one side cuneate the other side rounded, apex rounded, margins
shallowly toothed, glabrous above and sparsely long-hairy beneath. The petioles are 0,5 mm
long. Inflorescence is in the form of terminal or axillary cluster of flowers called a cyathium,
on short leafy shoots; cyanthia almost sessile, measure 0,5 mm x 0,5 mm, with a funnel-
shaped involucre, lobes triangular, minute, margin hairy, gland 4, minute, almost circular, red
with very small red appendages, each involucre containing 1 female flower surronded by few
male flowers. The flowers are unisexual; male floers sessile, bracteoles hair-like, perianth
absent, stamen 1 mm long; female flowers almost sessile, perianth a rim, ovary superior,
glabrous, 3-celled, styles 3, minute, 2-fid. The fruit an acutely 3-lobed, almost sessile capsule
1 mm x 1 mm base truncate, short-hairy 3 seeded. The seeds are conical, measure 0,5 mm in
diameter, acutely 4-angled, shallowly transversely wrinkled, reddish brown without caruncle.
Habitat -
Uses The plant is bitter, acrid, sweet, thermogenic; laxative, diuretic, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac,
anthelmintic, antibacterial, vulnerary, alexipharmic, expectorant, bronchodilator, stimulant
and depurative.
Distribution In Java introduced along time ago; at present naturalized in Java.; 1-1450 m alt.; Sulawesi;
Moluccas; Amboina; Lesser Sunda Is.:Sumbawa; Flores-Widespread in the Old World
Tropics, often naturalized.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Throughout the Old World tropics,
apparently not widespread in tropical E. Africa, but advancing there; throughout the Malesian
regions.
168
Jatropha curcas L./ Curcas purgans Medik./ Curcas indica A. Rich./

J. afrocurcas Pax
Euphorbiaceae
Origin Tropical Ameroca/ Mexico & C. America.

Indonesian names Jarak pagar, jarak kosta, jarak budeg (Sundanese); jarak gundul, jarak pager (Javanese);
kalekhe paghar(Madura); jarak pager (Bali); lulu mau, paku kase, jarak pageh (Nusa
Tenggara); kuman nema (Alor); jarak kosta, jarak wolanda, bindalo, bintalo,tondo utomene
(Sulawesi); ai huwa kamala, balacai, kadoto (Maluku).
English names Barbados Nut, Purging Nut, Physic Nut, or JCL (abbreviation of Jatropha curcas Linnaeus).
Description Leaves: The leaves have significant variability in their morphology. In general, the leaves are
green to pale green, alternate to subopposite, and three- to five-lobed with a spiral phyllotaxis.
Flowers: male and female flowers are produced on the same inflorescence, averaging 20 male
flowers to each female flower,[10] or 10 male flowers to each female flower.[11] The petiole
length ranges from 0.24 to 0.90 inches (6.1–23.1 mm). The inflorescence can be formed in the
leaf axil. Plants are monoecious and also presents hermaphroditic flowers occasionally.[1]
Fruits: fruits are produced in winter, or there may be several crops during the year if soil
moisture is good and temperatures are sufficiently high. Most fruit production is concentrated
from midsummer to late fall with variations in production peaks where some plants have two
or three harvests and some produce continuously through the season.
Seeds: the seeds are mature when the capsule changes from green to yellow. The seeds
contain around 20% saturated fatty acids and 80% unsaturated fatty acids, and they yield
25%–40% oil by weight. In addition, the seeds contain other chemical compounds, such as
saccharose, raffinose, stachyose, glucose, fructose, galactose, and protein. The oil is largely
made up of oleic and linoleic acids. Furthermore, the plant also contains curcasin, arachidic,
linoleic, myristic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids and curcin.
Habitat The plant can grow in wastelands and grows on almost any terrain, even on gravelly, sandy
and saline soils.
Uses Biofuel, jet fuel, carbon dioxide sequestration.
Distribution In Java an early introduction and locally naturalized; cultivated as a living fence throughout
the area; In C. of Malesia widely cultivated.; It was introduced long ago in all tropical regions
like Florida and S. Africa. It is cultivated throughout the Malesian regions, though especially
in the drier areas
169
Jatropha gossypifolia L. var. elegans M. A./ J. Elegans (Pohl)

Klotzsch
Euphorbiaceae

Indonesian names Jarak pagar merah, jarak ulung, jarak landi.
English names Cotton leaf, Physic Nut, Wild Physic Nut.
Description A perennial herb from the Euphorbiaceae family. It forms a small, spreading shrub with a
sparse, open canopy reaching to 1 m in height. It releases a sticky, yellow, translucent sap
when injured. The leaves are alternate, 10 cm wide with hairy margins and are deeply divided
into 3 to 5 pointed lobes and may have strong red to purple tinges. The flowers are 5-petaled
in small, terminal clusters and are deep rich maroon in colour. The fruits are 3-lobed, mature;
the dry fruit is seldom seen because it splits open explosively when dry, scattering the 3
enclosed seed in all direction.
Habitat This species is most commonly found in drier tropical environments, but is sometimes also
naturalised in sub-tropical and semi-aridregions. It is a weed of degraded pastures, open
woodlands, monsoon vine forests, grasslands, riparian vegetation, coastal foreshores,
roadsides, disturbed sites, waste areas and old or abandoned gardens.
Uses Gastro-intestinal diseases, dermatological problems.
Distribution Naturalized in Java and Madura on several places in dry areas at low altitudes.; It has been
introduced as an ornamental elsewhere in Tropical America and in many parts of the Old
World tropics, especially West Africa and Malesia, and regularly escapes from cultivation.
170
Phyllantus buxifolius (BI.) M. A.

Euphorbiaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Seligi.
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Cultivated for fences or as an ornamental, in Java also occasionally met with as an escape.;
Bali, Flores (cult.)-Philippines, Borneo, Java.
171
Phyllantus pulcher (Baill.) M. A./ Epistylium pulchrum Baill./ P.

pulcher Wallich ex Muell. Arg/ Diasperus pulcher (Wallich ex Muell.
Arg.) Kuntze
Euphorbiaceae
flickr.com
Origin Malay Peninsula.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description It is a shrub which can reach up to 1,5 m high. The leaves are distichous with 15-30 pairs
along each branchlets. The stipules are triangular-lanceolate measuring 3-4 x 1,5-2 mm,
reddish brown in colour, antire or obscurely serrulate. The petiole measure 0,8-1,5 mm. The
leaf blade obliquely oblongto ovate-oblong in shape, measuring 1,8-2 x 0,8-1,3 cm,
membranous, abaxillary grey-green, adaxially green, margins slightly revolute. The lateral
veins have 4-6 pairs, obscure. Inflorescence a bisexual axilary fascicle, usually with several
male and one female flower. The flowers has ciliate bracts at the base. The male flowers has
delicate pedicels, measure 5-10 mm. The sepals 4, ovate-triangular, measuring 2-3 x 1-2 mm,
dark red in colour and margind lacerate. The disk glands 4, square or reniform in shape,
measure 0,5-0,7 mm wide, flat and membranous. The stamens 2 while the filaments are short
and cornnate. The anthers longitudinally dehiscent. The female flowers had filamentous
pedicels measuring 15-23 mm. The sepal 6, ovate-triangular in shape, measuring 3,5-4 x 1,5
mm, margins lacerate, midrib thicker abaxially; disk disk-shaped, fleshy, surrounding ovary
at base, apex 6-lobed; ovary subglobose, smooth and 3-celled. The styles 3, spreading, bifid at
apex. The fruiting pedicels measure 2,5 cm while the sepals are persistent. The capsules
subglobose in shape measure 3 mm in diameter, brownish in colour and smooth.
Habitat -
Uses Decoction of the plant has multiple medicinal values. It can be used as an eye wash,
fomentations for nasal ulcers, abscesses, pruritus, fever and renal problems in children.
Decoction of the whole plant can relieve stomachache. Paste of the leaves or sap is applied on
aching tooth for relieve. The decoction of the roots is a remedy for hypertension.
Distribution In Java cultivated as a hedge-plant, also naturalized in the environs of Jakarta & Bogor.; It is
172
found from Burma (Myanmar), and Indo-China towards Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia,
Sumatra, Borneo, Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands; cultivated in Sri Lanka, Tanzania and
the West Indies; occasionally escaping.
173
Phyllantus urinaria L./ P. lepidocarpus Siebold & Zucc./ P.

leprocarpus Wight/ P. verrucosus Elmer
Euphorbiaceae

Indonesian names Meniran.
English names Chamberbitter, gripeweed, shatterstone, stonebreaker or leafflower.
Description This is an annual plant with the main stem erect, unbranched or sparsely branched and seldom
more than a foot tall. The side branches with their two rows of alternate leaves resemble a
compound leaf. The leaves themselves are finely hairy, nearly sessile (stalkless), oblong to
narrowly obovate, blunt at the apex, and ½ - ¾ inch long. The unisexual flowers are whitish,
tiny and inconspicuous, and they are borne singly or in small clusters in the axils of the
leaves. The female flowers develop rapidly after pollination to produce sessile, roundish,
slightly flattened, rough-textured capsules. These capsules are about 1/8 inch in diameter
when ripe, and are held beneath the leaves.
Habitat The plant is common throughout the state, primarily in cultivated areas such as lawns,
gardens, home landscapes and nurseries. It thrives in sun or shade. So far, it has not become
invasive in natural areas.
Uses -
Distribution It was introduced into America and Africa and nowadays an almost pantropical weed;
throughout the Malesian region.
174
Ricinus communis L.
Euphorbiaceae
Origin Africa (?)/ W. Africa and Ethiopia (probably).

Indonesian names Jarak (Javanese), jarak (Sundanese), jarak (Bali), kaleke (Madura), alale (Gorontalo),
tangang-tangang jarak (Makasar).
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java not rarely naturalized.; It is now grown in most drier areas of the tropics and
subtropics and in many temperates areas with a hot summer. It naturalizes easily and grows in
many areas as a ruderal plant.
175
Goodenia koningsbergeri (Back.) Back. ex Bold./

Selliera koningsbergeri Back.
Goodeniaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Indonesia : Java, Madura, Kangean Islands and Timor.
References/Notes 3.
176
Myriophyllum brasilense Cambess./ M. aquaticum (Vell.) Verdc.

Haloragaceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Myriophyllum brasiliense is one of the most common waterplants, having been used in water
gardens from the earliest days of the hobby. As is true of most Myriophyllums, this one
changes its foliage according to the prevailing conditions. When submerged, the foliage is
finely divided into long filaments that move with the slightest flow. Leaves may be 3" long.
They are quite beautiful when viewed en masse from above. When the plant reaches the
surface of the water, it drops all of those delicate leaves and adopts a decidedly more robust
form. Emergent leaves are short, to 1.25", gray-green, and with fewer segments that the
submersed foliage has. From spring through summer, insignificant sessile (stemless) flowers
are produced at the bases of the leaves (axilary).
Habitat It will grow out of the water in moist soil or where it can reliably keep it feet in the water.
Uses Water gardens.
Distribution In West Java, 450-1400 m alt., often cultivated as a cover of fish-ponds, besides naturalized
in ditches, ponds and ricefields.; Cosmopolitan, rare in Africa. In Indonesia : Sumatra and
Java.
177
Blyxa aubertii Rich. var. echinosperma (Clarke) Cook & Lϋӧnd./ B.

echinodperma (Clarke) Hook. f./ Hydrotrophus echinospermus
Clarke
Hydrocharitaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Roundfruit Blyxa, javanese rush.
Description Blyxa aubertii is a species that has been around for many years, but it is not terribly popular
and has never become truly well established in the hobby. The reason for this is not entirely
clear. This plant is perhaps slightly more demanding than its more common relative, B.
japonica, but it has much to offer in terms of size and appearance. Unlike many aquarium
plants, B. aubertii is a true aquatic, found in a variety of submerged environments. These
plants are part of the Hydrocharitaceae tape-grass family, and this is quite descriptive of the
appearance of individual leaves. The plant appears to be a classic rosette, but closer
inspection reveals an internal structure of short stems.
Habitat In Asia it is also found in paddy fields, ditches and even wells.
Uses Use in aquascaping.
Distribution S. E. USA, S. and E. Asia, S. Africa, India, Ceylon, Burma, Indochiina, China, Japan, Korea,
throughout Malesia to Tropical Australia, Pacific Islands. In Indonesia : so far known from
Sumatra, Java, the Moluccas and Papua.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Handil Manarap).
178
Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Boyle/ H. lithuanica (Rchb.) Dandy/

Serpicula verticillata L.f.
Hydrocharitaceae
Origin Asia?
Indonesian names Ganggang hijau.
English names Waterthyme.
Description Rhizomes and erect stems with turions; subterranean turions cream-brown, appearing as
tubers, surface smooth; turions from erect stems olive-green, covered with short, stiff scales.
Leaves 8--15(--20) ´ 1.2--4 mm, margins serrulate. Inflorescences: spathe of 2 connate bracts.
Flowers 1 per spathe; staminate pedicels 0.5 mm; pistillate flowers with floral tube 10--50
mm; ovary 1-locular. 2n = 32.
Habitat It grows in a variety of aquatic habitats ranging from acidic to basic, oligotrophic to
eutrophic, fresh to brackish, and from a few centimeters to a meter or more if light penetrates
that deeply.
Uses -
Distribution From S. and E. Europe, Africa, S. and E. Asia to Australia, very common in W. Malesia.
Throughout Indonesia.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).
179
Hydrolea spinosa L.
Hydrophyllaceae

Indonesian names Jeruju.
English names Spiny false fiddleleaf.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Long ago introduced in Java; found there for the first time about 1893; regions between
Jakarta and Bogor.; Northern part of West Java.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Banjarmasin, Barambai, Belandean, Sakalagun).
180
Hydrolea zeylanica (L.) Vahl/ H. inermis Lour./ H. javanica BI./

Beloanthera oppositifolia Hassk.
Hydrophyllaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names -
English names Ceylon hydrolea.
Description Terrestrial, perennial, tufted or prostrate her. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stem rounded,
solid, glabrous or hairy, rooting at the nodes. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, not lobed or
divided, alternate spiral, stalked, lanceolate, hairy on both sides, margins entire, apex acute,
base acute, one veined or pinnately veined. Flowers bisexual, solitary or grouped in a terminal
or axillary inflorescences, stalked, petals 5, white or blue. Fruits a capsule, opening with 2
valves.
Habitat In permanently or periodically swampy or inundated sites; in areas with or without a
pronounced dry season; pools, river-banks; often occur gregariously. From 0-1000 m alt.
lowland-irrigated rice fields.
Uses Medicinal use: In traditional Cambodia medicine, the leaves are prescribed for intestinal
disorders. Macerate, the leaves are applied and callous ulcers for soothing and healing
properties. It also possesses some antiseptic properties. Young shoots are eaten as a
vegetable; leaves are used as a poultice for ulcers.
Distribution India, W. Malesia, Philippines. Throughout Indonesia, except the Moluccas and Papua, as far
as known.
181
Hypericum chinense L.
Hypericaceae
Origin China & Japan.

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java cultivated.
References/Notes 1.
182
Hypericum japonicum Thunb. ex Murray/ H. chinense Osb. nomen

dubium/ H. mutilum (non L.f.) Maxim
Hypericaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Terrestrial, annual, tufted herb, up to 40 cm tall. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stem erect or
procumbent, quadrangular, solid, glabrous. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, not lobed or
divided, opposite, sessile, ovate, less than 2 cm long/wide, glabrous on both sides, dots
present, margin entire, apex obtuse, base cordate, parallel-veined. Flowers bisexual, grouped
in a terminal one to few-flowered cyme, stalked, petals 5, yellow. Fruits a capsule, opening
with 3 valves.
Habitat Wet or marshy sites; ditches, stream banks to dry places, roadsides and road banks, terrace
banks, sunny places; 0-3400 m alt.; sometime abundant. Upland rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution From Japan, S. Korea and S.E. China to Ceylon; Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii; throughout
Malesia. Throughout Indonesia, except the Moluccas and Lesser Sunda Islands, as far as
known.
183
Trimezia martinicensis (L.) Herb./ T. lurida Salisb.

Iridaceae
Origin Mexico.
Indonesian names -
English names Yellow Walking Iris, Forenoon Yellow Flag.
Description A diagnostic feature is that the style crests of T. martinicensis are short, about 3–4 mm (0.12–
0.16 in) long, comparable in length to its anthers, which are about 4 mm (0.16 in) long. The
leaves of T. martinicensis are only about 1.3 cm (0.5 in) wide.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java occasionally cultivated as an ornamental; also naturalized near Bogor on and around a
native cemetery.
184
Watsonia glumacea (Thunb.) Aschers. & Graebn.

Iridaceae
Origin S. Africa.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java the mountain regions occasionally cultivated as an ornamental.
References/Notes 1.
185
Juncus prismatocarpus R. Br.

Juncaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Tufted perennial. Culms ± flattened, 10–40 cm long, 1.3–3.0 mm diam. Leaves pluritubulose,
spread along culms, shorter or equalling culms; blade compressed, 1.3–3.2 mm wide; auricles
0.3–1.0 mm long. Inflorescence terminal, diffuse, 5–17 cm long; flowers clustered at apex of
branches, 5–25 per cluster and 4–40 clusters per inflorescence; involucral bract, 1 well-
developed, 3–14 cm long, shorter than or rarely as long as inflorescence. Tepals straw-brown
to red-brown, with narrow hyaline margins; outer tepals 2.5–3.5(-4.1) mm long, ± equalling
inner tepals. Stamens 3, shorter than outer tepals; anthers 0.4–0.7 mm long. Capsule longer
than outer tepals by up to 3 mm, narrow-ovoid, acuminate, tapering evenly to long beak or
narrowing more abruptly at very apex, golden brown.
Habitat This rush grows in swamps and peat bogs as well as in wet grasslands and stream sides.
Uses -
Distribution Ceylon, S.E. to E. Asia, Australia, New Zealand. In Indonesia : Sumatra, Java, Papua, as far
as known.
186
Coleus parviflorus Bth./ C. tuberosus (BI.) Bth., non Rich./

Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poiret.) J. K. Morton/ Plectranthus
rotundifolius (Poiret) Sprengel
Lamiaceae
Origin India/ Madagascar or Tropical Africa.

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java locally cultivated for the dible fruits and naturalized.; Bandar Lampung.; It is
frequently cultivated in Madagascar, tropical and S. Africa, Sri Lanka, India, throughout
continental Asia to Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, the Moluccas and possibly the
Philippines.
187
Hyptis brevipes Poit.

Lamiaceae
Origin Mexico.
Indonesian names Mata munding (Sundanese).
English names -
Description Erect herb 0.5-1.5 m tall. Stems with a single deep longitudinal groove. Leaves opposite,
narrowly lanceolate to oblong, 4-8 - 1-2.5 cm, with toothed margins; petiole 0.5-1 cm,
hairy. Flowers in pale green globose heads, on axillary stalks 5-12 mm long; flower heads 6-
8 mm diameter, expanding to 8-14 mm diameter in fruit, bracts linear to narrowly lanceolate,
4-6 mm long. Calyx gland-dotted, tubular, 3-5 mm long in fruit. Corolla irregular, 5-lobed,
3-4 mm long, white. Anthers purple. Fruit a brownish black, minutely wrinkled nutlet, 0.7
mm long. Habitat: Weed of waste places, becoming abundant in fallow ground. Prefers a wet
tropical climate, less common in regions with a seasonal wet/dry regime. 0-1200 m altitude.
Weed of plantation crops, rice, fallow ground and forest margins. Potential pasture weed.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Since long naturalized in Java; common in West and Central Java, less common in East Java;
Pantropical., a long time ago naturalized in Indonesia. Throughout Indonesia.; Oil palm
plantations (4 years) South Sumatra; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Sugarcane factory garden
Camming, South Sulawesi.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean,
Handil Manarap) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).
188
Hyptis capitata Jacq.

Lamiaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Knobweed; Hyptis.
Description Stem: Flowers and fruits as a shrub about 1-2 m tall.
Leaves: Leaf bearing twigs +/- 4-angled, leaves and stems emit a strong odour when crushed.
Leaf blades about 6-14 x 1.5-6 cm with numerous pale glands visible on the underside. Upper
surface of the leaf blade clothed in quite stout septate hairs. Hairs on the underside of the leaf
blademuch more slender than those on the upper surface.
Flowers: Flowers in dense globular heads. Calyx about 3-4 mm long, pubescent on the outer
surface, inner surface glabrous except at the base. Corollaabout 5-6 mm long. Anthers pink,
red-brown or purple with a yellow gland on the back. Ovary 4-lobed, glabrous, style inserted
in the centre of the lobes.
Fruit: Calyx pubescent, persistent, enclosing the nutlets. Nutlets +/- ovoid, about 1.2-2 mm
long with a bilobed scar at the base. Nutlets not swelling or becoming transformed in any way
when boiled in water.r
Habitat Altitudinal range from near sea level to 750 m. Usually found on degraded farmland and
along roads and clearings in lowland rain forest.
Uses -
Distribution Since long naturalized in Java and Madura.; Pantropical, introduced in Java in 1880.
Throughout Indonesia.; Cashew nuts plantations South Sulawesi.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.;
Undergrowth plant at Puwodadi Botanical Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.
189
Hyptis pectinata Poit.

Lamiaceae.

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Slender erect herbaceous subshrub with 4-angled puberulent stems; foliage aromatic if
rubbed and crushed; leaves ovate or ovate-elliptic, cuneate to rounded (even subcordate) at
base, acute or blunt at tip, puberulent or glabrescent dorsally, crenate-serrate, 2-9 cm long, 1-
6 cm wide; flowers subsessile, white to pale violet, in cymules axillary to reduced leaves,
subtended by linear pubescent bracts 1-3 mm long; calyx about 2 mm, enlarging in fruit to 4
mm; corolla 2.5 mm, lower lip darker; filaments somewhat pubescent; nutlets oblong, 1 mm
long, black." "Robust plants may reach up to 4 m tall.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Since long naturalized in West Java between Bogor and Sukabumi.
190
Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit./ Ballota suaveolens L./ Marrubium

indicum Thunb./ Schaueria graveolens Hassk.
Lamiaceae

Indonesian names Gringsingan.
English names Pignut, chan.
Description Terrestrial, annual, erect, aromatic herb, up to 200 cm tall. Taproot white or brown. Stem
quadrangular, hollow, (glandular) hairy. Leaves simple, entire, opposite, stalked, ovate, hairy
on both sides, margin coarsely dentate, papillae present, apex acute, base cordate or rounded,
pinnately veined. Flowers bisexual, gouped together in an axillary head, sessile, petals 5,
white. Fruit a nut.
Habitat Widely spread at low altitudes.
Uses -
Distribution Since long introduced in Java and Madura.; Now distributed and naturalized pantropically,
including SE. Asia. Occasionally cultivated in Mexico and India.
191
Pogostemon auricularia (L.) El-Gazzar & L. Watson/ Dysophylla

auricularia (L.) BI./ Mentha auricularia L.
Lamiaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Throughout S. E. Asia to S. China and throughout Malesia. Throughout Indonesia, except the
Lesser Sunda Islands, as far as known.; Cashew nuts plantations South Sulawesi.; Tidal areas
of Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).
192
Ocimum americanum L./ O. Africanum Lour./ O. canum Sims/ O.

brachiatum Blume
Lamiaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names Hoary Basil, Rosary Basil.
Description An annual aromatic much-branched herb, 15 - 60 cm high. Leaves 2.5-3.8 cm long, elliptic-
lanceolate, acute at both ends. Flowers small, white, in rather close whorls, in spiciform
racemes, up to 20 cm long. Nutlets 1.25 mm long, ellipsoid, black.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Occurs wild and cultivated throughout Tropical Africa & Tropical Asia. In SE. Asia it has
been reported from continental parts, from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Its occurence in
the Philippines is doubtful. It has also been introduced into tropical America and some Islands
of the West Indies.
193
Utricularia aurea Lour./ U. Blumei (A.DC.) Miq./ U. Flexuosa Vahl./

U. reclinata Hassk.
Lentibulariaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Ganggang.
English names Golden- or leafy- bladderwort.
Description Terrestrial or aquatic, annual or perennial, herb, (partially) submerged, up to 50 cm long,
insectivorous. Stems round, glabrous. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, finely divided, whorled
at top, alternate spiral along the stem, sessile, each with a1—3 bladder-like traps.
Flowersbisexual, grouped into an axillary or terminal raceme, petals 2, yellow. Fruit a
capsule, opening with a circumsessile lid.
Habitat Deep to shallow, stagnant or sluggishly flowing fresh water in ditches, pools, fishponds,
lakes; from 0-1500 m alt., Irrigated-lowland, and tidal rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution From India to China and from Japan to Australia; throughout Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.;
Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap, Kertak Hanyar).
194
Spigelia anthelmia L.
Loganiaceae

Indonesian names -
English names West indian pinkroot.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses Used in many herbal remedies, it may be used to treat conditions of the heart and eye, among
others. It can also be employed in ridding the body of intestinal parasites. Alkaloids present
within spigelia anthelmia make it effective against heart disease. Other heart problems, such
as mururs, rheumatic heart disease, angina, and valve disorders have been treated with the
herbal remedy. Pinkroot can help relieve general chest pain, especially that which extends
into the chest, arms, and throat, as well. The herb works as a laxative, too, in addition to
having antibacterial properties.
Distribution Tropical W. Africa, Malesia. Inadvertently imported into Java in 1845 and spread throughout
Sumatra, Java, and the Lesser Sunda Islands.; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.
195
Cuphea hookeriana Walp.

Lythraceae
Origin Mexico & C. America.

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Naturalized in West Java on NE. slope of Gede, near Cibodas.
References/Notes 1.
196
Ammannia microcarpa DC.

Lythraceae

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Tropical Asia. In Indonesia : Sumatra, Java, and the Lesser Sunda Islands, as far as known.
References/Notes 3.
197
Ammannia octandra L.f.

Lythraceae

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Herbs to 50 cm high. Leaves opposite, 4.5 x 0.7 cm, oblong-lanceolate, chartaceous, glabrous,
base auriculate-subcordate, margin entire, apex acuminate. Cymes simple, axillary; pedicel to
1 mm. Flowers 7 mm across. Calyx-tube 4 mm, angular, margins sharp; lobes 4, 1 mm. Petals
4, red with a darker midnerve, orbicular, 4 mm, fugacious, crumpled. Stamens 4+4, inserted
at different levels on calyx-tube; filaments to 6 mm. Ovary 1.5 mm, 4-celled; style 5 mm.
Capsule 4.5 mm, equalling the thick calyx-tube; seeds turgid.
Habitat It is an annual. It grows in low lying moist places, edge of tanks, marshes and rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution Tropical Asia. In Indonesia : so far only found in Java.
198
Ammannia baccifera L.
Lythraceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Blistering Ammania.
Description Terrestrial, annual, erect herb, up to 60 cm tall. Taproot white or brown. Stem quadrangular,
solid, glabrous. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, opposite, sessile,
lanceolate, less than 2 cm long/wide, margin entire, apex acute or obtuse, base cordate or
obtuse, one-veined. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in an axillary, sessile glomerules, red,
pink, or purple, petals absent. Fruit a capsule, opening irregularly, transversely.
Habitat In inundated or very wet sites, from 0-1200 m alt.; lowland rice fields.
Uses In India, leaves are used to reduce the sexual libido in animals.
Distribution Tropical America and Asia. Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan, as far as known.
199
Cuphea balsamona Cham. & Schlecht.

Lythraceae
Origin The Antilles, C. & S. America.

Indonesian names -
English names Colombian cuphea, Colombian waxweed, Columbian cuphea, tarweed.
Description Annual or perhaps short-lived perennial herbs, sometimes slightly woody at base; stems 1.5-
5 dm long, often many-branched, glandular hispid and white puberulent. Leaves obovate to
elliptic or oblong-elliptic, (10-) 20-60 mm long, (8-) 12-26 mm wide, apex obtuse, base
cuneate, petioles 0-2 mm long. Flowers few in terminal and also axillary cymes, pedicels ca.
1 mm long; floral tube green, sometimes becoming reddish, flask-shaped, 4-7 mm long,
sparsely hispidulous on nerves, some of the hairs glandular; calyx teeth ovate; petals pale
pink or bluish, drying violet, subequal, ca. 1.5 mm long; stamens included and inserted in 2
unequal whorls near the constriction of the floral tube. Capsules ovoid, 1-celled, 3.5-5 mm
long. Seeds 4, suborbicular, ca. 2 mm in diameter.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java naturalized on NE. slope of Gede (West Java).
200
Rotala indica (Willd.) Koehne/ Ameletia acutidens Miq./ Ameletia

indica DC.
Lythraceae

Indonesian names -
English names Indian toothcup.
Description The stems of the plant grow up to 30 or 40 centimeters long. Leaves are decussate, arranged
oppositely in perpendicular pairs along the stems. The leaves are oval with thick, whitish,
cartilaginous margins and measure up to 2 centimeters long. Flowers occur in leaf axils singly
or in short, spikelike inflorescences. Each has four triangular sepals and four tiny pink petals.
Habitat -
Uses This aquatic plant is best known as a popular aquarium plant.
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia, except Sulawesi and Papua, as far as known.
201
Rotala rosea (Poir.) C.D.K. Cook/ R. leptopetala (BI.) Koehne/

Ammannia leptopetala BI./ Ammannia petandra BI.
Lythraceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Amphibious or marshy annuals; stem erect or creeping, simple or branched, to 20 cm tall.
Leaves decussate, 8 - 20 x 3 - 6 mm, linear-lanceolate to ovate, cuneate to obtuse at the base,
apex acute or obtuse. Flowers monomorphic, sessile, solitary in the axils of the bractiform
leaves. Bracteoles 0.5-1 mm long, linear or filiform, not exceeding the calyx tube. Calyx tube
c. 1.5 mm long, campanulate; lobes 5, minute, triangular, the alternating appendages subulate,
equalling the lobes. Petals 5, pink, c. 0.5 mm long, obovate. Stamens 5, included, inserted just
below the middle of calyx tube. Ovary globose; stigma capitate. Capsule c. 2 mm across,
globose, 3-valved, exceeding the calyx. Seeds sub-ovoid, brownish.
Habitat It grows in wetlands and rice fields, near sea level to 1,000-1,800 m asl.
Uses -
Distribution Throughout Indonesia; except the Lesser Sunda Islands and the Moluccas, as far as known.
Predominant in W. Java, less frequent in C. and E. Java.
References/Notes 3, 110
202
Sida rhombifolia L./ S. retusa auct. non L.

Malvaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Sidaguri.
English names Paddy‘s lucerne, jelly leaf, and also somewhat confusingly as Cuban jute,Queensland hemp,
and Indian hemp.
Description Erect small shrub, branching from base, to 1 m high. Plants develop a thick taproot. Stems
pale green with fibrous bark. Leaves lanceolate, 1.5–8.5 cm long, 0.6–4 cm wide; dull green
above, greygreen below; margins irregularly toothed; on stalk 1–6 cm long, with stipules 0.5–
1 cm long at the base. Fruit 5–6 mm wide separating into 1-seeded mericarps (fruitlets).
Mericarps 2–2.5 mm long, dark brown, vertically 2-ribbed on the back.
Habitat This species is usually confined to waste ground, such as roadsides and rocky areas, stock
camps or rabbit warrens, but can be competitive in pasture, due to its unpalatability to
livestock.
Uses Arrowleaf sida has significant medicinal applications for which it is cultivated throughout
India. The pounded leaves are used to relieve swelling,the fruits are used to relieve headache,
the mucilage is used as an emollient, and the root is used to treat rheumatism (Parrotta 2001).
Distribution Pantropical, also in the subtropics. Throughout Indonesia.; Pepper plantations South
Sulawesi.; Oil palm plantations (4 years) South Sumatra.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung,
Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; In the vegetable fields in the
dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
203
Sida glutinosa Cav.

Malvaceae
flickr.com
Origin America.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In West and Cenral Java, locally naturalized.
References/Notes 1.
204
Marsilea crenata Presl

Marsileaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Semanggi.
English names -
Description An aquatic fern growing in deep water, it has a slender, creeping rhizome bearing fronds at
intervals as well as on short lateral branches. The roots develop at the base of each frond. The
fronds are erect, with a long stipe that can be as long as 30 cm. At the tips of the fronds are
the 4 leaflets that float on the water surface, each triangular in shape with the outer edge
rounded and somewhat irregular, 2 x 1.8 cm. Sporangia develop in sporocarps near the base
of the stipes. Spores are of two types, megaspores and microspores. The former form small
prothalli each with single archegonium while the latter produce very reduced prothalli bearnig
male cells only.
Habitat -
Uses The leaves of Marsilea crenata are part of the East Javanese cuisine of Indonesia, especially
in the city of Surabaya where they are served with sweet potato and Pecel spicy peanut sauce.
The young fronds are eaten as a vegetable and the plants are used as cattle feed in Thailand
when grass is scarce.
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; In wet land area Flores, NTT.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Handil Manarap, Kertak Hanyar, Sungai Tabuk).
205
Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don

Melastomataceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names Harendong bulu.
English names Soapbush or Koster's Curse.
Description The plant grows 1–5 metres (3 ft 3 in–16 ft 5 in) tall, depending on habitat. The black berries
are up to 8 millimetres (0.31 in) long and taste a bit like a deeply flavored blueberry. Each
fruit contains more than 100 tiny (0.5 mm) seeds. It flowers and fruits all year, if conditions
are moist enough. A large plant can produce more than 500 fruits in a single year. The seeds
are dispersed by birds, feral pigs, other animals, and humans. Sheep will not eat the plant, and
the tannin inside the fruits is poisonous to goats. The seeds can remain viable in the soil for
up to 4 years.
Habitat Natural forests, range/grasslands, riparian zones, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands.
Uses The tannin inside of the fruit is not harmful to humans and a delicious syrup may be made
from the fruit. The syrup has a beautiful indigo blue color and may be used to enhance and
remove the bitterness of teas such as yerba mate.
Distribution In Java (West-half) widely naturalized.; Morus alba plantation South Sulawesi.; Weed of tea
plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.
References/Notes 1, 6g, 11, 34, 88, 104, 290.
206
Melastoma affine D. Don/ M. malabathricum auct. non L./ M.

polyanthum BI.
Melastomataceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Harendong.
English names -
Description Shrub to 2 m high. Leaves ovate, 6–12 cm long, 2–4 cm wide, discolorous, covered with
short, stiff hairs; main veins 3, and 2 less conspicuous intramarginal veins; petiole up to 10
mm long. Inflorescences short, terminal, of 5–11 subsessile flowers. Hypanthium cup-shaped,
7–10 mm long. Sepals 5, c. 4 mm long. Petals 5, circular, purple to mauve or rarely white, up
to 20 mm long. Anthers curved, the longer with prominent appendages, the shorter with
smaller appendages. Fruit semi-succulent, ± globose, c. 8 mm long.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Tropical Asia. Throughout Indonesia.; Cacao and oil palm plantations South Sulawesi.; Oil
palm plantations (4 years) South Sumatra.; Sulfat acid Soils Banjar Baru, Lampung.; Tidal
areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai, Belandean, Belawang, Sakalagun,
Kertak Hanyar, Sungai Tabuk) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas and Pangkuh).; Weed of
tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.;
Weed of young rubber plantations at PT. Palem Baja, Talang Petaling, Palembang.
207
Acacia arabica (Lmk) Willd./ A. pseudo-arabica Blume ex Miq./ A.

nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del./ A. arabica auct mult non Wildenow/ A.
subalata vatke
Mimosaceae
Origin Africa & Continental Asia.

Indonesian names -
English names Indian Gum, Indian Arabic Tree.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses Acacia Arabica possesses tonic, demulcent, carminative, astringent, antipyretic,
antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and anti-stress properties. The seeds,
leaves and bark of Acacia Arabica contain chlorogenic acid, garlic acid and catechin.
Distribution In 1850 introduced in Java, since long out of cultivations but for many succesive years in
rather few specimens found naturalized on the western mole of the old harbour of Jakarta; in
1969 planted in Baluran National Park, East Java.; there reproducing from seeds, moreover
collected on a few coral islands near the town.; It is widely distributed in India, wild,
cultivated, as well as naturalized, and it was intrduced to Sri Lanka, Burma, Indonesia, and
tropical Australia.
References/Notes 1, 4a, 7, 8, 33, 197.
208
Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright ex Sauvalle/ M. invisa Mart.

Mimosaceae
Origin Tropical & Subtropical America (Brazil).

Indonesian names Simeduri-dura (Melayu), jukut borang (Sunda).
English names Giant false sensitive plant, giant sensitive plant, nila grass.
Description Mimosa diplotricha is a shrubby or sprawling annual vine which may also behave as a
perennial. Its stems are bunching, often scrambling over other plants. Additionally, they are
distinguished by four-angles, each of which consisting a line of sharp, hooked prickles.
Leaves are bright green, feathery and fern-like and are arranged in an alternating pattern, with
each leaf divided into five to seven pairs of segments. Each segment carries about twenty
pairs of very small leaflets which close up when disturbed or injured and at night (DPIF,
2007).
Habitat Mimosa diplotricha grows best in tropical regions: high moisture and in highly fertile soils. It
is known to thrive under full sunlight conditions.
Uses -
Distribution In Java since long naturalized in many regions., also cultivated as a cover plant.; In 1900
recorded for the first time in C. Java, on the Lawu volcano. Throughout Indonesia.; Tropical
America, now introduced to all tropic Malesia : Malaya, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Philippines
(Luzon), Lesser Sunda Islands (Flores, Timor), New Guinea, and probably spreading
everywhere (var diplotricha).; Balitan Maros.; Morus alba plantations South Sulawesi.; Onion
plantations South Sumatra.; Takalar sugarcane plantations.; Kalianda, South Lampung.;
Sugarcane plantations Camming, South Sulawesi.; Dry land of Flores, NTT.; Weed of cotton
plantations in Segayung (Kabupaten Batang, Central Java), Gading (Kabupaten Gunung
Kidul, Yogyakarta).; Weed of cabbage plantations in trails garden SPLPP UNPAD,
Bandung.; Weed of chili plantations Cibungbulang, Bogor.; Undergrowth plant at Purwodadi
Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.; Its distribution is now pantropical. It was
probably accidentally introduced into SE. Asia in the 19th Century. In the early 20th Century
it was taken into cultivation in Java and Sumatra and from there to other countries in SE.
Asia. A true-breeding, spineless form was discovered in Java in 1942 and soon taken into
cultivation; yhis form spread to most countries of S. and SE. Asia to lesser extent of Africa.
References/Notes 1, 3, 4a, 6h, 10, 13, 17, 20, 25, 27, 40, 43, 44, 72, 80, 104, 252.
209
Mimosa pigra L./ M. asperata L./ M. sepiaria auct. non Benth

Mimosaceae

Indonesian names Putri malu.
English names Bashful plant, catclaw mimosa, giant sensitive plant, giant sensitive tree, giant trembling
plant, mimosa.
Description When mature, Mimosa pigra is an erect, much branched prickly shrub reaching a height of
3m to 6m. Stems are greenish at first but become woody, are up to 3m long, and have
randomly scattered, slightly recurved prickles 0.5cm tocm long. Leaves are bright green,
20cm to 25cm long and bipinnate, consisting of about 15 pairs of opposite primary segments
5cm long with sessile, narrowly lanceolate leaflets that fold together when touched or injured
and at night. The flowers are pink or mauve, small, regular and grouped into globular heads
1cm to 2cm in diameter. The heads are borne on stalks 2cm to 3cm long, with two in each
leaf axil, while the corolla has four lobes with eight pink stamens. The fruit is a thick hairy,
20-25 seeded, flattened pod borne in groups in the leaf axils, each 6.5cm to 7.5cm long and
0.7cm to 1cm wide. The fruit turns brown when mature, breaking into one-seeded segments.
The seeds are brown or olive green, oblong, flattened, 4mm to 6mm long, and 2mm wide
(Walden et al. 1999).
Habitat Agricultural areas, coastland, natural forests, planted forests, range/grasslands, riparian zones,
ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands, urban areas, water courses, wetlands.
Uses -
Distribution In West Java since along time naturalized.; Tropical S. America, but now pantropical and
spreading rapidly in tropical Asia; In Malesia recorded from Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan.; -
West Java : Cibinong, Jabaru, S. Ciliwung, Depok (Bogor), Serang, Citeras (Banten),
Tanggerang, Lebak Bolang, Rangkasbitung, Cagar Alam Jasinga, Cianjur, Buahbatu
(Bandung), Rawa Tembaga (Bekasi), Haurgeulis (Indramayu).; -DKI Jakarta : Tanjung Priuk,
Kali Sunter, Jalan Tol Jagorawi, Jabotabek, Jalan tol Cengkareng.; -DI Yogyakarta :
Yogyakarta.; - Central Java : Mertoyu, Magelang, Banyumas, Cilacap.; - East Java : Waduk
Bening, Waduk Saradan, Surabaya, Madiun.; - DI Aceh : Banda Aceh.; - North Sumatra :
Sibolangit.; - West Sumatra : Solok.; - East Kalimantan : Tenggarong, Samarinda.; - Tidal
areas of South Kalimantan (Belawang, Sakalagun) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; -
Sungai Mahakam, East Kalimantan.; - Wasur National Park, Papua.
References/Notes 1, 4a, 6i, 28, 31, 55, 66, 67, 104.
210
Mimosa pudica L./ M. asperata Blanco

Mimosaceae
Origin Tropical America/ S. America.

Indonesian names Putri malu.
English names Sensitive plant, sleepy plant and the touch-me-not.
Description The stem is erect in young plants, but becomes creeping or trailing with age. It can hang very
low and become floppy. The stem is slender, branching, and sparsely to densely prickly,
growing to a length of 1.5 m (5 ft). The leaves of the mimosa pudica are compound leaves.
The leaves are bipinnately compound, with one or two pinnae pairs, and 10–26 leaflets per
pinna. The petioles are also prickly. Pedunculate (stalked) pale pink or purple flower heads
arise from the leaf axils in mid summer with more and more flowers as the plant gets older.
The globose to ovoid heads are 8–10 mm in diameter (excluding the stamens). On close
examination, it is seen that the floret petals are red in their upper part and the filaments are
pink to lavender. The fruit consists of clusters of 2–8 pods from 1–2 cm long each, these
being prickly on the margins. The pods break into 2–5 segments and contain pale brown seeds
some 2.5 mm long.
Habitat It grows mostly in shady areas, under trees or shrubs.
Uses -
Distribution Since a very long time naturalized in Java.; Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; The three
varieties are all found in Malesia; 0-1000 m alt.; Morus alba plantations South Sulawesi.; Oil
palm plantations (4 years) South Sumatra.; Trials garden of Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.;
Oil palm plantations Medan, North Sumatra.; Dry land of Flores, NTT.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai, Handil Manarap).; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman,
Yogyakarta.; In the vegetable fields in the dry seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; Undergrowth
plant at Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.; It occurs commonly
throughout SE. Asia, usually along road-sides and on wasteland.
References/Notes 1, 3, 4a, 6j, 11, 13, 19, 24, 27, 31, 38, 70, 72, 75, 88, 283.
211
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (W. Ait.) Hassk./ Myrtus tomentosa Aiton

Myrtaceae
Origin SE. Asia & W.-half of Malaysia.

Indonesian names Kemunting.
English names Rose Myrtle.
Description Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is an evergreen shrub growing up to 4 m-12 feet tall. The leaves are
opposite, leathery, 5–7 cm long and 2-3.5 cm broad, three-veined from the base, oval, obtuse
to sharp pointed at the tip, glossy green above, densely grey or rarely yellowish-hairy
beneath, with a wide petiole and an entire margin. The flowers are solitary or in clusters of
two or three, 2.5–3 cm diameter, with five petals which are tinged white outside with
purplish-pink or all pink.
Habitat It grows in coasts, natural forest, riparian zones,wetlands, moist and wet forests, bog margins,
from sea level up to 2400 m elevation.
Uses It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens in tropical and subtropical areas, grown for its
abundant flowers and sweet, edible fruit The fruit can be made into pies and jams, or used in
salads. In Vietnam, the fruits are used to produce a wine called rượu sim.
Distribution In Java sometimes cultivated.; Rubber plantations (3 years) of South Sumatra.
212
Boerhavia erecta L.
Nyctaginaceae
Origin Tropical & subtropical America.

Indonesian names -
English names Erect spiderling.
Description Stem: They also have perennating buds near the ground surface. Most species of
the B. erecta grow 60 centimetres (24 in) tall and 3–5 millimetres (0.12–0.20 in) across. The
stems are often cylindrical and do not possess furrows or ridges. The stems are green with
hints of purple and are covered in soft, minuscule hair. In different nodes (undifferentiated
tissue) of the stem, there is fine hair and sticky bands. As you travel towards the base of the
stem, it becomes glabrous and woody. Leaf: Leaves are somewhat fleshy (soft and thick) and
are situated in an unequal opposite arrangement. An opposite arrangement indicates that there
are two leaves per node. The largest leaf in aB. erecta plant is 3–4.5 cm (1.2–1.8 in) long and
2–3.5 cm (0.79–1.4 in) wide. The petiole on a large leaf is approximately 3 cm (1.2 in) long.
A smaller leaf on the erect spiderling is 1.5–2.5 cm (0.59–0.98 in) long and 2–3.5 cm (0.79–
1.4 in) wide, with a petiole less than 2 cm (0.79 in) long. The petioles of the leaf are pale
green with a hint of purple. A petiole is a stalk that joins the leaf blade to the stem. The blade
of the leaf is ovate, ovate- lanceolate or lanceolate. The upper portion of the leaf is green and
consists of tiny hairs and may or may not be glandular dotted (consists of tiny clumps of end
cells). The lower section of the leaf is grayish-white, with a slight combination of purplish
red. The margins of the leaf exhibit a purplish-red color. The apex of the leaf is either acute or
obtuse. The base of the leaf can be cuneate or truncate. Flower: Boerhavia erecta plants have
determinative inflorescence. This means that the central flowers open first at the time of cell
division. Flowering occurs in the early summer to mid-fall. B. erecta has multiple flowers on
one branch. The peduncle is sturdy at the base and the capillaries are at the apex. The
peduncle is green and purple with sticky internodal bands. Each inflorescence branch contains
two leafy bracts (0.3-0.5 mm), which is a modified version of a leaf that assists in attracting
pollinators. The bracts detaches at an early stage and are usually linear lanceolate. Gathered at
the apex of the peduncle are 2–6 sessile flowers. Each flower is a pale yellow color combined
with purple. The flowers portray a narrow lanceolate shape. The whorls of the flower are bell-
shaped with hairs towards the middle. The whorls are pink, 5-lobed, 1.5 mm long and 2 mm
wide when it is open. There are 2-3 stamens in each flower. The filaments are white and
1 mm long. The anthers on the filament are 0.3 mm across, white and circular. The style is
white and 1 mm long. The stigma is white and 0.3 mm across. Anthocarps (false fruits) are
circular and flat. They are 5-ribbed (0.3-0.5 mm wide) and glabrous. The ribs have a wrinkly
texture transversely and have needle- like crystals, known as raphide, that run longitudinally.
The sticky fruits of this plant are dispersed by humans and animals.
Habitat It is found in deciduous forest, this forest acahuales derivatives, ruderal and crops (Fay,
1980), gardens, edges of roads or water bodies.
Uses Boerhavia erecta is used in production of medicine as well as food. Boerhavia erecta is found
213
in many vegetables such as legumes and cotton. It is also found in sugar canes. In West and
East Africa, the leaves are eaten as a vegetable and used in the preparation of sauces. Cattle in
the Sahel, eat the leaves before flowers develop. The medicinal uses of Boerhavia erecta are
similar to the species Boerhavia diffusa, because of the compound alkaloid purnarnavine. In
India, the root is used as a diuretic to treat jaundice, enlarged spleen, gonorrhea and other
internal inflammations. It is also used as stomachic, cardiotonic, hepatoprotective, laxative,
anthelmintic (expels parasitic worms), febrifuge (reduces fever), and an expectorant. In
moderate doses it is used in the treatment of asthma. In higher dosages it is used as an emetic
and purgative. A decoction mash of the entire plant is used to treat gastro-intestinal, liver and
infertility problems in Mali. A paste of the roots is rubbed on the skin to ripen abscesses and
ulcers. In Niger, the ash is rubbed on the skin to prevent fungal infections. In Benin it is used
to treat convulsions in children. In southern Sudan the roots are used to treat the base of a
newly severed umbilical cord. In Kenya, people crush the leaves to and mix it with water to
treat diarrhea. In Tanzania, the ash of the plant is mixed with oil to treat rheumatism and
scabies. The sap that is produced in the leaves is squeezed into the eye to treat conjunctivitis.
Distribution Naturalized in Java at 1-700 m alt.; Pantropical, not in Australia. Throughout Indonesia,
except Kalimantan and the Lesser Sunda Islands.; Weed of cotton plantations Banguntapan
(Kabupaten Bantul, Yogyakarta) and Kalitirto ( Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).
214
Jussiaea linifolia Vahl/ ? J. tenella Burm.f./ Ludwigia micrantha

(Kunze) Hara/ Ludwigia hyssopifolia (G. Don) Exell
Onagraceae
Origin America.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Annual or perennial herbs, or shrubs , rarely trees to 30 m tall, often with epidermal oil cells ,
usually with internal phloem . Leaves simple , spirally arranged , opposite, or occasionally
whorled , entire or toothed to pinnatifid ; stipules present and usually caducous , or absent.
Flowers perfect and hermaphroditic or occasionally unisexual , actinomorphic or
zygomorphic, (2-) 4(-7) -merous, axillary , in leafy spikes or racemes or solitary, or
occasionally in panicles, all but Ludwigiawith distinct floral tube , nectariferous within.
Sepals green or colored , valvate . Petals as many as sepals or rarely absent, variously colored,
imbricate or convolute and occasionally clawed. Stamens as many as sepals in one series or 2
Ã— as many as sepals in 2 series [in Lopezia Cavanilles reduced to 2 or 1 plus 1 sterile
staminode]; anthers versatile or basifixed , dithecal , sometimes cross-partitioned, opening by
longitudinal slits; pollen grains almost always united by viscin threads, shed as monads ,
tetrads , or polyads . Ovary inferior, with as many carpels and locules as sepals, septa
sometimes thin or absent at maturity; placentation axile or parietal , ovules 1 to many per
locule, in 1 or several rows orclustered, anatropous , bitegmic; style 1; stigma with as many
lobes as sepals or clavate to globose . Fruit a loculicidal capsule or indehiscent nut or berry.
Seeds small, smooth or variously sculptured , sometimes with a coma [or wing ], with straight
oily embryo, endosperm lacking.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Established in Java and Madura.; Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.
215
Jussiaea peruviana L./ J. hirta Vahl/ J. speciosa (L.) Sw./ Ludwigia

peruviana (L.) Hara
Onagraceae

Indonesian names -
English names Ludwigia, Peruvian primrose, Peruvian primrosebush, Peruvian primrose-willow, water-
primrose.
Description Ludwigia peruviana as is a perennial, sometimes deciduous, wetland shrub that can grow to 3
and 4 metres. It reproduces by seed and there are many small sand-like seeds in 4 to 5 rows
within a capsule and can produce soil seed banks of 1 million seeds /m2. L. peruviana's stems
are brownish green, heavily branched, and hairy when young. The leaves are alternate, rarely
opposite, ovate, 5 to 10cm long, 1 to 3cm wide, and hairy. The solitary flowers are bright
yellow and quite showy and bisexual, 2 to 4cm in diameter, but the 4 (-5) petals last for only a
day. There are 4 pale green sepals that are typically 8 to 12mm long, and petals 1 to 3cm long
and wide. L. peruviana's fruit is an erect capsule. The seed is light brown, subglobular, and
0.6 to 0.8mm long. The root system consists of a woody taproot with laterals close to the
surface (PIER 2005; and Sydney Olympic Park Authority 2004) and sometimes with white
spongy vertical pneumatophores, especially in water.
Habitat lakes, water courses, wetlands.
Uses Sydney Olympic Park Authority (2004) has found that, "L. peruviana has poor wildlife value.
However it does form small floating islands that can provide refuge for water birds."
Distribution In Java frequently naturalized.; Pantropical. Introduced into Java a long time ago and has now
spread throughout Java and Sumatra.
216
Ludwigia adscendens (L.) Hara/ Jussiaea adscendens L./ Jussiaea

fluviatilis BI./ Jussiaea repens (non Forst.) L.
Onagraceae

Indonesian names Krangking.
English names Creeping water primrose.
Description Aquatic or terrestrial, annual herbs, sometimes partially submerged, stems prostate or end
branches erect, up to 2 m long, free floating or rooting in the substrate, rhizomes and stolons
usually present, rooting at the nodes. Roots white or brown, fibrous and with spongy floating
organs. Stems rounded or triangular, solid, glabrous. Stipules present, triangular, glabrous.
Leaves simple, entire, alternate, stalked, lanceolate to elliptic or obovate, more than 2 cm
long/wide, glabrous, margin entire, apex rounded, base acute or attenuate, pinnately
veined.Flowers bisexual, solitary, axillary, stalked or sessile, small, less than 2 cm, petals 5,
white. Fruit a capsule, opening irregularly or in longitudinal pieces.
Habitat In rather dry to very dry climates, in pools, ditches. from 0-1600 m alt. Lowland-irrigated,
rainfed, and rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution Tropical continental S. E. Asia. Throughout Indonesia.; Wet land of Flores, NTT.; Tidal areas
of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).
217
Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven/ L. pubescens (L.) Hara/ Jussiaea

angustifolia Lamk./ Jussiaea blumeana DC./ Jussiaea jnghuhniana
Miq./ Jussiaea suffruticosa L.
Onagraceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names Cacabean.
English names Willow Primrose, false primrose, Jamaica loostrife, primrose willow, swamp primrose, water
primrose, wild clove, yellow willow herb.
Description Willow Primrose is an erect, stout, well-branched robust herb of damp or flooded areas. It
may be woody at the base and shrubby at times, growing up to 4 m. It has long stiff hairs
sometimes appressed and oriented in one direction. Stems may be red-brown. Alternately
arranged leaves are light green, may turn red upon aging, narrowly lanceshaped to ovate, up
to 15 cm long, 0.4-4 cm wide, densely velvety both sides, narrowed at base and tip, 12- 22
veins on each side of midrib. Leaf-stalk is short. Sepals are 4, ovate or lanceshaped, 0.8-1.3
cm long by 1-7.5 mm wide. Flowers occur singly in leaf axils and at branch ends. Petals are 4,
pale to bright yellow, 0.6-2 cm long, 0.4-1.7 cm wide, broadly obovate and may be shallowly
notched at tip. Fruit is a thin-walled, 4-angled, narrowly cylindrical, 8-ribbed capsule, 3-5 cm
long, 2-8 mm in diameter, velvety, terminated by persistent sepals, color by vary from green
to pale or reddish brown, or purplish, stalk up to 1 cm.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai, Belandean, Handil Manarap, Kertak Hanyar, Sungai
Tabuk).
218
Ludwigia perennis L./ L. gracilis Miq./ L. leucorrhiza BI./ L.

lythroides BI./ L. parviflora
Onagraceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect herbs. Leaves 2-6 x 0.5-15 cm, elliptic-lanceolate, base attenuate, apex acute to
acuminate, glabrous. Flowers sessile, 4-merous. Calyx tube adnate to ovary; lobes 4, c. 2 mm
long, ovate acuminate. Petals 4-5 mm long, elliptic, yellow. Stamens 4; filaments short.
Ovary 1-1.5 cm long, linear, 4-celled, 4-angled. Ovules many. Capsule 1-2 cm long, linear,
subterete, 4-ribbed. Seeds ellipsoid.
Habitat It is an annual found in wet places, sandy river beds, along streams, and in rice fields. It is
found growing at an altitude upto 1500 m.
Uses -
Distribution In Indonesia as far as known in : Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi.
219
Oxalis barrelieri L./ O. sepium A. St.-Hil. var. picta Prog.

Oxalidaceae
Origin Tropical S. America.

Indonesian names Belimbing tanah, calincing.
English names Lavender Sorrel, Barrelier's Woodsorrel.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Established in West Java in many places, in Central and East Java locally.; Cultivated and
naturalized in many tropical countries. In Indonesia : found near Bogor 1888, occurs
nowadays in Sumatra, Java and Papua.; Oil palm plantation Medan, North Sumatra.;
Undergrowth plant Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.; It has
naturalized in many areas. It was first observed in Java 1888. In SE. Asia it is common in
Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Bangka, Irian Jaya), Peninsular Malaysia and Papua New Guinea
220
Oxalis corymbosa DC./ O. martiana Zucc./ O. violacea auct./ O.

debilis Kunth var corymbosa (DC.) Lourteig
Oxalidaceae
Origin Brazil & the West Indies/ tropical S. America.

Indonesian names -
English names Lilac oxalis, pink shamrock.
Description Stems and leaves: Parent bulb produces many small bulbils 3-6 mm long. Leaves have
petioles (leaf stalks) 5-30 cm long and blades divided into three heart-shaped leaflets, 2-4.5 ×
2-5.5 cm. Leaves are spotted on the undersides.
Flowers and fruit: Flowers are funnel-shaped with five pink, mauve petals 1.5-2 cm long.
Flowers are borne in bunches at the top of an erect stalk which emerges from the mature bulb.
Flowering occurs in spring and summer. Fruits are rarely produced, the plant usually
reproduces asexually via bulbs.
Habitat Common weed of gardens and lawns.
Uses -
Distribution In Java at 450-1450 m alt., naturalized in many places.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung,
Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed of potato plantations
Koto Baru, Kabupaten Tanah Datar, West Sumatra.; Naturalized in many areas and is a
common pot plant. It was introduced into Java from Sydney before 1848. In SE. Asia it is
common but occasionally cultivated in Indonesia (Java, West Sumatra), Peninsular Malaysia
and the Philippines.
221
Oxalis intermedia A Rich./ O. tetraphylla Auct. non H.B.K.

Oxalidaceae
Origin Mexico & the West Indies/ C. & Tropical S. America.

Indonesian names -
English names West Indian wood sorrel.
Description -
Habitat Anthropogenic (man-made or disturbed habitats), meadows and fields.
Uses -
Distribution In West and East at 1250-1550 m alt., locally naturalized.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung,
Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; In the vegetable field in the
dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; It has naturalized in many areas. In SE. Asia it
occurs in Indonesia (Java), where it was already abundant before 1924.
222
Argemone mexicana L.
Papaveraceae

Indonesian names Kacang meongan, asem-aseman, anjang.
English names Mexican Poppy.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses A popular medicinal herb in India where it is known as satyanashi, it is used for cough,
asthma, phlegm in the throat, dysentery and rheumatism.
Distribution Naturalized in Java.
223
Aeschynomene americana L./ A. javanica

Papilionaceae
Origin America.
Indonesian names -
English names American Jointvetch.
Description Stem: Flowers and fruits as a herb or a shrub about 1-2 m tall.
Leaves: Stipules +/- peltate, about 10-13 mm long, narrow, margins clothed in hairs, two-
branched, longitudinally veined. Each compound leaf with 50-60 leaflets. Compound leaf axis
clothed in long hairs, axes ending in a short point. Leaflets sessile, (or almost sessile) blades
about 6-12 x 1-2 mm, margins hairy, with a small tooth on one side. Venation longitudinal
and parallel with 3-5 longitudinal veins.
Flowers: Each flower subtended by two hairy, lanceolate bracts each about 2-2.5 mm long.
Calyx 4-4.5 mm long, lobes 2. Petals clawed, i.e. stalked. Stamens 10, filaments all fused to
form a tube open on one side. Filament about 4 mm long, attached close to the base of the
anthers. Pollen orange. Ovules 6-10 in each ovary.
Fruit: Fruits about 2.5-3 cm long, clothed in simple, erect hairs. Fruits consist of a string of
2-8 segments each containing one seed. Segments attached on one side of a 'bean string' and
breaking off as one-seeded nuts. Seeds glossy brown, about 3 x 2 mm. Embryo about 1.4-2
mm long. Cotyledons about 1.5 mm long. Radicle about 0.75 mm long.
Habitat Altitudinal range not known but at present extends from near sea level to 850 m.
Uses -
Distribution -
References/Notes 118.
224
Aeschynomene indica L./ A. aspera (non L.) Hassk.

Papilionaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names Rumput ali musa.
English names Indian jointvetch, kat sola, budda pea, curly indigo, hard sola, northern jointvetch.
Description This species is variable. It is an annual or perennial herb or subshrub growing 30 centimeters
to 2.5 meters tall. The stem is usually thin, about half a centimeter wide, but it can grow thick
at the base, up to 2.5 centimeters wide. It is spongy or corky, or sometimes hollow and
cylindric. It is mostly hairless but sometimes has glandular hairs with tubercular bases. The
leaves are up to 10 centimeters long. Each leaf is made up of many narrow, papery leaflets
each up to 1.3 centimeters long. Some leaves are sensitive. The spurred stipule is up to 1.5
centimeters long. The inflorescence is made up of 1 to 6 flowers with reddish- or purple-
streaked yellow or whitish corollas. The long, narrow legume pod is up to 4.8 centimeters
long and is straight or curved, with up to 13 chambers. It contains black or brown kidney-
shaped seeds each 2 or 3 millimeters long.
Habitat The plant often grows in wet, muddy habitat, such as floodplains, swamps, and paddy fields.
It is also known from dry land. It has been observed in association with Sesbania spp. and
Acacia nilotica ssp. tomentosa. It grows in disturbed habitat, such as roadside ditches, often
becoming weedy.
Uses This plant is used as green manure. It is not very palatable to animals but it is sometimes
given as fodder. It can be toxic, however.
Distribution Pantropical, also in the subtropics. Throughout Indonesia.
225
Calopogonium caeruleum (Benth.) Sauv

Papilionaceae
Origin Mexico, C. America, W. Indies & Tropical S. America.

Indonesian names Kalopo.
English names Calopo, calopogonium, jicama.
Description A sturdy, somewhat woody, climbing, perennial legume. Stems twining, pubescent to
glabrescent. Leaves alternate, trifoliate. Petioles to 12 cm long, pubescent. Leaflets rhomboid-
acute to ovate, the lateral ones oblique, pubescent above, velvety pubescent below, 5 to 20 cm
long, 5 to 15 cm wide. Inflorescence elongated. Many-flowered, axillary, spike-like raceme,
25 to 50 cm long. Peduncle very short. Rachis sulcate, tomentose. Calyx campanulate,
villous, 4 mm long, the teeth triangular-lanceolate, shorter or nearly as long as the tube.
Corolla blue to violaceous. Standard 10 mm long, 8 mm wide, emarginate. Wings about as
long as the standard. Keel shorter. Pods linear-oblong, pubescent, 4 to 8 cm long, 8 mm wide,
impressed between the seeds. Four to eight seeds, orbiculate, compressed, shining (Graham,
1933; Pulle, 1976).
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).
226
Calopogonium mucunoides Desv./ Glycine javanica (non L.) Back

Papilionaceae
Origin Tropical America & the West Indies.

Indonesian names Kacang asu (Javanese).
English names Calopo.
Description Leaves: Leaflet blades about 3.5-9 x 3-6 cm, lateral leaflet stalks about 3 mm long, middle
leaflet stalk about 8-12 mm long. Lateral leaflet bladesoblique at the base, upper and lower
surfaces of the leaflet blades clothed in pale prostrate hairs. Lateral veins about 3 or 4 on each
side of the midrib. Compound leaf petiole about 5.5-8.5 cm long. Stems, twigs and compound
leaf petioles clothed in erect brown hairs. Stipules hairy, triangular, about 3-5 mm long.
Stipels linear, about 3 mm long.
Flowers: Flowers in clusters at irregular intervals on a long inflorescence axis. Bracts present
at the base of each flower, each bract about 5-6 mm long.Calyx tube about 2 mm long, lobes
filiform to narrowly triangular, about 4-5 mm long. All parts of the calyx clothed in long (2
mm) brown hairs.Petals: standard about 8-9 mm long with a green spot near the centre,
otherwise pale bluish purple; wings about 8 x 2 mm; keel about 5 mm long. Stamens 10. The
filaments of nine stamens fused to form a tube open on one side. Free part of the filaments
about 2 mm long. Onestamen free. Ovary densely hairy. Stigma terminal, +/- globular.
Fruit: Fruits about 30-40 x 4-5 mm, surface densely clothed in stiff, rust coloured hairs.
Seeds about 5-7 per fruit, each seed oblongoid, about 3.5-5 x 2.5-3 mm. Radicle about 2 mm
long, shorter and narrower than the cotyledons.
Habitat Altitudinal range probably not great, from near sea level to 200 m(?). Grows in disturbed
areas such as roads through rain forest.
Uses -
Distribution Naturalized in Central and East Java.; also cultivated as a fertilizer.; Pepper plantations South
Sulawesi.; Young rubber plantations (3 years) in South Sumatra.; Oil palm plantations
Medan, North Sumatra.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).; Cover crop of
Young rubber Plantations PT. Palem Baja, Talang Petaling, Palembang.; It was introduced
into Tropical Africa and Asia in early 1900s and to Australia in the 1930s. It was taken into
use as a green manure and cover crop in Sumatra in 1922 and soon thereafter in the rubber
and sisal plantations of the Central and eastern parts of Java. It was then brought to Malaysia
as a cover crop for rubber. It became naturalized in Indonesia and Malaysia, and has spread to
most humid tropical areas of the world.
227
Centrosema pubescens Benth./ C. molle Martius ex Benth.

Papilionaceae
Origin S. & C. America.

Indonesian names Sentro, kacangan.
English names Centro, butterfly pea.
Description Stem: A slender vine not exceeding a stem diameter of 2 cm.
Leaves: Stipules triangular, about 1-2 mm long, longitudinally veined, caducous. Middle
leaflet larger than the lateral leaflets. Middle leaflet blade about 3.5-8.5 x 1.5-4 cm, lateral
leaflet blades about 2-6.5 x 1.2-3 cm. Lateral leaflet stalks about 1-3 mm long, transversely
wrinkled. Terminalleaflet 'stalk' about 6-15 mm long, pulvinus present. Leaflet blades clothed
in pale or translucent hairs on both the upper and lower surfaces. Stipels subulate, usually
apparent on the leaflets.
Flowers: Flowers borne in a condensed umbel-like raceme, peduncles 7-8 cm long. Flowers
about 3-3.5 cm diam., inverted. Calyx lobes variable, two short and similar in shape, two
larger, similar, +/- triangular and one subulate about 6-7 mm long. All other petals enclosed
by the standard at the flower bud stage. Petals: standard about 3 cm long, apex retuse, cream
to green and pubescent on the outer surface, inner (adaxial) surface purple, marked with
darker stripes and a central cream stripe, glabrous; keel about 22 mm long. Stamens 10, the
filaments of nine stamens fused to form a tube open on one side. One stamen free. Free part
of the filaments alternately long and short. Disk annular, surrounding the base of the ovary.
Style or stigma ending in a broad strap-like tip, apex hairy. Ovules about 20.
Fruit: Fruits flattened, about 12-16 x 0.5-0.6 cm, drawn out into a point at the apex, margins
thickened. Seeds about 20 per fruit. Seeds ellipsoid or +/- patelliform, about 4-5 mm diam.,
funicle fawn-coloured, testa pale brown with black markings. Hilum comparatively large.
Cotyledons much wider than the radicle which is about 1.5 mm long.
Habitat Altitudinal range from near sea level to 800 m. Usually grows on pastures but also in
disturbed areas in monsoon forest and rain forest.
Uses -
Distribution In West and East Java at 10-250 m alt., locally naturalized; also cultivated as a fertilizer.; Oil
palm plantations South Sulawesi.; Sugarcane plantations Takalar.; Dry land sugarcane
plantations of Pelaihari, South Kalimantan.; Sugarcane plantations Camming Factory, South
Sulawesi.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).; Weed of tea plantations
Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed of cotton
plantations Gading (Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta).; Covercrop of young rubber
plantations PT. Palem Baja, Talang Petaling, Palembang.; Undergrowth plant Purwodadi
228
Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.; It is now one of the most widely distributed
of all legumes in the humid tropics. It was introduced to SE. Asia from tropical America in
the 19th Century, particulary in SE. Asia.
229
Crotalaria anagyroides H.B.K./ C. micans Link

Papilionaceae

Indonesian names Orok-orok.
English names -
Description Shrub 1–3 m tall. Leaves 3-foliolate; stipules linear or lacking; leaflets 3.5–10 × 1–4.5 cm,
elliptic, appressed pubescent beneath. Racemes 15–30 cm long; bracts linear, usually
caducous. Calyx 0.8–1.2 cm long, densely appressed pubescent. Standard ovate-circular,
bright yellow, marked blackish and later reddish at centre; keel 1.3–1.5 cm long, shorter than
the broad wings, abruptly rounded about the middle, with a fairly short slightly incurved
obtuse beak, lanate towards the upper edge. Pod 3–4 × 1–1.4 cm, stipitate, cylindrical,
pubescent.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Java at 10-1600 m alt., locally cultivated as a fertilizer and sometimes met with as an
escape.; Cashew nuts plantations South Sulawesi; It has been introduced into many tropical
and subtopical countries, including those in Malesia, where it also naturalized locally.
230
Crotalaria juncea L.
Papilionaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names Orok-orok lembut.
English names Sunn hemp, Indian hemp, Madras hemp.
Description Sunn hemp is a short-day, erect shrubby annual, generally 1 to 4 m in height. Stems up to 2
cm in diameter, cylindrical and ribbed. Leaves simple, spirally arranged along the stem,
oblong-lanceolate, 4-13 cm x 0.5-3 cm, pilose; petiole up to 0.5 cm. Strong taproot, well
developed lateral roots. Much branched and lobed nodules, up to 2.5 cm in length.
Inflorescence a terminal open raceme to 25 cm in length with deep-yellow flowers, sepals 5,
hairy; standard erect, suborbicular, ca. 2.5 cm in diameter. Flowering is indeterminate. Pod
cylindrical, 3-6 cm x 1-2 cm, tomentose, light brown, containing ca. 6 seeds. Seeds heart-
shaped, with narrow end strongly in-curved, up to 6 mm long, dark brown to black. Due to
cultivar and environment, seed weight is highly variable, ranging from 18,000 to 35,000 per
kg (Chee and Chen 1992).
Habitat Sunn hemp is drought resistant and is adapted to hot, semi-arid and arid areas, yet can tolerate
light frosts. It is not tolerant of salt, nor of sustained waterlogging. It is photoperiod-sensitive
and flowering occurs in response to short days; long daylengths favour vegetative growth and
reduce seed-set, although daylength neutral selections exist.
Uses Sun hemp is extensively cultivated for fibre or green manure and leaves are fed as a high
protein supplement to other poorer feeds. In Sri Lanka dried leaves, bark and boiled seeds are
fed to cattle. With restrictions, seed has been used as fodder in the former Soviet Union and
southern Africa. It is showing promise as a forage legume for intercropping with upland rice.
Leaves and stems are dried since animals do not eat sunn hemp when it is green. Sunn hemp
should be cut for hay or ploughed in for green manure in the early flowering stage when it is
1.5-2.5 months old. Due to the shade of its dense canopy it is also used as a cover crop to
suppress weed populations.
Distribution Shifting cultivation of Timor, NTT.
231
Crotalaria mucronata Desv./ C. saltiana Auct. non Andr./ C. striata

DC./ C. pallida Aiton/ C. siamica Wiliams
Papilionaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Pepper elder.
Description Leaflets 3–7 cm long, obovate-elliptic to obovate, widest at a point 0.6–0.8 of the length from
base to apex, rounded or retuse at the apex.
Habitat Lake shores, river margins, often on sand, sometimes in swamp forest and marshes 200–1750
m.
Uses -
Distribution Introduced in Java a very long time ago and at present naturalized in and Mad. ⅟₂-1000,
completely naturalized.; Morus alba plantations.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Banjarmasin).; Its natural distribution is obscured by widespread cultivation and subsequent
pantropical naturalization. In Asia it is common in India and Sri Lanka and throughout SE.
Asia.
232
Uraria lagopodioides (L.) Desv. ex DC./ U. lagopoides DC.

Papilionaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names Ekor tupai.
English names Prickitch.
Description Terrestrial, perennial, erect herb, up to 150 cm tall. Taproot white or brown. Stems rounded,
solid, glabrous or hairy. Stipules present, triangular. Leaves compound, trifoliolate, alternate
spiral, stalked, leaflets ovate, more than 2 cm long/wide, hairy below, margin entire,
apexrounded, base rounded, pinnately veined. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a
terminal raceme, stalked, petals 5, dark purple. Fruit a flat pod.
Habitat Uncommon to occasional in lawns and waste places. In Fiji, common on grassy slopes in the
dry zone, especially along leeward coasts, and it may be found up to 750 m elevation as a
weed in pastures, plantations, villages, and waste places. In Niue, occasionally seen in old
pastures or waste places, where it is locally common. In Tonga, occasional as a weed in
plantations and waste areas.
Uses -
Distribution S. E. Asia. Throughout Indonesia.
233
Passiflora suberosa L.
Passifloraceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names Markisa.
English names Corky passionflower, corkystem passionflower, devil's pumpkin, indigo berry, wild
passionfruit.
Description Perennial vine, climbing via tendrils, to 6 m high on supporting vegetation. Lower stems
corky and rooting when in contact with the ground. Leaves 3–10 cm long on stalk 0.5–2 cm
long. Fruit globe-shaped, mostly 1–1.5 cm wide, initially green ripening dark purple to black
and containing numerous seeds. Seeds 3–4 mm long.
Habitat natural forests, range/grasslands, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands.
Uses -
Distribution In West and Central Java naturalized.; Gede Pangrango National Park.; Introduced in the
middle of 19th Century for experimental ―adaption for climate‖ use alien species that has
potential economic value.
234
Passiflora edulis Sims

Passifloraceae
Origin Brazil.
Indonesian names -
English names Passion fruit (UK and US), passionfruit (Australia and New Zealand), and purple
granadilla(South Africa).
Description -
Habitat -
Uses Stimulant, tonic, oil.
Distribution In Java 1000-1700 m alt., cultivated, and in West Java profusely escaped on some mountains.;
Mt. Gede Pangrango.; Spread to all tropical and subtropical regions by Europe and Australia
in the 19th Century. In SE. Asia mainly cultivated as a living fence.
235
Passiflora foetida L.
Passifloraceae

Indonesian names Rambusa.
English names Wild maracuja, Bush Passion fruit, marya-marya, wild water lemon, stinking passionflower,
love-in-a-mist or running pop.
Description Perennial vine, the stems hispid, with tendrils; leaves 3-parted; segments-apices acute; leaf
base cordate; both sides hispid-hirsute; blades 3,5-10cm long, 4-12cm wide; petiole 2-6cm
long; flowers solitary in axils, 3-5cm wide, purple and white on pedicels 2-7cm long; fruit
yellow to orange; subglobose, thin leathery-skinned, nearly 2cm think, with many seeds; pulp
scanty, sweetly tart. The very finely laciniate bracts enclosing the fruit probably gave rise to
the curious common name (Stone, 1970, in PIER, 2002).
Habitat Agricultural areas, ruderal/disturbed.
Uses Cultivated - Medicinal/culinary purposes (Randall, 2003).
Distribution Fully established in Java & Mad.; Pantropical. Introduced into Java along ago, and has since
spread throughout Indonesia.; Cotton and Morus alba plantations in South Sulawesi.; Oil
palm plantations (4 years) in South Sumatra.; Sulfat acid soil of Banjar Baru, Lampung.;
Bandar Lampung.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai, Belandean,
Belawang, Sakalagun, Handil Manarap, Sungai Tabuk) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).;
Now cultivated and run wild in SE. Asia.
References/Notes 1, 3, 6k, 11, 13, 18, 26, 31, 48, 88, 104, 196, 208, 209.
236
Sesamum radiatum Schumach.

Pedaliaceae
Origin Africa.
Indonesian names -
English names Benniseed, black benniseed, black sesame.
Description This plant is an annual herb growing up to 1.2 to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are opposite, or
toward the top of the plant, alternately arranged. The leaves are lance-shaped to oval and up
to 12 centimeters long. They may be smooth-edged or serrated. Flowers occur singly in the
leaf axils. They are pink to purple in color, sometimes white, and somewhat bell-shaped.
They measure up to 5 centimeters long. The fruit is a capsule up to 3.5 centimeters long
which contains seeds roughly 3 millimeters long.
Habitat This plant grows wild in savanna and other habitat types. It is also a weed of fields and
homesteads. It can grow on poor, rocky soils and it flowers even through drought conditions.
Uses -
Distribution Elsewhere (e. g. Sumatra and Borneo) run wild; possibly occuring also somewhere in Java.
237
Rivinia humilis L.
Phytolaccaceae
Origin America.
Indonesian names Getih-getihan.
English names Pigeonberry, Rouge Plant, Baby Peppers, Bloodberry, and Coralito.
Description Pigeonberry is an erect, vine-like herb, reaching a height of 0.4–2 m (1.3–6.6 ft). The leaves
of this evergreen perennial are up to 15 cm (5.9 in) wide and 9 cm (3.5 in), with a petiole 1–
11 cm (0.39–4.3 in) in length. Flowers are on racemes 4–15 cm (1.6–5.9 in) long with a
peduncle 1–5 cm (0.39–2.0 in) in length and pedicels 2–8 mm (0.079–0.31 in) long. Sepals
are 1.5–3.5 mm (0.059–0.14 in) in length and white or green to pink or purplish. Thefruit is a
glossy, bright red berry 2.5–5 mm (0.098–0.20 in) in diameter.
Habitat R. humilis can be found in forests, thickets, shell middens, hammocks, roadsides, and
disturbed areas at elevations from sea level to 1,700 m (5,600 ft). [4] It requires less than partial
sun and is tolerant of full shade. It is also tolerant of salt spray and saline soils.
Uses Pigeonberry is cultivated as an ornamental in warm regions throughout the world and is
valued as a shade-tolerant groundcover. It is also grown as a houseplant and in greenhouses.
Distribution Since many years (collected already 1858) naturalized in Java and Madura.
238
Peperomia pellucida (L.) H.B.K./ P. gemella Miq.

Piperaceae
Origin Tropical America/ C. & S. America.

Indonesian names Tumpangan air.
English names -
Description Peperomia pellucida is an annual, shallow-rooted herb, usually growing to a height of about
15 to 45 cm. it is characterized by succulent stems, shiny, heart-shaped, fleshy leaves and
tiny, dot-like seeds attached to several fruiting spikes. It has a mustard-like odor when
crushed.
Habitat Flowering year-round, the plant is found in various shaded, damp habitats all over Asia and
the Americas. It grows in clumps, thriving in loose, humid soils and a tropical to subtropical
climate.
Uses Peperomia pellucida has been used as a food item as well as a medicinal herb. Although
mostly grown for its ornamental foliage, the entire plant is edible, both cooked and raw.
Distribution In Java and Madura, 1-1000 m alt., abundantly naturalized.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal
areas of Sout Kalimantan.
239
Piper aduncum L./ Arthante adunca (L.) Miquel/ P. angustifolium

Ruiz & Pavon/ P. elongatum Vahl.
Piperaceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names Sirihan.
English names Bamboo piper, spiked pepper.
Description Piper aduncum is a shrub or small tree up to 7m tall and 10cm or more in stem diameter, with
short silt roots and medium-hard, brittle wood; foliage and twigs aromatic. Can grow as
individual plants or in thickets. Branches are erect, but with drooping twigs and swollen,
purplish nodes. Leaves alternate, distichous, elliptic, 12-22cm long, shortly petiolate; lamina
scabrid above, with sunken nerves, softly hairy beneath. Inflorescence a leaf-opposed, curved
spike on a 12-17cm peduncle, white to pale yellow, turning green with maturity. Flowers
crowded in regular transverse ranks. Perianth absent; usually 4 stamens. Fruit a 1-seeded
berry, compressed into greyish, wormlike spikes. Seeds brown to black, 0.7 -1.25mm long,
compressed, with a reticulate surface (Waterhouse and Mitchell, 1998 in PIER, 2003).
Habitat Agricultural areas, natural forests, ruderal/disturbed.
Uses Provides food and cover for wildlife, can be used for revegetating disturbed areas, and
contributes to the biomass of forests (Francis, 2003). P. aduncum stakes are used in Papua
New Guinea to create terraces for agriculture and to prevent erosion (Bourke, 1997).
Wood can be used for basic construction, fuel, stakes and fences. Has ornamental value and
the fruit is used to season food. Essential oils from this species have antibacterial properties
and may also be used as an insecticide and a molluscicide. Tea made from the leaves and
roots is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, ulcers, and can also be used for the control
of bleeding (Francis, 2003).
Distribution A century ago introduced in the Botanic Garden at Bogor (± 250 m alt.); Widespread in C. &
S. America, from Mexico to Brazil and in the West Indies. It has many regions in Malesia.
240
Axonopus compressus (Swartz.) Beauv/ Anastrophus compressus

(Swatz) Schlecht./ Panicum platycaulon (Poir.) O.K./ Paspalum
compressum (Sw.) Raspail/ Paspalum platycaulon Poir.
Poaceae

Indonesian names Jukut pahit.
English names American carpet grass, broadleaf carpet grass, tropical carpet grass, blanket grass, lawn grass,
Louisiana grass, savanna grass, Kearsney grass.
Description A. compressus is similar to A. affinis in most of its botanical characters but it is more robust
and stoloniferous. It has stouter culms and stolons, wider leaves and longer spikelets which
are more acute. Its leaves are 9-12 mm wide and it forms a dense mat over the surface of the
ground, seldom reaching a height of more than 15 cm. The spikelets are 2.2-2.5 mm
compared with 2 mm for A. affinis. There is a more pronounced tuft of hairs at the apex of
the lemma than in A. affinis (Barnard, 1969).
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution West and Central Java.; Pantropical, also subtropical, in the New World from the southern
USA to Argentina. Throughout Indonesia, so far not found in the Lesser Sunda Islands and
the Moluccas.; Morus alba plantations, South Sulawesi.; Young rubber plantations (3 years),
oil palm plantations (4 years) in South Sumatra.; Experimental garden of Banjar Baru, South
Kalimantan.; Oil palm plantations in Medan, North Sumatra.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal
areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai, Belandean, Belawang, Sakalagun,
Handil Manarap) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung,
Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman,
Yogyakarta.; Weed of cotton plantations Gading (Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta).;
Weed of rubber plantations Cimulang, Bogor.; Undergrowth plant Purwodadi Botanic
Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.
References/Notes 1, 3, 11, 13, 19, 24, 30, 31, 34, 38, 40, 47, 72, 88, 196, 207.
241
Brachiaria eruciformis (J.E. Smith) Griseb./ B. ischane (Roth)

Stapf./ Panicum eruciformis J.E. Smith/ Panicum ischane Roth
Poaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect herbs. Leaves lanceate, 1.5-5 by 0.3-0.5 cm, pilose, margin scabrid, apex acuminate,
sheath 2-4 cm long. Racemes terminal, cylindric, 7-9 cm long, branches triquetrous, winged,
scabrid. Spikelet ellipsoid, secund-imbricate, densely pubescent, shortly stipitate; glumes
unequal, membranous, lower glume a minute scale, upper glume as long as spikelet, 5-nerved,
lower lemma 3-nerved, upper lemma crustaceous, smooth, 3-nerved; stamens 3. Caryopsis
ovoid.
Habitat It is a annual, common weed in cultivated fields, sometimes grows in roadsides, damp places,
ditches, waste places and also as weed of coffee plantations (Cook 1996, Lakshminarasimhan
and Sharma 1991, Kabeer and Nair 2009).
Uses -
Distribution In Indonesia : In Java and sugarcane plantations Camming Factory, South Sulawesi.
242
Brachiaria mutica (Forsk.) Stapf/ B. purpurascens (Raddi) Henr./

Panicum muticum Forsk./ Panicum purpurascens Raddi
Poaceae

Indonesian names Rumput malela.
English names Para grass.
Description A short-culmed, stoloniferous perennial up to 200 cm high with long, hairy leaf-blades about
16 mm wide. Panicle 10-20 cm long with solitary racemose or compound branches and
glabrous, acute, irregularly multiseriate spikelets 3-3.5 mm long (Napper, 1965).
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia, so far not found in the Moluccas and Papua.; Cotton
plantations in South Sulawesi,.; Oil palm plantations in South Sumatra.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.; Weed
of cotton plantations Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul, Yogyakarta), Segayung (Kabupaten
Batang, Central Java), Gading (Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta) and Kalitirto
(Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).
243
Brachiaria paspaloides (Persl) C. E. Hubb./ B. ambigua (Trin.) Presl/

Panicum ambiguum (non Trin.) Backer
Poaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names Signal grass.
Description Herbs, culms creeping, rooting at base, branching, erect flowering stems to 75 cm tall; leaf-
sheaths keeled, with bulbous-based hairs on the margins and the keel, 4-5 cm. long; blades
cordate at the base, linear-acuminate, hairy on the both faces with bulbous-based hairs and
scabrid on the often purple margin, up to 15 cm long by 6 mm wide; ligule fringed with hairs,
about 1.2 mm deep. Inflorescence well exserted, main axis soft-hairy, bearing usually 3 one-
sided racemes, each with a flattened rachis and bearing the spikelets on one side in pairs
alternately along both sides of the midrib, or sometimes on short branchlets of 3-4 spikelets
near the base of the raceme, when paired, one spikelet sessile, the other pedicelled, pedicel 1-
1.5 mm long. Spikelets many, about 4.2 x 1.5 mm; lower glumes 5-nerved, narrowly boat-
shaped with a distinct point, glabrous, 3.2 mm long; upper glumes similarly shaped but not
quite so pointed, 7-nerved, 3.8 mm long; lower floret neuter or male; lemma 5-nerved,
similarly shaped, 3.6 mm long; palea nil; upper floret hermaphrodite; lemma indurated, light
straw-coloured, the nerves evident, 2.6 mm long, with a very distinct apiculus 0.4 mm long,
clasping the similarly indurated palea. A palea vestige about 0.4 mm long sometimes present
with the lower lemma. Stamens 3; anthers yellow, 1.2 mm long. Stigmata purple. Caryopsis
oval, flattened.
Habitat Grassland.
Uses -
Distribution Srilanka, India, Burma, Thailand, Malesia. Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan as far
as known.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).
244
Brachiaria reptans (L.) Gardn. & Hubb./ B. prostata (Lamk.)

Griseb./ Panicum reptans L./ Urochloa reptans (L.) Stapf.
Poaceae
Origin Africa.
Indonesian names Rumput rhodes.
English names Running grass.
Description Decumbent annual, 15-60 cm high rooting at nodes. Leaf-blades ovate-lanceolate, 2-8 cm
long and 3-17 mm wide. Inflorescence of 5-16 cm racemes on an axis 1-8 cm long; racemes
1-4 cm in length with a triquetrous rhachis. Spikelets, glabrous, narrowly ovate, 1.5-2.2 mm
long, borne in pairs and crowded on the rhachis.
Habitat Roadside and undisturbed ground.
Uses Palatable but not productive.
Distribution Tropics of the Old and New World, from Polynesia to northern Australia. Throughout
Indonesia, except Kalimantan, as far as known.
245
Chloris gayana Kunth

Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Rhodes grass.
Description A glabrous, usually stoloniferous perennial up to 90 cm high, but very variable. Inflorescence
up to 15 spikes, occasionally in two whorls, but usually one. Its roots descend to 4.7 m; 47 m
of roots occur in the first 30 cm3 of soil, but they are sparse beyond 2.4 m (Hosegood, 1963).
Habitat Open woodland and grassland on a wide range of soils.
Uses -
Distribution Introduced as pasture-grass into many tropical regions, also tried in Java (recent data not
available).
246
Cynodon dactylon (l.) Pers./ C. arcuatus Presl/ C. parviglumis Ohwi/

Capricola dactylon (L.) O.K.
Poaceae

Indonesian names Rumput grinting, Rumput Bermuda.
English names Australian couch, Bahama grass, balama grass, Indian doab, quick grass, scutch grass, star
grass.
Description A short-lived, prostrate, fine-leaved perennial grass that spreads by strong, flat stolons and
scaly rhizomes to form a dense turf; stolons root readily at the nodes; culms erect or
ascending, 5 to 45 cm (rarely to 90 or even 130 cm) tall, wiry, smooth, sometimes reddish,
leaf sheaths up to 15 mm long, shorter than internodes, smooth; ligule a conspicuous ring of
white hairs; blades 2 to 16 cm long, 3 to 5 mm wide, smooth or hairy on upper surface;
inflorescence of three to seven sometimes purplish spikes in one whorl, in a fingerlike
arrangement (digitately), 3 to 10 cm long, or in robust forms spikes up to 10, sometimes in
two whorls; spikelets 2 to 3 mm long, in two rows tightly appressed to one side of the rachis;
lemma boat-shaped, acute with fringe of hairs on the keel, longer than the glume; seed (grain)
very small, 1.5 mm long, oval, straw-colored to orange-red, free within the lemma and palea"
(Holm et al. 1977, in PIER 2008).
Habitat Range/grasslands, riparian zones, water courses, wetlands.
Uses Used for environmental purposes (erosion control; lawn/turf), animal food (fodder; forage)
and medicines (USDA-ARS 2004). Frequently used for lawns and pastures (Wiggins &
Porter 1971, in PIER 2008).
Distribution Pantropical and subtropical. Throughout Indonesia, except Sulawesi and Papua, as far as
known.; Cotton, cacao, cashew nuts plantations in South Sulawesi.; Oil palm plantations (4
years) and onion plantations in South Sumatra.; Sugarcane plantations Takalar.; Cihea
Cianjur, West Java.; Dusun Lebo, desa Madiredo, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.;
Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin).; Weed of tea
plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kp.
Muara, Bogor, West Java.; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.; Weed of cotton
plantations Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul, Yogyakarta), Segayung (Kabupaten Batang,
Central Java), and Kalitirto (Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).; Weed of cabbage plantations
at experimental garden SPLPP UNPAD, Bandung.; In the vegetable field in the dry and rainy
seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; Undergrowth plant Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten
Pasuruan, East Java.
References/Notes 3, 11, 13, 17, 21, 22, 30, 31, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, 43, 70, 72, 104, 252.
247
Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Richt./ D. Aegyptiacum Willd./

Eleusine aegyptia (L.) Desf.
Poaceae
Origin Tropics of the Old World.

Indonesian names Rumput tapak jalak.
English names Crowfoot grass (Africa), beach wire-grass (Hawaii), kra lekrab (Mauritania), giant button
grass.
Description A glaucous annual with culms up to 50 cm high, not stoloniferous, but often rooting from the
lower nodes; leaves usually hairy on the margins and midrib, the hairs tubercle-based; usually
four to eight spikes, rarely one to three, 1.5 to 6.5 cm long; spikelets 4 mm long, usually
three-flowered. The stout spikes and rigid awns are rather distinctive. Eleusine can be
distinguished from Dactyloctenium because it is awnless.
Habitat Usually occurs on disturbed areas, especially in sandy soils.
Uses Sometimes used as a food grain in times of scarcity in India and Africa but is said to have an
unpleasant taste and to cause internal disorders (Bor, 1960).
Distribution Pantropical, some extentions in the subtropics. Throughout Indonesia.; Wet land of Flores,
NTT.; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.
248
Digitaria didactyla Willd. var Peninsulae (Ohwi) Henr.

Poaceae
Origin Unknown (probably introduced).

Indonesian names -
English names Blue couch, Queensland blue couch, blue serangoon grass, green serangoon grass, blue
stargrass.
Description A small, creeping grass, blades narrow about 2.5 cm long, with a fine setaceous tip and
usually two racemes, conjugate and sessile. It is close to D. ciliaris, but differs in its
perenniality, fine leaf-blades, small number of racemes and their slender build. It differs from
Cynodon dactylon in its shorter, broader leaf and its distinctive bluish colour.
Habitat Sea-level to 1 500 m.
Uses -
Distribution -
249
Digitaria divaricatissima (R.Br.) Hughes

Poaceae
Origin Australia.
Indonesian names -
English names Umbrella grass.
Description rect tufted perennial to 0.8 m high, swollen and densely hairy at the base. Leaves with sheath
± hairy; ligule 2–3 mm long; blade 3–6 mm wide, often sprinkled with tubercle-based hairs.
Racemes spreading at maturity, the lower 8–35 cm long, common axis to 10 cm long,
spikelets mostly in pairs or the lower sometimes solitary, the pairs mostly remote; shorter
pedicel 1–4 mm long, the other 4–20 mm long. Spikelets 3.75–5 mm long, ± hairy, the hairs
at first appressed, at length spreading but not or scarcely concealing the outline of the
spikelet. Lower glume 10–25% as long as the spikelet, not or very rarely remote from the
upper; upper 3-nerved, slightly shorter than the spikelet. Sterile lemma equalling the spikelet,
5–7-nerved. Fertile lemma a little shorter than the spikelet.
Habitat Grows in woodland on better soils; widespread.
Uses -
Distribution In Java growing in 1925 near Pasuruan (East Java) in a plot of Astrebla triticoides, grown
from Australian seed; in 1926 repearing in vicinity of said plot, but since then not collected
anymore.
250
Digitaria fuscescens (Persl) Henr./ D. Pseudoischaemum Miq./

Paspalum fuscescens Presl/ Syntherisma fuscescens (Presl) Scribn/
Paspalum micranthum Desv.
Poaceae
Origin Unknown, perhaps Java.

Indonesian names -
English names Yellow grabgrass.
Description HABIT Annual; mat forming. Culms rambling; 4–30 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.
Leaf-blades 1–5 cm long; 1–4 mm wide.
INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.
Racemes 2–5; paired, or digitate; unilateral; 1–7 cm long. Rhachis broadly winged; with
rounded midrib.
Spikelets in threes. Fertile spikelets pedicelled; 3 in the cluster. Pedicels unequal.
FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without
rhachilla extension. Spikelets elliptic; dorsally compressed; 1.2–1.6 mm long; falling entire.
GLUMES Glumes one the lower absent or obscure; reaching apex of florets; thinner than
fertile lemma. Upper glume elliptic; 1 length of spikelet; membranous; without keels; (3–)5 -
veined. Upper glume surface glabrous. Upper glume apex acute.
FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile
floret elliptic; 1 length of spikelet; membranous; 7 -veined; glabrous; acute. Fertile lemma
elliptic; 1.2–1.6 mm long; cartilaginous; much thinner on margins; pallid, or light brown;
without keel. Lemma margins flat; covering most of palea. Lemma apex acute. Palea
cartilaginous.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Continental tropical Africa, Madagascar, from India to S. China, Malesia (not yet found in
Australia). Throughout Indonesia.; From Madagascar, Mauritius and Sri Lanka to southern
China and the Pacific; throughout SE. Asia. Introduced into Africa and S. America.
251
Digitaria longiflora (Retz.) pers./ D. Proponqua (R. Br.) P. Beauv.

Poaceae
flickr.com
Origin India.
Indonesian names -
English names Lesser crabgrass, Indian crabgrass.
Description Terrestrial, tufted, erect herb, rooting at nodes. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stems rounded,
hairy. Nodes glabrous. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate spiral, sessile, linear, more than 2 cm
long/wide, apex acute, base clasping, parallel-veined. Leaf sheath present.
Ligulemembranous. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a terminal panicle, sessile, yellow,
purple, or brown, petals not visible. Fruit a nut.
Habitat Present in waste places, rotation and perennial crops.
Uses -
Distribution Tropics and subtropics of the Old World; introduced in America.; Throughout Indonesia,
except the Lesser Sunda Islands and Papua, as far as known.; Shifting cultivation of Timor,
NTT.
252
Digitaria nuda Schumach./ D. borbonica Desv./ D. digitata Urb./ D.

sanguinalis (non Scop.) Backer, p.p./ Panicum sanguinale L. var.
digitatum Hack./ Paspalum digitatum Kunth.
Poaceae
Origin Africa (?)

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical, mostly common in Africa. Throughout Indonesia.; Coffee, pepper, cashew nuts
and oil palm plantations in South Sulawesi.
253
Digitaria setigera R. & S./ D. consanguinea Gaud./ D. marginata

Link. var pruriens Hook.f. ex Ridl./ D. microbachne Henr./ D.
pruriens Buese/ D. sanguinalis (non Scop.) Backer, p.p./ Panicum
corymbosum (non Roxb.) Trin/ Panicum microbachne Presl/
Panicum pruriens Fischer ex Trin./ Paspalum sanguinale Lamk. var
pruriens Hook.f./ Syntherisma corymbosa (non Hosokawa)
Hosokawa, p.p./ Paspalum microbachne Hitchc.
Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Annuals; culm to 1 m high or more, decumbent, branching and rooting at lower nodes. Blade
5-15 cm, rarely to 30 cm long, 5-10 mm wide, scabrous and undulate on margins; sheath
mostly shorter than internode, often papillose-pilose; ligule 2-4 mm long, membranaceous.
Inflorescence in digitate racemes, racemes 6-15, 7-14 cm long; rachis ridged, scabrous on
wing-margins, ca. 0.6 mm wide; pedicel ridged or norrowly winged. Spikelet more or less
pubescent, lanceolate-elliptic, 2.5-3 mm long; lower glume absent or reduced to a minute
veinless scale; lower lemma equaling or slightly exceeding upper lemma, 5-7-veined; upper
lemma slightly coriaceous, pale.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Tropical Asia from India to the Pasific and Northern Australia, introduced in C. and northern
S. America and the W. Indies. Throughout Indonesia, except Sulawesi and the Moluccas, as
far as known.; Dry land of Flores-NTT.; Weed of chili plantations Cibungbulang, Bogor.
254
Digitaria ternata (A. Rich) Stapf/ D. argyrostachya Fern./ D.

ropalotricha Buese/ Cynodon ternatus A. Rich./ Paspalum ternatum
(A. Rich) Hook.f./ Syntherisma ternata Newbold
Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Black-Seeded Crabgrass.
Description Tufted annual to 0.5 m high. Leaves with sheath glabrous; ligule 1–2 mm long; blade 2–6 mm
wide, glabrous or with few fine spreading hairs especially at the base. Racemes 2–7, sessile,
5–25 cm long, spikelets crowded, mostly ternate on very unequal slender pedicels. Spikelets
2–2.5 mm long, densely pubescent with short clavate hairs (with magnification). Lower
glume absent; upper shorter and narrower than the spikelet, 3-nerved, pubescent between the
nerves and on the margins. Sterile lemma equalling the spikelet, 5-nerved, pubescent between
all the nerves and the margins or the median 2 spaces glabrous. Fertile floret almost equalling
the spikelet, very early dark purplish to black with broad whitish hyaline margins. Palea
black.
Habitat Grows in disturbed habitats.
Uses -
Distribution Tropics and subtropics of the Old World; Introduced to Australia and S. America. In
Indonesia : Sumatra, Java, the Lesser Sunda Island, and Sulawesi, as far as known.
255
Digitaria violascens Link/ D. caespitosa Ridl./ D. chinensis (non

Hornem.) Ridl./ D. chinensis (Nees) Camus/ D. digitata Buese/ D.
pertenuis Buese/ Paspalum chinensis Nees/ P. longiflorum (non Retz.)
Hook.f./ Syntherisma chinensis Hitchc.
Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Crab grass, purple crabgrass, smooth crabgrass, violet crabgrass.
Description Geniculate-ascending or sub-erect annuals to c. 60 cm tall, sometimes rooting at the lower
nodes. Nodes glabrous. Sheaths glabrous, or the lower sometimes sprinkled with hairs
especially towards the margins; ligule 1–2 mm long, truncate; blade mostly 2–6 mm wide,
glabrous. Inflorescence at length much exserted on a very slender peduncle, consisting of 2–
13 suberect or slightly upwards spreading or recurved racemes, on an axis 0.5–2 cm long, the
lowest raceme sometimes solitary and a little remote, the upper or all sub-approximate;
racemes subequal, slender, 5–10 cm long, bearing crowded appressed subimbricate spikelets
in similar triplets right to the base in 2 rows on 1 side of the flattened rachis, the rachis with
the wings broader than the midrib, the pedicels short, the longer fused below with the rachis,
scabrous, minutely cupulate at the apex but without a coronula of hairs. Spikelets pallid, 1.3–
1.8 mm long and c. 0.7 mm wide, rather broadly elliptical, acute or subacute, compressed.
Lower glume minute or absent; upper glume and sterile lemma puberulous between the
nerves with short crinkled hairs with verrucose walls; upper glume slightly shorter and
narrower than the spikelet, 3-nerved; sterile lemma equalling the spikelet, 3–7-nerved with
the 3 central nerves closer together than the lateral nerves. Fertile lemma conspicuously
black, shining, almost as long as the spikelet to slightly exceeding it at maturity, acute.
Habitat Minor weed of higher rainfall areas.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical, except in Africa (?). Throughout Indonesia, except the Lesser Sunda Islands, as
far as known.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; In the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in
Candi Kuning, Bali.
256
Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koel./ D. adscendens Hent./ D. adscendens

Henr. var. fimbriata Cufod./ D. fimbriata Link/ D. henryi Rendle/ D.
marginata Link var. ciliaris Hook.f. ex Ridl./ D. marginata Link var.
fimriata Stapf/ D. sangunalis Scop. var. ciliaris Parl/ D. sanguinalis
(non Scop.)/ Panicum adscendens H.B.K./ Panicum ciliare Retz/
Paspalum ciliare DC./ Syntherisma ciliare Schrader/ Sytherisma
fimbriata Nash/ Sytherisma henryi Newbold
Poaceae
Origin Taiwan.
Indonesian names Rumput ceker ayam.
English names Summer grass, hairy crabgrass, wild crabgrass.
Description An annual, caespitose with branching culms; nodes pilose; leaves linear, acuminate, the
sheaths pilose; ligule elongate, obtuse, glabrous; up to ten racemes on a triquetrous rachis;
spikelets unilateral, geminate, one sessile, one pedicelled, ovate; lower glume small, upper
three-nerved, pilose-ciliate; sterile lemma as long as the upper glume, three-nerved, margin
ciliate; fertile lemma as long as the sterile lemmas, glabrous (Henty, 1969).
Habitat Sandy soils and loams, as a weed in cultivation.
Uses -
Distribution Tropics and subtopics. Throughout Indonesia,; Cotton, paper, cashew nuts, and oil palm
plantations in South Sulawesi.; Young rubber (3 years) and oil palm (4 years) plantations in
South Sumatra.; Sugarcane plantations Takalar.; Sulfat acid soil of Banjar Baru.; Kalianda,
South Lampung.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Dry land sugarcane plantations Pelaihari, South
Kalimantan.; Oil palm plantations in Medan, North Sumatra.; Sugarcane plantations
Camming Factory, South Sulawesi.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Banjarmasin, Belandean, Sakalagun) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Weed of tea
plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kp.
Muara, Bogor, West Java.; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.; Weed of cotton
plantations Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul, Yogyakarta), Segayung (Kabupaten Batang,
Central Java), Gading (Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta) and Kebun Kalitirto
(Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).; Weed of chili plantations Cibungbulang, Bogor.
References/Notes 3, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, 44, 207, 285.
257
Echinochloa colona (L.) Link cv. Group Frumentacea/ E.

frumentacea (Roxb.) Link/ E. crus-galli (L.) P. beauvois var
frumentaceum (Link) Trimen/ E. colona (L.) Link var frumentaceum
(Roxb.) Ridley
Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names Rumput bebek.
English names Awnless barnyard grass, jungle rice.
Description Terrestrial, tufted, erect herb, rooting at nodes. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stems flat,
hairy. Nodes glabrous. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate spiral, sessile linear, more than 2 cm
long/wide, apex acute, base clasping, parallel-veined. Leaf sheath present. Ligule
absent.Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a terminal spike or panicle, sessile, purple or
brown, petals not visible. Fruit a nut.
Habitat Jungle rice is adapted to full sunlight or partial shade and grows on loam, silt and clay soils. It
grows in drains, low-lying grasslands, and farmlands, in both dry and marshy places. This
species is one of the most important weeds of upland rice under moist conditions. It occurs
most commonly at low altitudes but can extend up to about 2000m.
Uses -
Distribution It is now can be found in the tropics and subtropics all over the world and is very common in
SE. Asia. It is known from the ancient Egypt and E. Africa but is at present widely grown as a
cereals only in India, Kashmir and Sikkim. It has been introduced into the United States,
Canada and Australia, especially as a forage. In continental SE. Asia, it is quite commonly
cultivated but in Peninsular Malaysia it is occurs as a rare weed in cultivated fields. However,
it is thought that formerly it were commonly cultivated in Java.
258
Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link/ E. cris-galli (L.) Beauv. ssp.

Colonum Honda/ Oplismenus colonum (L.) H.B.K./ Panicum
colonum L.
Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names -
English names Awnless barnyard grass (Australia), jungle rice (United States), Swampgrass.
Description Annual, widespread, tuft-forming, seed-propagated grass weed of warmer regions with
fibrous, rather shallow roots, up to 60 mm (2.36 inch). Very short, reduced glume and dense
form of the panicle. Stems Culms stout, erect to decumbent, often branching from the base,
rather tall (30-60 cm) (11.81 - 23.62 inch). Leaf blades glabrous, elongate, 3-6 mm (0.118 -
0.24 inch) wide, 10-15 cm (3.93 - 5.9 inch) long, light green with a white midrib. The first
leaves are grayish dull-green, often with several widely spaced purple bands on the leaf blade
surface. Youngest leaf is rolled.
Habitat Cultivated areas, waste grounds, ditches and fields.
Uses -
Distribution Africa, India, Burma, Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.; Balitan Maros.; Cotton plantations of
South Sulawesi.; Oil palm plantations South Sumatra.; Sugarcane plantations Takalar.;
Kalianda, South Lampung.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Sugarcane plantations Camming
Factory, South Sulawesi.; Dry and wet land of Flores, NTT.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).; Kp. Muara, Bogor, West Java.; Weed of cotton plantations
Kalitirto (kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).; Weed of chili plantations Cibungbulang, Bogor.
259
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv./ E. hispidula (Retz.) Nees ex Royle/

Panicum crus-galli L.
Poaceae
Origin Europe, India.

Indonesian names Jajagoan.
English names Ockspur (or cockspur grass), barnyard millet, Japanese millet, water grass, common barnyard
grass, or simply "barnyard grass".
Description Polymorphous coarse, tufted annual, tall and often weedy; culms erect to decumbent, 0.8-1.5
m tall, rather thick, branching at base. Leaves flat, glabrous, elongate, 30–50 cm long, 1–2 cm
broad, scabrous, slightly thickened at margin; ligulesabsent; sheaths smooth, lower ones often
reddish; panicle 8–30 cm long, green or purple, exerted, somewhat nodding, densely
branched, the branches to 5 cm long, erect or ascending sessile; Spikelets 3–4 mm long,
densely arranged on branches, ovoid, awnless, but move often long-awned, pale green to dull
purple, short-bristly along veins; racemes spreading, ascending or appressed, the lower
somewhat distant, as much as 10 cm long, sometimes branched; glumes and lower lemma
minutely hairy on surface with longer more rigid hairs on veins; first glume about two-fifths
as long as spikelet, deltoid, the second as long as the spikelet, short-awned; sterile lemma
membranous, with a straight scabrous awn, 2–4 cm long or awnless; fertile lemma ovate-
elliptic, acute, pale yellow, lustrous, smooth, 3-3.5 mm long. Fl.
Habitat Ranging from Boreal Moist to Wet through Tropical Very Dry to Moist forest life zones.
Adapted to nearly all types of wet places, this grass is often a common weed in paddy fields,
roadsides, cultivated areas, and fallow fields. It grows on variety of wet sites such as ditches,
low areas in fertile croplands and wet wastes, often growing in water. Succeeds in cool
regions, but better adapted to areas where average annual temperature is 14-16°C. Not
restricted by soil pH.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical and subtropical. Throughout Indonesia, except the Moluccas, as far as known.;
Balitan Maros.; Wet land of Flores, NTT.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin,
Handil Manarap) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Weed of chili plantations
Cibungbulang, Bogor.
References/Notes 3, 7d, 9, 10, 27, 31, 44, 88, 279.
260
Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauvois cv. Group Esculenta/

Panicum esculentum A. Braun/ E. utilis Ohwi & Yabuno/ E.
esculenta (A. Braun) H. Scholz
Poaceae
Origin Japan, Europe, India.

Indonesian names Jajagoan.
English names Barnyard grass, Dutch kut grass, cockspur grass.
Description Terrestrial, tufted, erect herb, not rooting at nodes. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stems
rounded, glabrous. Nodes glabrous. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate spiral, sessile, linear,
more than 2 cm long/wide, apex acute, base clasping, parallel-veined. Leaf sheath present.
Liguleabsent. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a terminal spike or panicle, sessile,
purple or brown, petals not visible. Fruit a nut.
Habitat It occurs in low and medium altitudes, favoring open sunny places and wet soils, and can
continue to grow when partially submerged. It is a common weed in swamps and aquatic
places. It also grows well in drier soils, but is shorter and has fewer tillers, panicles and seeds.
Growth is good on sandy and loamy soils, especially where nitrogen content is high.
Uses -
Distribution It has spread to temperate and tropical areas all over the world; it is also very common in SE.
Asia. It is only extensively cultivated in Japan, Korea, and N. China. However, it is thought
taht formerly it were commonly cultivated in Java.
261
Echinochloa stagnina (Retz.) Beauv./ Panicum stagninum Retz./ P.

crusgalli (non Beauv.) Hooker f.
Poaceae
Origin Africa.
Indonesian names Kumpai bulu.
English names Burgu Millet, bourgou, hippo grass.
Description Aquatic perennial, sometimes behaving as an annual or a biennial; culms spongy, 40-150 cm
high, decumbent and rooting at the nodes. Leaf-blades 8-50 cm long, 6-10 mm wide; ligule a
line of hairs; sheaths glabrous. Inflorescence narrowly lanceolate, rarely narrowly ovate, 7-20
cm long, typically ± open with the racemes secund and usually ascending; racemes simple, 2-
6.5 cm long, coarsely spiculate. Spikelets ovate to broadly ovate or rounded, 3.5-5 mm long,
pubescent to hispid, often from tubercles; lower lemma tapering to an awn up to 10 mm long;
upper lemma 34 mm long.
Habitat -
Uses It was once one of the major grasses cultivated in the Inner Niger Delta of the Niger River. It
was cultivated by the Fulani people, who used the seeds as food, and to make both alcoholic
and nonalcoholic beverages. It tolerates floods well, and has been replanted in Africa, where
it has helped to control erosion and provides hay for animals.
Distribution Tropical Africa and Asia. In Indonesia : Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, as far as known.
262
Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.

Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names Rumput belulang.
English names Goosegrass, crowsfoot grass, wire grass.
Description Terrestrial, tufted, erect herb, rooting at nodes. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stems flat,
glabrous. Nodes glabrous. Stipules absent. Leaves alternate spiral, sessile, linear, more than 2
cm long/wide, apex acute, base clasping, parallel-veined. Leaf sheath present.
Ligulemembranous. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a terminal spike or panicle, sessile,
green, petals not visible. Fruit a nut.
Habitat This plant loves light and is a weed problem mainly in crops grown in the warm and wet
regions of the world. It settles down mainly in the rich and deep, muddy to sandy-muddy
soils, well drained and being able to be compacted. It grows well in open ground and so is
found in lawns, pastures and footpaths. It can stand much trampling. It is found in waste
places and roadsides but prospers on arable land. It is present also in damp marshlands and is
often most vigorous along irrigation field borders and canals.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical, here and there subtropical, mainly in S. Asia and the Pasific, E. and S. Africa and
tropical N. America. Throughout Indonesia.; Cotton, coffee, coconut hibrids plantations in
South Sulawesi.; Oil palm plantations (4 years) in South Sumatra.;
Experimental garden Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.;
Dusun Lebo, desa Madiredo, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.; Oil palm plantations in
Medan, North Sumatra.; Dry land of Flores-NTT.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal areas of
South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean, Handil Manarap).; Weed of tea plantations
Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kp. Muara, Bogor,
West Java.; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.; Weed of cotton plantations Segayung
(Kabupaten Batang, Central Java), and Kalitirto (Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).; Weed of
potato plantations Koto Baru, Kabupaten Tanah Datar, South Sumatra.; Dominance weed of
garlic plantations Batu, East Java.; In the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in
Candi Kuning, Bali.
References/Notes 3, 6l, 11, 13, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 45, 70, 91, 196.
263
Eragrostis nigra Nees ex Steud.

Poaceae
Origin India/ Ceylon (probably).

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Tufted perennials; culms 30-50 cm high, erect; nodes glabrous. Leaves 15-25 x 0.2-0.6 cm,
linear, base rounded with a tuft of long hairs; sheath slightly keeled, ciliate towards the
mouth; ligule a fimbriate membrane. Panicle 15-30 cm long, lax, branches and pedicels
smooth. Spikelets many, pedicelled, 5-6 x 2-3 mm, oblong, black; glumes similar, 2.2 x 0.5
mm, 1-nerved, keeled; florets 5-8, all bisexual; lemma 2.2 x 1 mm, ovate, acute, 3-nerved;
palea 2 x 1 mm, oblong, curved, keels smooth.
Habitat Degraded evergreen forests and grasslands.
Uses -
Distribution West and East Java.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua,
Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed of cotton plantations Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul,
Yogyakarta).
264
Eragrostis tenella (l.) Beauv. ex R. & S./ E. amabilis (L.) Wight &
Arn. Ex Hook. et Arn./ E. plumosa (L.) Link/ Poa tenella L.
Poaceae
Origin Tropics of The Old World.

Indonesian names Rumput emprit-empritan.
English names Lovegrass, feather lovegrass.
Description HABIT Annual; caespitose. Culms geniculately ascending, or decumbent; 6–50 cm long.
Ligule a fringe of hairs. Leaf-blades 2–9 cm long; 1–3 mm wide.
INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.
Panicle open; linear (var insularis), or elliptic, or pyramidal; 2–14 cm long. Primary panicle
branches spreading, or appressed (var insularis). Panicle branches glandular; without exudate;
glabrous in axils, or bearded in axils.
Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.
FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 4–8 fertile florets; with diminished florets at
the apex. Spikelets ovate, or obovate; laterally compressed; 1.5–2.5 mm long; breaking up at
maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite.
GLUMES Glumes deciduous; similar; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume ovate; 0.5–1 mm
long; 1 length of upper glume; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower
glume apex acute. Upper glume ovate; 0.5–1 mm long; 0.8–1 length of adjacent fertile
lemma; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Upper glume lateral veins absent. Upper glume apex acute.
FLORETS Fertile lemma oblong, or ovate; 0.7–1 mm long; membranous; keeled; 3 -veined.
Lemma midvein without distinctive roughness, or scaberulous. Lemma apex obtuse. Palea
keels ciliate. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.
FLOWER Anthers 3; 0.2 mm long.
FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; ellipsoid; 0.5 mm long.
Habitat It occurs in crops, waste places, old walls, lawns, roadsides, beach dikes and gardens. It
thrives on both permeable and impermeable soils, and is often found in compacted and stony
areas.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Cotton plantations South Sulawesi.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).; Weed of cotton plantations Kalitirto (kabupaten
Sleman, Yogyakarta) .
265
Eragrotis unioloides (Retz.) Nees ex Steud./ E. amabilis (non O.K.)

W. & A./ Poa unioloides Retz.
Poaceae
Origin S. E. Asia.
Indonesian names Padang togu, rumput udang..
English names -
Description Annual or short-lived perennial grass, tufted, with culms 10-80 cm tall, erect or geniculately
ascending, sometimes rooting from the lower nodes. Leaf-sheath about 1.5 cm long, striate,
purplish, hairy at the mouth; ligule a fringe of hairs; leaf-blade linear with broad base and
acute top, 2-20 cm x 2-8 mm, flat or inrolled. Inflorescence a loose or contracted, terminal,
usually stiffly erect panicle, up to 20 cm long; spikelets 8-60-flowered, ovoid to oblongoid, 4-
16 mm x 2.5-4 mm, strongly compressed, on up to 15 mm long peduncles, usually yellowish
but reddish-purple tinged; lower florets all fertile, upper ones caducous, but florets falling in
succession from the base up; glumes very densely packed, keel scabrid. Caryopsis obovoid to
ellipsoid, laterally compressed, ca. 0.7 mm long, orange-brown. It is a very variable species,
the main variation being in the annual to perennial type and in the degree of stoloniferous
habit (Manidool 1992).
Habitat E. unioloides can grow from sea-level up to 1250 m altitude, in open or moderately shaded
areas, in swampy or paddy fields, roadsides and cultivated land.
Uses E. unioloides is used as a forage, but not of great importance. Its abundance as a weed in
irrigated rice fields (Häfliger and Scholz 1981) makes it useful for grazing after the rice
harvest and as a green manure.
Distribution Tropical Africa and Asia. Throughout Indonesia, except the Lesser Sunda Islands and Papua,
as far as known.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai, Belandean).
266
Eriochloa polystachya H.B.K./ E. subglabra (Nash) Hitchc.

Poaceae
Origin Tropical America, W. Indies.

Indonesian names -
English names Carib grass.
Description Perennial. Culms rambling; 100–200 cm long; 3–4 mm diam.; rooting from lower nodes.
Culm-nodes bearded. Lateral branches ample. Ligule a fringe of hairs; 0.8–1.2 mm long.
Leaf-blades 10–25 cm long; 8–15 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface glabrous, or pubescent.
Inflorescence composed of racemes. Peduncle 6–12 cm long; pilose above. Racemes 8–15;
borne along a central axis; unilateral; 5–8 cm long; secondarily branched. Central
inflorescence axis 15–25 cm long; villous. Rhachis narrowly winged; angular; villous on
surface. Spikelet packing adaxial. Spikelets solitary, or in pairs. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.
Pedicels oblong; unequal. Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without
rhachilla extension. Spikelets elliptic; dorsally compressed; acute; 3.2–3.6 mm long; falling
entire. Spikelet callus globular; incorporating lowest rhachilla internode with adnate lower
glume; glabrous. Glumes reaching apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume
oblate; 0.1 length of spikelet; hyaline; 0 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower
glume apex truncate, or obtuse. Upper glume elliptic; 1 length of spikelet; membranous;
without keels; 5 -veined. Upper glume surface pubescent. Upper glume apex acute; muticous.
Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret similar to
upper glume; elliptic; 1 length of spikelet; 5 -veined; pubescent; acute; muticous. Fertile
lemma elliptic; 2.2–2.5 mm long; indurate; without keel. Lemma margins involute. Lemma
apex obtuse; mucronate. Palea involute; indurate. Flowers Anthers 3; 1–1.5 mm long.
Habitat Grows in humid areas with evenly distributed rainfall; withstands waterlogging.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Imported in Java long ago and, so far, only found in Java and Tanimbar Islands.
267
Gigantochloa apus (J.A. & J.H. Schultes) Kurz/ Bambusa apus J.A.
& J.H. Schultes/ G. kurzii Gamble
Poaceae
Origin Myanmar and S. Thailand.

Indonesian names Tali Bambu, bambu tali, pring tali, pring apus.
English names Tropischer Bambus /Tropical Bamboo.
Description Rough clump making by the culms of 4-13 cm in diameter and 8-30m high. Culm sheath is
persistent on culm, so that it is easy to find this species, because of looking like white sheath.
It is said the shoot is bitter, but delicious if cooked after sunk into mud for 3 or 4 days.
Height:15 - 30 Meter, diameter 10 - 16 Centimeter. Cultivated in Guangzhou, Hua'an and in
many regions of South-East-Asia.
Habitat -
Uses In Java this bamboo is sidely used for construction, roof, bridge materials and making various
baskets.
Distribution It was possibly introduced to Java during prehistoric human migrations. In Java it is now
widely cultivated, but wild or naturalized populations of G. apus also occur on Mt. Salak
(West Java) and in Blambangan (East Java). In Indonesia it has spread to South Sumatra,
Central Sulawesi and Central Kalimantan. Occasionally it is cultivated in experimental or
botanical gardend in the tropics.
268
Gigantochloa balui K.M. Wong

Poaceae
Origin Uncertain/ (possibly) Indo China.

Indonesian names Bambu Abe.
English names -
Description Perennial; caespitose. Rhizomes short; pachymorph. Culms erect; 1000–1200 cm long; 60–80
mm diam.; woody. Culm-internodes terete; thin-walled; 20–40 cm long; light green; distally
pubescent. Lateral branches dendroid. Bud complement 1. Branch complement one, or two,
or three. Culm-sheaths pubescent; with appressed hairs; with white hairs; auriculate; with 2.5
mm high auricles; ciliate on shoulders. Culm-sheath ligule 4 mm high. Culm-sheath blade
lanceolate; spreading, or reflexed. Leaf-sheath auricles erect; 1 mm long. Ligule an eciliate
membrane; 1 mm long. Collar with external ligule. Leaf-blade base with a brief petiole-like
connection to sheath. Leaf-blades lanceolate; glaucous. Leaf-blade surface pubescent; hairy
adaxially.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution This bamboo is always found in association with settlement in Sabah Sarawak (Malaysia),
Brunei and W. Kalimantan (Indonesia) but has never been noted in situations where it might
be truly considered wild.
269
Gigantochloa manggong Widjaja

Poaceae
Origin Not known.

Indonesian names Bambu manggong.
English names -
Description Perennial; caespitose; clumped densely. Rhizomes short; pachymorph. Culms erect; 1000–
1500 cm long; 50–70 mm diam.; woody. Culm-internodes terete; thick-walled; 31–35 cm
long; light green, or mid-green; smooth. Lateral branches dendroid. Buds or branches absent
from lower quarter of culm. Branch complement several; with 1 branch dominant. Culm-
sheaths tardily deciduous; 30–33 cm long; yellow; hispid; with appressed hairs; with dark
brown hairs; truncate at apex; auriculate; with 2–4 mm high auricles; glabrous on shoulders.
Culm-sheath ligule 5 mm high; dentate. Culm-sheath blade triangular; deciduous; erect; 18–
25 cm long; 90–110 mm wide. Leaf-sheaths deciduous; hispid. Leaf-sheath auricles erect; 1
mm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 1 mm long; erose. Collar with external ligule. Leaf-
blade base with a brief petiole-like connection to sheath; petiole 0.2–0.4 cm long. Leaf-blades
lanceolate; 27–29 cm long; 30–40 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface glabrous.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution It grows wild in East Java (Meru Betiri National Park, Soko, Licin, Kalisetail) and in Bali
(Candikuning), but it is quite rare.; Occasionally it is also planted in botanical or experimental
gardens (Java:Purwodadi, Bandung; India; Amherst).
270
Gigantochloa nigrociliata (Buse) Kurz/ Bambusa nigrociliata (Buse)/

Oxytenanthera nigrociliata (Buse) Munro (p.p)/ Schizostachyum
serpentinum Kurz
Poaceae
Origin Not known.

Indonesian names Awi lengka (Indonesia - Sundanese), Awi ular (Indonesia - Sundanese), Bambu lengka,
Tiying tabah (Bali).
English names -
Description Perennial; caespitose; clumped loosely. Rhizomes short; pachymorph. Culms erect; 1500–
2000 cm long; 30–60 mm diam.; woody. Culm-internodes terete; thin-walled; 20–35 cm long;
light green; distally pubescent. Lateral branches dendroid. Culm-sheaths tardily deciduous;
11–18.5 cm long; hispid; with appressed hairs; with dark brown hairs; auriculate; with 2–4
mm high auricles. Culm-sheath ligule 2–3 mm high; dentate. Culm-sheath blade triangular;
erect, or spreading; 6–10 cm long; 20–35 mm wide; acute. Leaf-sheath auricles erect; 1 mm
long. Ligule a ciliolate membrane; 1–2 mm long. Collar with external ligule. Leaf-blade base
with a brief petiole-like connection to sheath; petiole 0.3–0.6 cm long. Leaf-blades lanceolate;
19.5–35 cm long; 25–45 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface puberulous; hairy abaxially.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution It grows wild in Indonesia (West Java and North Sumatra) and in S. Thailand. Formerly it
also occured widely in East Java, Bali and East Indonesia where it has become rare.
271
Gigantochloa robusta Kurz/ G. verticilata (Willd.) Munro sensu

Backer
Poaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Awi mayan, Buluh riau (West Sumatra), Rebong (Singapore), Rebung (Indonesia), Tiying
jelepung (Bali).
English names -
Description Perennial; caespitose; clumped densely. Rhizomes short; pachymorph. Culms erect; 1500–
2000 cm long; 70–90 mm diam.; woody; with aerial roots from the nodes. Culm-internodes
terete; thin-walled; 30–40 cm long; light green and yellow; striped; distally pubescent. Lateral
branches dendroid. Culm-sheaths deciduous; 17–35 cm long; hispid; with dark brown hairs;
truncate at apex; auriculate; with 7 mm high auricles; ciliate on shoulders; shoulders with 5
mm long hairs. Culm-sheath ligule 5 mm high; fimbriate. Culm-sheath blade triangular;
reflexed; 10–14 cm long; 35–50 mm wide. Leaf-sheath oral hairs setose; 5 mm long. Leaf-
sheath auricles erect; 1 mm long. Ligule a ciliate membrane; 1 mm long. Collar with external
ligule. Leaf-blade base with a brief petiole-like connection to sheath; petiole 0.4 cm long.
Leaf-blades lanceolate; 15–27 cm long; 25–50 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface pubescent; hairy
abaxially.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Found growing wild in Java (Banten and Banyuwangi). It is mainly known from cultivation
in Sumatra, Mentawai Islands, Java and Bali.
272
Hackelochloa granularis (L.) O.K./ Manisuris ganularis (L.) L.f.

Poaceae
Origin Pantropics.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Annual. Culms erect; 5–100 cm long. Culm-nodes bearded. Leaf-sheaths loose, or inflated;
hirsute; with tubercle-based hairs. Ligule a ciliolate membrane. Leaf-blade base cordate.
Leaf-blades linear to lanceolate; 2–15 cm long; 4–12 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface hirsute;
with tubercle-based hairs. Leaf-blade margins ciliate.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.
273
Hymenachne acutigluma (Steud.) Gilliland/ H. amplexicaulis (non

Nees) Monod/ H. myceros sensu Ridley/ H. pseudointerrupta C.
Muell./ Panicum acutigluma Steud./ Panicum amplexicaule Rudge
Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Tall, stoloniferous perennial, culms to 2 m; panicles narrow 15 cm long (Henty, 1969).
Habitat In shallow water at the margins of swamps and slow rivers in the tropics of Australia and
Papua New Guinea.
Uses -
Distribution India, Burma, Thailand. Throughout Indonesia, except the Lesser Sunda Island, as far as
known.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap).
274
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. var. major (Nees) C.E. Hubb./ I.

arundinaceae Cyr.
Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Blady grass, cogon grass, kunai grass or Japanese bloodgrass.
Description It is a perennial rhizomatous grass native to east and southeast Asia, India, Micronesia,
Melanesia, Australia, and eastern and southern Africa. It grows from 0.6–3 m (2–10 feet) tall.
The leaves are about 2 cm wide near the base of the plant and narrow to a sharp point at the
top; the margins are finely toothed and are embedded with sharp silica crystals. The main vein
is a lighter colour than the rest of the leaf and tends to be nearer to one side of the leaf. The
upper surface is hairy near the base of the plant while the underside is usually hairless. Roots
are up to 1.2 meters deep, but 0.4 m is typical in sandy soil.
Habitat agricultural areas, coastland, natural forests, planted forests, range/grasslands, riparian zones,
ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands, urban areas, wetlands.
Uses Imperata cylindrica is used as thatch, short-term forage production, soil stabilisation and
paper making (Watson & Dallwitz 1992, in Dozier et al. 1998). In surveys conducted in the
coastal/derived savanna (Benin and Nigeria) and southern Guinea savanna (Ivory Coast) in
Africa some farmers indicated that I. cylindrica was an important source of cheap roofing
material, animal fodder and medicines. Silica bodies in the leaves contribute to its
unpalatability to grazers (Coile & Shilling 1993, in Dozier et al. 1998). I. cylindrica was
imported and distributed by the United States Department of Agriculture for use as a forage
grass and for soil erosion control. In the United States, an ornamental variety of the grass is
promoted for landscape use (Johnson & Shilling 2009). Although the ornamental varieties,
known as 'Rubra,' 'Red Baron,' or 'Japanese Blood Grass' are not aggressive, plants grown
from callus tissue can revert to the invasive form (Greenlee 1992, in Dozier et al. 1998).
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Morus alba, cacao, cashew nuts and oil palm plantations
in South Sulawesi.; Young rubber plantations (3 years) in South Sumatra.; Sadeng village,
Kabupaten Bogor.; Sugarcane plantations Takalar.; Sulfat acid soil of Banjar Baru.;
Experimental garden Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.; Bandar Lampung.; Dry land of Flores-
NTT.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai, Belandean, Belawang,
Sakalagun) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu
Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kp. Muara, Kab. Bogor.; Weed of
cotton plantations Segayung (Kabupaten Batang, Central Java).; Undergrowth plant
Purwodadi Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.
References/Notes 3, 6m, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 26, 27, 31, 34, 39, 40, 72, 75, 88, 104.
275
Isachne globosa (Thunb.) O.K./ I. australis R. Br./ I. dispar Auct.

Poaceae
Origin S. Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Swamp millet, globose chigozasa.
Description Annual, or perennial. Glands annular. Culms erect, or geniculately ascending, or decumbent,
or prostrate; 10–90 cm long; rooting from lower nodes. Leaf-sheaths glabrous on surface, or
pilose; outer margin hairy. Ligule a fringe of hairs; 1–4 mm long. Leaf-blade base cuneate, or
broadly rounded, or cordate. Leaf-blades linear, or lanceolate, or ovate; 1–10 cm long; 4–20
mm wide. Leaf-blade margins unthickened, or cartilaginous; scaberulous.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution S. Asia. Throughout Indonesia, except the Moluccas as far as known.; Tidal areas of Central
Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of Africa,
the Indian subcontinent, SE. Asia and Australia; occuring to a lesser extent in N., C. & S.
America, and also occuring in warm temperate areas, being recorded at latitudes of 450 in
New Zealand and Japan.
276
Isachne pulchella Roth ex R. & S./ I. miliacea Roth.

Poaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Herbs, culms tufted, creeping; erect ones to 40 cm; nodes densely pilose. Leaves flat, 1.5-4 x
0.4-0.6 cm, pilose; ligule to 0.2 cm. Panicles open, contracted, to 5 cm. Spikelets obovoid, to
0.15 cm; florets unequal; pedicels to 0.5 cm, glandular; glumes elliptic, to 0.18 cm,
membranous, glabrous; lower glume 5-veined; upper glume similar to lower; lemmas elliptic,
to 0.16 cm, puberulous.
Habitat It grows in marshy places of hilly areas (Kabeer and Nair 2009). Damp areas in forested
areas, shallow water, gregarious and forming patches.
Uses -
Distribution S. Asia and Malesia. Throughout Indonesia, except the lesser Sunda Islands, the Moluccas
and Papua. Lowland irrigated and rainfed ricefields.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Belandean).; In the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
277
Ischaemum rugosum Salisb./ I. alkoense Honda

Poaceae
Origin S.E. Asia.

Indonesian names Suket blembem (Javanese), jukut randan (Sundanese).
English names -
Description A vigourous perennial or annual (in strongly desiccating soil) tufted grass, sometimes with
stilt roots, rooting at the nodes, with erect, slanting or ascending, often much branched culms,
up to 1.5 m tall. Leaf-sheath long-auricled, ciliate along outer margin, densely soft hairy on
node; ligule a brownish truncate membrane, 1-7 mm long; leaf-blade linear, 10-40 cm x 1-4
cm, apex acute, rarely hairy with long slender hairs. Inflorescence terminal, well exerted,
composed of 2 racemes that are firmly appressed together and interlocked when young,
separating when mature, each 3-12 cm long; spikelets binate, dissimilar, one sessile at the
abaxial side of the rachis, one stalked at the adaxial side, provided with a short blunt hairy
callus; sessile spikelet 5-6 mm long, 2-flowered, lower floret male or neuter, upper one
bisexual; lower glume strongly transversely 5-7-ribbed, and winged above; upper lemma
deeply 2-cleft and with 1-2 cm long awn which is twisted basally; pedicelled spikelet more or
less reduced, pedicel up to 2 mm long, hairy, confluent with the callus. Caryopsis ovoid, 2
mm long, brown. It is a very variable species. Two varieties have been distinguished: var.
rugosum, with developed pedicelled spikelets, and var. segetum Hackel, with much reduced
pedicelled spikelets; they are not separated geographically (Baki and Manidool 1992).
Habitat I. rugosum is an opportunistic and effective colonizer of open, disturbed or newly cleared
areas. Although a sun-loving plant it can persist in sites receiving only 30-35% of full
sunlight. It occurs at altitudes of up to 2400 m in the Philippines. I. rugosum is particularly
well adapted to wet sites, and is often found in rice fields or low lying areas that are
periodically flooded (Baki and Manidool 1992).
Uses I. rugosum is used as forage. It is a serious weed in many crops, particularly in rice fields
(Pancho1991). It also provides suitable material for compost and mulch. In times of scarcity
the grain is eaten by people.
Distribution Tropical Asia, tropical America and W. Africa (introduced), Pasific Islands. Throughout
Indonesia, except Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Papua, as far as known.
278
Ischaemum timorense Kunth

Poaceae

Indonesian names Jukut jampang manggung (Sundanese), rumput apet (Sumbawa).
English names Centipede grass, lucuntu grass.
Description A spreading stoloniferous perennial or annual, creeping and rooting in lower part, erect,
slanting or scrambling in upper part with culms up to 1 m high. Leaf-sheath 3-6 cm long,
white-hairy on the nodes and often with long hairs at the mouth, the outer margin and the
back; ligule a short fringed membrane, sometimes long ciliate; leaf-blade lanceolate to linear-
lanceolate, 2-16 cm x 3-15 mm, base obtuse or petiole-like, apex acute, adpressed long-hairy,
or glabrous above. Inflorescence terminal, composed of 2(-3) closely opposed racemes, each
2-15 cm long; spikelets in pairs, one sessile, one pedicelled; alternately on one side of the
triangular rachis; spikelets similar, 2-flowered, green or tinged with purple, lower floret male,
upper floret bisexual; sessile spiklet 5-7 mm long, at the base swollen and stipe-like and
white-hairy, lower glume with two acute lobes at apex, upper glume with a short 2-3 mm long
awn, upper lemma 2-lobed with a 10-16 mm long awn in the middle. Caryopsis ellipsoid, 1-2
mm long (Ipor et al. 1992).
Habitat As I. timorense establishes readily from seed and spreads by rooted stolons, it is an
opportunistic colonizer of bare or disturbed areas. Hence it is common along roadsides,
terraces, ditches and forest margins, and it is a weed in agricultural crops. It is found most
frequently in areas with 800-2000 mm annual rainfall, but is not adapted to either dry or
waterlogged sites or to heavy soils. It grows under full or partial (30-50%) sunlight (Ipor et
al. 1992).
Uses I. timorense is a fodder species of minor importance in South-East Asia. It is useful for
protecting soil against erosion and in providing material for mulch, but can be a weed in
annual and perennial crops. Particularly in Indonesia it is a common weed in rainfed rice.
Distribution Malesia. Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan and Papua, as far as known.; cashew nuts
plantations in South.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean) and Central
Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).
279
Leersia hexandra Sw./ L. abyssinica A. Rich./ L. capensis C. Mueller

Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Swamp rice grass, swamp cut grass (southern Africa), lambedora grass (Venezuela).
Description A scrambling, stoloniferous perennial with leaf-blades 5-13 mm wide, and growing to 40-60
cm high. Leaves bright green, very rough and unpleasant to handle. Spikelets like rice, but
much smaller. They are scabrid and often strongly flushed with brick-red or orange, an
unusual colour in grass spikelets. Panicle branches are nearly always zig-zag, at least after the
spikelets have fallen (Chippendall & Crook, 1976).
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical and sometimes subtropical. Was still rare in Java in 1860, but now common and
has spread throughout Indonesia, except the Moluccas, as far as known.; Cihea Cianjur, West
Java.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap) and Central
280
Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees

Poaceae

Indonesian names Timunan (Javanese), bebontengan (Sundanese), jangkiri (Flores).
English names Red sprangletop.
Description An aquatic or semi-aquatic tufted annual or perennial, with stout to slender, erect or
geniculate culms up to 1.5 m tall, often rooting at the lower nodes. Leaf-sheath loose,
subglaucous, smooth, up to 10 cm long; ligule a fringed, hairy membrane, 1-2 mm long; leaf-
blade linear, up to 50 cm x 1 cm, long-attenuate, flat or folded, scabrid above. Inflorescence
10-60 cm long, composed of numerous slender racemes scattered along an elongate central
axis; racemes flexuous, 2-13 cm long, erect or laxly ascending; spikelets 3-7 flowered,
narrowly elliptical-oblong, 2-3 mm, subsessile, often purplish, disarticulating above the
glumes and between the florets; glumes unequal, scabrid on the back of the nerves; lemmas
hairy on the nerves, awnless. Caryopsis ellipsoid-oblongoid, 6-9 mm long, brown, smooth or
wrinkled. L. chinensis is an abundant seed producer.
Habitat L. chinensis grows from near sea level up to 1400 m altitude. It is adapted to moist, swampy
places in open habitats, especially if disturbed, on heavy or light soils. It flowers over most of
the year.
Uses L. chinensis is used as fodder. It is a troublesome weed in rice fields (Häfliger and Scholz
1981), but farmers collect and feed it to their animals. In East Africa the grain is used as
famine food.
Distribution S. and S.E. Asia northeast and southeast of Japan, and Australia. Throughout Indonesia.
281
Oryza rufipogon Griff./ O. fatua Koen. ex Trin./ O. fatua Koen ex

Trin var. longearistata Ridley./ O. sativa L. forma spontana Back
Poaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Perennial, tufted, and scrambling grass with nodal tillering; plant height variable (1-5 m)
depending on the depth of water; panicles open; spikelets usually 4.5-10.6 mm long and 1.6-
3.5 mm wide with awns usually 4-10 cm long; anthers >3 mm reaching 7.4 mm long.
Habitat Found in swamps and marshes, in open ditches, swampy grassland, ponds, along river banks,
at the edges of lakes, and in or at the margins of rice fields, commonly found in deep water
areas (0.2-4 m). Grows in clay/loam soil and black soil, in full sun.
Uses -
Distribution India, Burma, Thailand, and Tropical Africa and America. Throughout Indonesia, except the
Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi and the Moluccas, as far as known.; Tidal areas of South
Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).
282
Panicum brevifolium L.
Poaceae
Origin Continental Asia (probably).

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Annual. Culms rambling; 15–100 cm long; rooting from lower nodes. Leaf-sheaths outer
margin hairy. Ligule a ciliate membrane. Leaf-blade base amplexicaul. Leaf-blades ovate; 5–
10 cm long; 10–25(–38) mm wide; membranous. Leaf-blade venation with distinct cross
veins. Leaf-blade surface glabrous, or pilose. Leaf-blade apex acute.
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution West and Central Java.; Pantropical, also subtropical, in the New World from the southern
USA to Argentina. Throughout Indonesia, so far not found in the Lesser Sunda Islands and
the Moluccas.; Morus alba plantations, South Sulawesi.; Young rubber plantation.
283
Panicum maximum Jacq.

Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Guinea grass.
Description A tufted perennial, often with a shortly creeping rhizome, variable 60-200 cm high, leaf-
blades up to 35 mm wide tapering to fine point; panicle 12- 40 cm long, open spikelets 3-3.5
mm long, obtuse, mostly purple red, glumes unequal, the lower one being one-third to one-
fourth as long as the spikelet, lower floret usually male (Chippendall, 1955). Upper floret
(seed) distinctly transversely wrinkled.
Uses -
Distribution In Java often cultivated for cut-fodder, especially below 1000 m alt.; Balitan Maros.
284
Panicum paludosum Roxb./ P. proliferum (non Lamk.) Ridley/ P.

proliferum Lamk. var. paludosum Stapf.
Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Aquatic or semi-aquatic perennials. Culms 30-80 cm long, spongy below, erect or geniculate
and rooting at the lower nodes; nodes glabrous. Leaves 5-21 x 0.5-1 cm, linear-lanceolate,
base subcordate, margins scaberulous, apex acute; sheaths to 8 cm long; ligules a ring of
white hairs. Panicles 7-18 cm long, spreading, effuse; branches to 8 cm long, opposite or
alternate. Spikelets 3-4.5 mm long, elliptic-lanceolate, acuminate. Lower glume c. 1 mm long,
orbicular. Upper glume c. 3 x 1 mm, ovate, acute. Lower floret usually barren. Upper floret
bisexual. First lemma c. 3 x 1 mm, elliptic-lanceolate, acuminate. Palea c. 2 mm long, oblong
or absent. Second lemma c. 2.5 x 1 mm , elliptic, acute, subcoriaceous. Palea c. 2 x 1 mm,
elliptic, subcoriaceous, auricled at base. Stamens 3; anthers orange. Ovary ovate; stigma pink.
Grains c. 1 mm long, oblong.
Habitat Paddy fields, marshes and still waters.
Uses -
Distribution Western Malesia, India, Srilanka. Throughout Indonesia, except the Lesser Sunda Islands and
the Moluccas, as far as known.
285
Panicum repens L.
Poaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description P. repens is a perennial grass that frequently forms dense colonies and has long, creeping
rhizomes. Flowering stems are erect and up to 0.8m tall. The lower stems sometimes lack leaf
blades and consist of only sheaths. Leaves of the upper stem have sheaths and blades. The
blades are relatively short, flat or sometimes folded and from 2 to 5mm wide. The
inflorescence is a loose, open panicle that is 3 to 10cm long that has weakly divergent to
ascending branches. Spikelets are about 2.5mm long (ERDC, UNDATED).
Habitat Coastland, lakes, riparian zones, water courses.
Uses Hossain et al. (2001b) state that, "P. repens is also recognized as a pasture grass, and it could
be harvested five to seven times a year in tropical and subtropical areas. A higher amount of
rhizomes and roots makes a loose mat-like structure in soil up to 50cm in depth, and indicates
that this species could be used for soil erosion control."
Distribution Pantropical and subtropical. Introduced in Java in the 1850. Throughout Indonesia, except the
Moluccas.; Young rubber plantations (3 years) in South Sumatra.; Dusun Lebo, desa
Madiredo, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.; Dry land sugarcane plantations Pelaihari,
South Kalimantan.; Bogor Botanic Garden.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin,
Belandean, Belawang, Handil Manarap).; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara,
Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kp. Muara, Kab. Bogor,; Weed of cotton
plantations Kalitirto (Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).; Weed of potato plantations Koto Baru
Kabupaten Tanah Datar, South Sumatra.; Weed of cabbage plantations at experimental
garden SPLPP UNPAD, Bandung.; Undergrowth plant Purwodadi Botanic Garden,
Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.
References/Notes 3, 6n, 11, 13, 22, 23, 30, 31, 34, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 72, 104.
286
Paspalum cartilagineum J.S. Presl ex C.B. Presl/ P. scrobiculatum

(non L.) Back., p.p.
Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Srilanka, India. Throughout Indonesia.
References/Notes 3.
287
Paspalum commersonii Lamk./ P. scrobiculatum L. var commersoni

(Lamk) Stapf./ P. scrobiculatum L. p.p. sensu Backer, Gililand
Poaceae
Origin Africa.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Perennials; culm tufted, 15-20 cm tall. Blade acuminate, 5-10 cm long, 3-5 mm wide, both
surfaces pilose-tomentose; sheath hirsute, compressed, shorter than internode; ligule
membranaceous, truncate, ca. 2 mm long. Racemes 2 or more, 2-3 cm long; rachis flattened
and winged, 1.5 mm wide. Spikelets in 2-rows, ca. 2 mm long, pubescent-villous; lower
glume absent; upper glume membranaceous, 3-5- veined; lower lemma as long as spikelet;
lower palea oblong, obtuse, base contracted; upper lemma cartilaginous, obtuse, margins
narrowly incurved, indurate; anther ca. 0.8 mm long.
Habitat Tropics and subtropics of the Old World. Taiwan, at plains in moist place.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Sulfat acid soil of Banjar Baru.; Experimental garden
Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.; Cihea Cianjur, West Java.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Belandean) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).
288
Paspalum conjugatum Berg.

Poaceae

Indonesian names Jampang pahit (Sundanese), paitan (Javanese), klamaran (Madura).
English names Buffalo grass, carabao grass, sour paspalum.
Description A vigorous, creeping perennial with long stolons, rooting at nodes, with culms ascending to
erect, 40-80(-100) cm tall, branching, solid, slightly compressed. Leaf-sheath strongly
compressed, usually 30-50 mm long, ciliate on the margins; ligule collar-shaped, about 1 mm
long; leaf-blade linear or lanceolate-acuminate, 8-20 cm x 5-12 mm, glabrous to sparsely
pubescent. Inflorescence well exerted with two or occasionally three diverging racemes, 7-16
cm long; spikelets solitary, imbricate, flattened ovate, up to 2 mm long, with long hairs on the
margins; lower glume absent, upper glume with a fringe of long hairs (1 mm) along its
margin. Caryopsis broadly ovoid, plano-convex, about 1 mm long, dark brown.
Habitat P. conjugatum grows from near sea-level up to 1700 m altitude in open to moderately shaded
places. It is adapted to humid climates. It is found growing gregariously under plantation
crops and also along stream banks, roadsides and in disturbed areas.
Uses P. conjugatum is used as a forage for grazing or in cut-and-carry systems, and is rated as a
very important natural pasture grass in coconut plantations. It is occasionally used as a lawn
grass and is also regarded as an important weed in rice and plantation crops. The Iban of
Borneo use leaf decoctions in the treatment of wounds and sores, and in the Sepik area of
Papua New Guinea crushed spikelets are used for the same purpose (Manidool 1992).
Distribution Naturalized in Java and Madura.; Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Coffee and cacao
plantations in South Sulawesi.; Research Centre Plantations in Bogor.; Sulfat acid soil of
Banjar Baru.; Experimental garden of Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan.; Cihea Cianjur, West
Java.; Oil palm plantations in Medan.; Sugarcane plantations Camming, South Sulawesi.;
Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Belandean, Sakalagun, Handil Manarap) and
Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas, Pangkuh).; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara,
Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Weed of potato plantations Koto Baru
Kabupaten Tanah Datar, South Sumatra.; Weed of rubber plantations Cimulang, Bogor
References/Notes 1, 3, 6o, 11, 15, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25, 31, 34, 42, 46, 47, 207.
289
Paspalum distichum L./ P. paspaloides (Michx.) Scribn.

Poaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names Salt-water couch (eastern Australia), sea-shore paspalum (United States, Western Australia).
Description A perennial with long creeping rhizomes and stolons; culms erect, from 15 60 cm. Leaves
stiff, narrow, about 15 cm long; racemes usually two; spikelets elliptical, 3.5-4 mm long. It
differs from P. paspaloides in that the upper glume is glabrous with the mid-nerve sometimes
suppressed; the leaf-blades are usually narrower, up to 4 mm wide, often less, folded and with
inrolled margins; racemes up to 4 cm long, often less, usually spreading horizontally or
deflexed; lower glume absent (Chippendall, 1955).
Habitat Altitude range just above sea-level.
Uses -
Distribution Tropical and subtropical. Recently recorded from Java and Sumatra.; Cihea Cianjur, West
Java.; Dusun Lebo, desa Madiredo, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.
290
Paspalum longifolium Roxb./ P. platycoleum Ridley/ P. scrobiculatum

p.p. (non L.) Backer
Poaceae
flickr.com
Origin India.
Indonesian names -
English names Long Leafed Paspalum.
Description Marsh grass. Culms erect, to 120 cm high. Leaves 20-30 cm long, 0.5-0.6 cm wide, linear-
lanceolate. Inflorescence racemose spikes, 5-9, arranged alternately on the peduncle; racemes
4-7 cm long. Spikelets 0.05-0.1 cm, sub-orbicular, arranged in 4 rows on the broad flat rachis.
Lower glume 0; upper ovate-orbicular, as large as spikelets. Lemma dissimilar. Lower floret
empty; upper bisexual. Stamens 3. Styles 2.
Habitat It can be seen on mountain slopes, field margins, in moist and swampy places, but not very
common.
Uses -
Distribution India, Burma, Thailand, Malesia, Australia. Throughout Indonesia.
291
Paspalum vaginatum Sw./ P. distichum (non L.) Ridley

Poaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names Biscuit grass, jointgrass (English-USA), knot grass, knottweed, salt grass, saltwater couch
(English), saltwater paspalum, seashore crowngrass (English-USA), seashore grass, seashore
paspalum, silt grass, swamp couch, water couch.
Description Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) is a perennial stoloniferous grass. It's stolons range
from slender and wiry to stout and somewhat fleshy. Its culms are slightly compressed,
between 2.5 and 5 (-10) dm long. The sheaths of P. vaginatum are often keeled, and have
small auricles. Wagner et al. (1999; in PIER, 2007) describes the grass as follows:
"Sheaths often keeled, with small auricles; ligule membranous, ca. 0.5 mm long, with a ring
of soft white hairs behind it, the hairs sometimes up to 5 mm long; blades usually stiff,
ascending at an uniform angle, 2.5-15cm long, 3-8 mm wide at base, narrower than summit of
sheath, apex attenuate, involute, base abruptly contracted. Racemes 2 (-5), opposite or closely
approximate, at first erect and appressed together, usually spreading or reflexed at maturity,
often subfalcate, 1.5-7.5cm long, rachis naked at base, 1-2 (-2.5) mm wide, triangular,
flexuous, margins minutely scabrous; spikelets pale, solitary, imbricate, oblong, 3-4.5 mm
long, 1.2-1.5 mm wide; first glume rarely developed, second glume and first lemma equal,
thin, 3-7-nerved, the midnerve of both usually obscure, glabrous; first lemma usually
transversely undulate, sometimes conspicuously so; second lemma convex, usually 3-5-
nerved, apex with a few short, stiff cilia, otherwise glabrous; palea flat, 0-2-nerved, similar to
lemma. Caryopsis narrowly obovate, slightly concavo-convex, 2.5-3 mm long, subacute.
Habitat Coastland, estuarine habitats, wetlands.
Uses Haynes et al. undated state that seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) makes a high-
quality turfgrass because of its minimal fertility and pesticide requirements. Furthermore, its
tolerance of a wide range of conditions such as drought, saline or recycled water, varying soil
pH, extended periods of low light intensity, flooding or extended wet periods as well as its
resistance to insects, disease and wear mean it can be planted and grow where other species
would not survive. It is frequently used in landscaping and as a turf grass in golf courses.
P. vaginatum has historically been used for erosion control, as forage food for cattle and
horses, by wild geese for feed. It is also used for wetland restoration and site reclamation on
oil and gas well sites (Gates, 2003). Loch et al. 2003 suggest that P. vaginatum is suitable for
use as a part of the management of salt-affected lands in Australia. Again, its saline-tolerant
and overall survivability traits make it stand out from other turfgrassses.
Distribution Pantropical and subtropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Muara Village, Kab. Bogor.
292
Pennisetum polystachyon (L.) Schult./ P. triticoides (Poir.) R. & S./ P.

setosum (Sw.) L. Rich/ P. polystachyon L./ Panicum longisetum Poir.
Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Mission grass.
Description An annual or perennial; culms simple or branched, the branches often flowering. Spikelets 3-
5 mm; false spike 8-10 mm, rarely 6-15 mm wide, excluding the bristles; longest bristle 15-25
mm long, the others more than twice as long as the spikelet. When mature, the spikelets break
off at the central axis together with the bristles (Chippendall & Crook, 1976). It produces few
tillers per plant (Mishra & Chatterjee, 1968).
Habitat Pennisetum polystachion thrives on difficult conditions and is adaptable. It prefers high
rainfall but tolerates short drought periods; it is adapted to a wide range of soils from light
sandy to waterlogged clay soil. Pennisetum polystachion can grow under 80% shade and on
poor fertility soils.
Uses Mission grass is a valuable fodder either grazed or cut to be used as hay by cattle. Its nutritive
value and palatability is high before seedling and drops dramatically after it; it is thus
recommended to prevent flowering by 6-week cutting intervals.
Distribution Tropics of Africa and Asia. Throughout Indonesia.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu
Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.
References/Notes 3, 6p, 34, 207, 277.
293
Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.

Poaceae

Indonesian names Rumput gajah.
English names Elephant or elefante grass, Napier grass, gigante (Costa Rica).
Description A robust perennial with a vigorous root system, sometimes stoloniferous with a creeping
rhizome. Culms usually 180-360 cm high, branched upwards. Leaf-sheaths glabrous or with
tubercle-based hairs; leaf-blades 20-40 mm wide, margins thickened and shiny. Inflorescence
a bristly false spike up to 30 cm long, dense, usually yellow-brown in colour, more rarely
purplish (Chippendall, 1955).
Habitat Sea-level to 2000 m.
Uses -
Distribution In Java plant for cut-fodder and highly estimated.; sometimes running wild.
294
Poa annua L.
Poaceae
Origin Europe.
Indonesian names Rumput air.
English names Annual bluegrass.
Description Annual bluegrass is a tufted grass that grows in dense clumps and has a low, spreading
growth form. Erect or bending stems grow up to 30cm in length. Leaves are light green to
yellowish green in colour, and are paler and softer than most grass species. Leaf blades are
flat and hairless, measuring 1-14cm by 1-5mm and have characteristic canoe-shaped tips.
Flowerheads are triangular and whitish green in colour. Spikelets are solitary, oblong, flat, 3-
10mm long, with 2-10 florets and unequal glumes. Lemmas are rounded to pointed, 2.5-4mm
long, smooth, keeled and hairy at base. Margins of glumes and lemmas are purplish on some
plants. Ligules are prominent, rounded and membranous, 0.5-5mm long (GOERP, 2009;
Massey University, 2008). Root system is shallow, horizontal and penetrates two to three
centimetres below the ground (Frenot et al., 1998).
Habitat Coastland, range/grasslands, riparian zones, ruderal/disturbed, water courses.
Uses This plant has medium palatability as cattle fodder (USDA, 2002).
Distribution Naturalized in Java.; Dusun Lebo, desa Madiredo, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.;
Pathway of Bogor Botanical Garden.
295
Polytrias amaura (Buese) O.K./ P. praemorsa (Nees) Hack./

Andropogon amaurus Buese/ Eulalia amaura (Buese) Ohwi/ E.
praemorsa (Nees) Stapf ex Ridl.
Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names Java grass.
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution India, Burma, Malesia, China. Throughout Indonesia, except the Moluccas, as far as known.
296
R. cochinchinensis (Lour.) W.D. Clayton/ Rottboellia exaltata L.f.

Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names Doekoet kikisian.
English names Corn grass, fowl grass, itch grass, jointed grass, Kelly grass, kokoma grass, lisofya, prickle
grass, Raoul grass, rice grass.
Description The erect, profusely tillering annual grass R. cochinchinensis is characterised by pale, green-
coloured foliage, brace roots near the base of the plant, a cylindrical spikelet seedhead and
siliceous hairs on the leaf sheath that can penetrate and irritate the skin." (Strahan et al. 2000a;
2000b). R. cochinchinensis grows up to a height of 4m or more. The inflorescence is a
cylindrical raceme that is 3 - 15cm long. The floral units consist of a sessile spikelet,
pedicellate spikelet and internode. The pedicel is fused to the swollen floral internode. The
spikelets are awnless, 3.5 - 6mm long, and 2.5 - 3mm wide. The floral units separate and fall
as soon as they mature, from the top of the raceme downwards (NAPPO, 2003).
Habitat Agricultural areas, range/grasslands, ruderal/disturbed.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan, as far as known.; Coconut hibrids
plantations in South Sulawesi.
References/Notes 3, 6q, 11, 104.
297
Rhynchelythrum repens (Willd.) C.E. Hubb./ Tricholaena rosea (non

Nees) Back
Poaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Glenwood grass.
Description -
Habitat Agricultural areas, range/grasslands, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands, wetlands.
Uses -
Distribution Red-hairy from cultivated in Java as an ornamental in gardens, possibly also cultivated for
fodder, running wild in many places; give impression of becoming naturalized.
298
Sacciolepsis indica (L.) Chase/ S. angusta (non Stapf.) Ridl./

Hymenachne indica (L.) Buese
Poaceae
Origin India.
Indonesian names -
English names Glenwood grass.
Description Annual. Culms geniculately ascending, or decumbent; slender; 10–100 cm long; with aerial
roots from the nodes. Leaf-sheath auricles absent, or erect; 0–2 mm long. Ligule a ciliolate
membrane. Leaf-blades 2–20 cm long; 1–7 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface ungrooved;
scaberulous.
Habitat Agricultural areas, range/grasslands, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands, wetlands.
Uses -
Distribution Asia, Australia, Polynesia and Africa. Throughout Indonesia, except the Moluccas, as far as
known.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Handil Manarap, Sungai Tabuk) and Central
299
Sacciolepsis interrupta (Willd.) Stapf./ Hymenachne interrupta

(Willd.) Buese/ Panicum interruptum Wild.
Poaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Annuals. Culms 25-90 cm long, erect, creeping or geniculate, spongy and floating, rooting at
the nodes below; nodes glabrous. Leaves 5-30 x 0.3-1.2 cm, lanceolate or linear, base
rounded, apex acute or acuminate; sheaths to 16 cm long; ligules ovate, membranous.
Panicles 4-25 cm long, spiciform, interrupted. Spikelets 3-5 mm long, ovate-lanceolate.
Lower glume 1-1.5 x 1 mm, ovate-oblong. Upper glume 3-5 x 1-2 mm, ovate-lanceolate.
Lower floret male or barren. Upper floret bisexual. First lemma similar to the upper glume.
Palea 2-3 mm olong, oblong, hyaline. Second lemma 2-3 x 1-1.5 mm, ovate-oblong,
subcoriaceous. Palea 2-3 mm long, elliptic, 2-keeled, hyaline. Stamens 3; anthers violet.
Stigmas pink. Grains c. 2 mm long, ovoid.
Habitat Wetlands.
Uses -
Distribution From W. Africa to S. China. Throughout Indonesia.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Handil
Manarap).
300
Setaria pallide-fusca (Schum.) Stapf & Hubb.

Poaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names -
English names Garden bristle grass, hairy-tail grass, yellow bristlegrass, foxtail, Queensland pigeon grass
(Australia), cat's tail grass (Fiji).
Description A loosely tufted annual grass that grows to a height of 300-900 mm tall. The leaf blades are
45-170 mm long, 5-9 mm wide. The ligule is a fringed membrane or a fringe of hairs. The
culm nodes are glabrous. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle, normally ten times longer
than wide. Spikelet axes are subtended by 6-10 bristles that end beyond the spikelet and are
often bright yellow in colour, but sometimes dark purple-brown. The spikelets are in pairs,
not in distinct long-and-short combinations, 2.0-2.8 mm long. Spikelet-bearing axes
persistent. Spikelets with involucre of bristles. The female-fertile spikelets are dorsiventrally
compressed, falling with the glumes. Lemmas are firmer than the glumes, firmer than the
glumes, rugose, hairless, have the margins tucked into the palea, are 1-5 nerved and are
awnless and apiculate. There are two relatively large, membranous, awnless glumes, the
lower one of which is 3-nerved. The lower lemma is very finely rugose.
Habitat Occurs in tropical areas, usually where the annual rainfall exceeds 500 mm per annum. Grows
in disturbed places, including gardens, cultivated areas, old lands and along the side of roads,
especially where additional water collects in the rainy season.
Uses A relatively good natural grazing species, although leaf production is moderately low (Van
Wyk & Van Oudtshoorn 1999). It is a serious weed in some areas, especially since it only
germinates late in the season once most control measures have already been applied. The
grass can be made into a good hay. In Lesotho sheaves of grain are tied together using rope
made from culms of S. pumila that are twisted together. In some areas this grass plays an
important role in stabilising bare soil to protect it from erosion.
Distribution Tropics of Africa, Asia to Polynesia and Australia. Throughout Indonesia.
301
Setaria plicata (Lamk) T. Cooke

Poaceae

Indonesian names Jamarak.
English names -
Description Perennial; caespitose. Culms erect, or decumbent; robust; 45–130 cm long; 3–6 mm diam.
Culm-nodes pubescent. Leaf-sheaths keeled; papillose; pilose; with tubercle-based hairs;
outer margin hairy. Leaf-sheath oral hairs ciliate. Ligule a fringe of hairs; 3 mm long. Leaf-
blade base tapering to the midrib. Leaf-blades lanceolate (narrowly); tapering towards sheath;
plicate; 10–40 cm long; 1–3 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface papillose; rough on both sides;
glabrous, or pilose, or hispid; hairy on both sides. Leaf-blade apex attenuate.
Habitat Moist grasslands.
Uses -
Distribution Since more than three-quarters of a century naturalized in Java.; Young rubber plantations in
South Sumatra.; Oil palm plantations in Medan, North Sumatra.; Weed of tea plantations
Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.
302
Polygala paniculata L./ P. variabilis Hassk.

Polygalaceae
Origin Brazil.
Indonesian names Jukut rindik, sasapuan, katumpang lemah (Sundanese).
English names Island snake-root.
Description An annual, erect, much-branched, glandulous herb that can grow up to 50 cm tall. The leaves
are lance-shaped to linear-lance-shaped, measure 5-20 mm x 1-4 mm and acute at apex. The
lower leaves are in pseudo-whorls. The recame is axillary or terminal and 5-12 cm long. The
bracts and bracteoles are early cauducous. The flowers are 1,5-2 mm long, with lance-shaped
sepals, obtuse and with weakly 3-veined wings. The upper petals are lance-shaped, whitish,
often purple tinged, with non-eared keel and 2 bundles of 6 appendages approximately. The
filaments are joined except for the uppermost part. The ovary is orbicular, with straight style,
subapically curved and widened in an asymmetrical and wide cup. The upper side is with a
hair tuft while the inner side is with a stigmatic lobe. The capsule is alittle longer than the
wings. It is elliptical, 2 mm long, notched and not winged. The seed is oblong, where its
micropilar side is with a deeply 2-fid aril, black and hairy.
Habitat Natural forests, ruderal/disturbed.
Uses This species is used as a medicinal plant against snake bites and blenorrhagias (which is the
reason why this is the species of Polygala with the largest distribution).
Distribution Introduced in Java in 1845, at present very abundant in West Java, less common in Central
and East Java.; Pantropical. Has now spread throughout Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Papua.;
Java.
303
Rumex alpinus L.
Polygonaceae
Origin Europe.
Indonesian names -
English names Alpine dock.
Description Rumex alpinus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from Jul
to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are
pollinated by Wind.
Habitat Along the banks of streams and by the sides of roads, it is also found near human habitations,
in hilly areas.
Uses Mmedicinal use (Astringent; Laxative).
Distribution Run wild on Mt Gede (West Java).
304
Rumex crispus L.
Polygonaceae
Origin All temperate regions.

Indonesian names -
English names Curly dock, yellow dock.
Description Rumex crispus is a perennial herb with erect flowering stems 30-160 cm in length. Basal
leaves up to 40 cm x 11 cm, lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate in shape, subacute, tapering from
middle to an obtuse point. Upper cauline leaves are less crisped than basal leaves, with
petioles up to 6 cm in length. Leaf margins of cauline leaves vary from nearly flat (such as in
var. uliginosus) to strongly crisped. It has a fleshy taproot which is smaller and less branched
than that of R. obtusifolius. The inflorescence is a panicle with few, short, erect branches.
Flowers are crowded in whorls which are usually distinct except towards the ends of
branches. Perianth (petals and sepals) segments are orbicular-deltoid in shape are green
coloured at flowering but become brown. The inflorescence is a panicle with few, short, erect
branches. Flowers are crowded in whorls which are usually distinct except towards the ends
of the branches. One to three of perianth segments have tubercles (corky protuberance),
usually one large and two minute. However in seashore varieties of R. crispus all three
tubercles are usually equally developed (var. jittoerus and var. trigranulatus). The achene
(fruit) is 3.5-6 x 3-6 mm and is enclosed within inner perianth segments. Margin of achene is
entire or minutely denticulate. One thousand seed weight varies from 1 to 3 g. Seeds or
maritime plants are usually heavier than those of inland forms (Cavers & Harper, 1964).
Habitat Agricultural areas, range/grasslands, riparian zones, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands,
urban areas.
Uses Rumex crispus has been used for medicinal purposes as a laxative, astringent, rheumatic tonic
and to treat blood diseases, skin disease and jaundice. It can also be used for sore throats and
coughs (Grieve, 1959 in Cavers & Harper, 1964).
Distribution In Java locally established.
305
Rumex sagittatus Thunb.

Polygonaceae
Origin S. Africa.
Indonesian names -
English names Rambling dock, turkey rhubarb.
Description Perennial climber with stems to 3 m or more long. Leaves with blade to 7 (rarely to 10) cm
long, with spreading basal lobes; leaf stalk at least as long as leaf blade. Capsule wings straw
coloured to purplish. Nuts 3-sided about 3 mm long and about 1.7 mm wide.
Habitat Bush and shrubland margins, tussockland, fernland, bare land and dune areas.
Uses -
Distribution In East Java cultivated as a vegetable, locally running wild.
306
Rumex acetosella L.
Polygonaceae
Origin The temperate regions of the N. hemisphere.

Indonesian names Rumex.
English names Common sheep sorrel, dock, field sorrel, red sorrel, sheep sorrel, small sorrel, sorrel.
Description Rumex acetosella is a dioecous spreading perennial herb with creeping rhizomes (Alaska
Natural Heritage Program, 2006). Its stems are numerous, erect and branchy, growing 10-
50cm in height (Archer & Martin, 1979). Lower leaves with petioles, lanceolate, 1-5cm in
length, 1.5-2mm in width with a lanceolate or ovoid-lanceolate top part and two smaller
blades. Upper leaves are prostrate, lanceolate or lanceolate-linear (Agroatlas, 2009). A
membranous sheath surrounds the stem at each node. Flowers are arranged in branched loose,
leafless, terminal panicles (infloresences) 3-40cm long. Male and female flowers are borne of
separate plants. Male flowers are orange-yellow; female flowers are red-orange. Female
flowers have a single basal ovule; male flowers have six anthers (Pickering et al. 2003).
Flowers consist of three scale-like sepals and three petals (Alaska Natural Heritage Program,
2006). Sepals of male flowers are reddish yellow, red or purplish or rarely pale green; sepals
of female flowers are pure red to dark red or purplish (Agroatlas, 2009). Fruits (achenes/nuts),
often called are small (0.9-1.5 x 0.6-1mm), pale yellow-brown to slightly reddish brown,
smooth, shiny (Agroatlas, 2009) and enclosed in three persistent flower scales (Alaska
Natural Heritage Program, 2006).
Habitat Agricultural areas, natural forests, planted forests, ruderal/disturbed.
Uses In its native range Rumex acetosella provides food for larvae of butterfly species that may be
in decline, including the meadow brown butterfly (Maniola jurtina) and the scarce copper
(Lycaena virgaureae) (Schneider et al., 2003). While sheep sorrel contains oxalic acid which
is poisonous to some livestock and wildlife species (Cal-IPC in Alaska Natural Heritage
Program, 2006), it is grazed by mule deer. The seeds are rich food source for birds (Wilson et
al. ,1999 in Alaska Natural Heritage Program, 2006). It has also been used for revegetation in
mining regions. (Alaska Natural Heritage Program, 2006) and is eaten as a food in Turkey. A
recent study demonstrated that it has antioxidant properties (Alpinar et al., 2009).
Distribution Naturalized near Lalijiwo on Arjuno (East Java).
307
Polygonum barbatum L.
Polygonaceae

Indonesian names Jukut carang.
English names Jointweed, knotgrass, smart-weed.
Description Terrestrial or aquatic, perennial, erect herb, up to 200 cm long, if growing in the water,
rooting in the substrate, on the nodes. Roots fibrous, white or brown. Stems erect or
procumbent, round, hollow, thickened at nodes, glabrous or hair. Stipules present, sheath-like,
hairy.Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, alternate spiral, stalked, more than 2 cm long/wide,
hairy on both sides, margin entire, apex acute, base acute or rounded, pinnately veined.
Flowers bisexual, grouped together into a terminal spike, stalked, white or pink, petals not
visible.Fruit a nut.
Habitat In shallow fresh or brackish water; pools, marshy sites, along drains; often abundant and often
gregarious. Up to 800 m alt. Lowland-irrigated, and tidal rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution Africa, Asia to Australia. Throughout Indonesia.; Morus alba plantations in South Sulawesi.
308
Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms/ E. speciosa Kunth/ Pontederia

crassipes
Pontederiaceae
Origin Tropical S. America (Brazil).

Indonesian names Eceng gondok, enceng gondok.
English names Water Hyacinth.
Description Its habitat ranges from tropical desert to subtropical or warm temperate desert to rainforest
zones. It tolerates annual precipitations of 8.2 dm to 27.0 dm (mean of 8 cases = 15.8 dm),
annual temperatures from 21.1°C to 27.2°C (mean of 5 cases = 24.9°C), and its pH tolerance
is estimated at 5.0 to 7.5. It does not tolerate water temperatures >34°C. Leaves are killed by
frost and salt water, the latter trait being used to kill some of it by floating rafts of the cut
weed to the sea. Water hyacinths do not grow when the average salinity is greater than 15%
that of sea water. In brackish water, its leaves show epinasty and chlorosis, and eventually
die.
Habitat Its habitat ranges from tropical desert to subtropical or warm temperate desert to rainforest
zones. It tolerates annual precipitations of 8.2 dm to 27.0 dm (mean of 8 cases = 15.8 dm),
annual temperatures from 21.1°C to 27.2°C (mean of 5 cases = 24.9°C), and its pH tolerance
is estimated at 5.0 to 7.5. It does not tolerate water temperatures >34°C.
Uses Bioenergy, phytoemediation, edibility, medicinal use.
Distribution In 1894 introduced into Java; naturalized throughout the island.; Pantropical, also in the
subtropics. Has spread out to Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua.; Wet land of Flores-NTT.;
Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Barambai, Belandean, Belawang, Sakalagun,
Handil Manarap) and Ir. P.M. Noor Reservoir.; Maninjau, Kerinci and Singkarak Lake (West
Sumatra).; Wasur National Park, Sentani and Ayamaru Lake (Papua).; Rawa Pening; South
Kedu (Central Java).; Bogor Botanical Garden and Curug Lake (West Java).; West Java
(Rawa Danau Lake, Saguling Reservoir); East Java (Wlingi Raya Reservoir, Bureng
Reservoir, Surabaya River).; It was first introduced into SE. Asia in 1894 in the Bogor
Botanical Garden in Java, from where it spread over the Indonesian archipelago. It was
introduced into Singapore from Hongkong in 1903 by the Chinese. The plant arrived in the
Philippines in 1912. From Bangkok, where it was introduced from Java, water hyacinth
spread over the Chao Phraya delta and along the Mekong river and adjacent regions in
Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, where it was already causing concern in 1908. It was first
reported from Papua New Guinea in 1962.
References/Notes 1, 3, 9, 27, 31, 51, 52, 54, 55, 56, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 80, 88, 221, 270.
309
Monochoria hastata (L.) Solms/ Pontederia hastata (l.) Solms-Laub./

M. hastaefolia K.B. Persl.
Pontederiaceae
Origin E. Asia/ Tropical S. & SE. Asia.

Indonesian names Wewean.
English names Arrow Leaf Pondweed, arrow-leaf monochoria, hastate-leaf pondweed.
Description Arrow-leaf Pondweed is an emergent aquatic herb with stems approximately 0.7-1.2 m long.
The basal leaves are arrow-shaped. The inflorescence of 25- 60 flowers is in a dense spike 6-9
cm long. The flowers are 13-16 mm long, purple or whitish. One anther is coloured blue, c. 6
mm long, the other 5 anthers are yellow and c. 4 mm long. The seed capsule is 7 mm long,
and 5-6 mm diameter. This species occurs in India, Sri Lanka and SE Asia, extending to New
Guinea and Australia.
Habitat -
Uses Ornamental in water gardens. Plant is considered alterative, tonic and cooling. Juice of leaves
is applied to boils. Rhizomes are powdered with charcoal and used for scurf.
Distribution Tropical S. and S.E. Asia , Malesia, N. Australia. Throughout Indonesia, except the Lesser
Sunda Islands and the Moluccas.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil
Manarap, Kertak Hanyar, Sungai Tabuk).; Native in tropical S. & SE. Asia extending to N.
Australia.
310
Monochoria vaginalis (Burm.f.) Presl/ M. africana (Solms-Laub) N.

E. Brown/ M. brevipetiolata Verdc./ M. linearis Miq./ M. plantaginea
Kunth./ Pontederia vaginalis Burm.f./ P. pauciflora Blume
Pontederiaceae
Origin S. Asia.
Indonesian names Eceng padi.
English names Heartleaf false pickerelweed and oval-leafed pondweed.
Description An aquatic plant, it is invasive in rice paddies and other water bodies. This is an annual or
perennial herb growing in water from a smallrhizome. It is quite variable in morphology. The
shiny green leaves are up to about 12 centimeters long and 10 wide and are borne on rigid,
hollowpetioles. The inflorescence bears 3 to 25 flowers which open underwater and all
around the same time. Each has six purple-blue tepals just over a centimeter long. The fruit is
a capsule about a centimeter long which contains many tiny winged seeds.
Habitat An annual or pseudo-annual in flooded rice fields, but may grow as a perennial in constantly
flooded areas. Also found in ditches, ponds, and swamps.
Uses This is a widespread species which faces no major threats. It is considered as an invasive
plant in some countries and as a useful medicinal herb in Asia.
Distribution S.E. Asia to China and Japan, Malesia. Throughout Indonesia.; Wet land of Flores-NTT.;
Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap, Kertak Hanyar, Sungai
Tabuk).; Kp. Muara, Kab. Bogor.; Throughout SE. Asia, extending also to China, Japan, Fiji
Islands and N. Australia. It has become naturalized in Hawaii, California and in rice filed in
Russia and Italy. It is sometimes cultivated as a vegetable.
References/Notes 3, 27, 31, 39, 70, 88, 148, 196
311
Portulaca oleracea L./ P. sativa Haw./ P. oleracea L. ssp. oleracea/ P.

oleracea L. ssp. sativa
Portulacaceae
Origin India or N. Africa.

Indonesian names Krokot.
English names Verdolaga, Pigweed, Little Hogweed, or Pursley, and Moss rose.
Description Is an annual succulentin the family Portulacaceae, which may reach 40 cm in height. It has
smooth, reddish, mostly prostrate stems and alternate leaves clustered at stem joints and ends.
The yellow flowers have five regular parts and are up to 6 mm wide. Depending upon rainfall,
the flowers appear at anytime during the year. The flowers open singly at the center of the
leaf cluster for only a few hours on sunny mornings. Seeds are formed in a tiny pod, which
opens when the seeds are mature. Purslane has a taproot with fibrous secondary roots and is
able to tolerate poor, compacted soils and drought.
Habitat -
Uses Culinary usage, nutrition.
Distribution Pantropic & in subtropics. Throughout Indonesia.; Cotton plantations in South Sulawesi.;
Onion plantations in South Sumatra.; Kalianda, South Lampung.; Dusun Lebo, desa
Madiredo, kecamatan Pujon, kabupaten Malang.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan
(Banjarmasin).; Kalitirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.; Weed of cotton plantations Segayung
(Kabupaten Batang, Central Java), Gading (Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta) and
Kebun Kalitirto (Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta).; Weed of potato plantations Koto Baru
Kabupaten Tanah Datar, South Sumatra.; Dominance weed of garlic in Batu, East Java.; In
the vegetable fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.; It is a cosmopolitan
weed (wild and cultivated). Mexico and Australia are considered to be centres of diversity; in
SE. Asia.
References/Notes 3, 11, 13, 20, 22, 31, 38, 40, 42, 45, 69, 70, 88, 268.
312
Calandrinia grandiflora Lindl.

Portulacaceae
Origin Chile.
Indonesian names -
English names Rock purslane.
Description Rock Purslane (Calandrinia grandiflora), evergreen, succulent shrub, moderate growth to 12
inches in height with a 3 foot spread, mounding growth habit, purple flowers spring through
fall, fleshy gray-green leaves, full sun to part shade, drought tolerant, excellent container
plant. A succulent plant, native to Chile, that forms mounds to 1 foot tall by 3 feet wide of
fleshy obovate gray-green leaves to 4 to 6 inches long. In spring through fall, rising on
delicate 2-3 feet tall stems, emerge the 2 inch wide purple flowers that each last only one day.
Habitat Full sun; well drained, slightly acidic soil.
Uses Plant in a sunny location. Looks best in a mass planting ; excellent for rock garden planting.
Distribution In West Java in the 1921 as a weed in Botanic garden of Cibodas (± 1425 m alt.).
313
Rosa multiflora Thunb.

Rosaceae
Origin China & Japan.

Indonesian names -
English names Multiflora rose, baby rose, Japanese rose, many-flowered rose, seven-sisters rose.
Description It is a scrambling shrub climbing over other plants to a height of 3–5 m, with stout stems with
recurved thorns (sometimes absent). The leaves are 5–10 cm long, compound, with 5-9
leaflets and feathered stipules. The flowers are produced in large corymbs, each flower small,
1.5–4 cm diameter, white or pink, borne in early summer. The hips are reddish to purple, 6–8
mm diameter.
Habitat It tolerates a wide range of soil, moisture and light conditions and is able to invade fields,
forests, prairies, some wetlands and many other habitats.
Uses Rosa multiflora is grown as an ornamental plant, and also used as a rootstock for grafted
ornamental rose cultivars.
Distribution In Java at 1000-2500 m alt., often cultivated and sometimes seemingly growing wild
(originally cultivated!).
314
Borreria alata (Aubl.) DC./ B. latifolia (Aubl.) K. Sch./ B. scaberrima

Bold.
Rubiaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Winged False Buttonweed.
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Introduced long ago in Java, now run wild in West Java.; In Indonesia : Sumatra, Java, and
Kalimantan, as far as known.;Oil palm plantations in South Sulawesi.; Young rubber (3 years)
and oil palm (4 years) and onion plantations in South Sumatra.; Research Centre Plantations
Bogor.; Sugarcane plantations Takalar.; Experimental garden Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan;
Dry land sugarcane plantations Pelaihari, South Kalimantan.; Oil palm plantations in Medan,
North Sumatra.; Sugarcane plantations Camming Factory, South Sulawesi.; Grassland and
pathway of Bogor Botanical Garden.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Handil Manarap) and
Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan
Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Kp. Muara, Bogor, West Java.; Weed of cotton
plantations Segayung (Kabupaten Batang, Central Java).; Weed of chili plantations
Cibungbulang, Bogor.; Weed of rubber plantations Cimulang, Bogor.
References/Notes 1, 2, 6r, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 34, 40, 44, 46, 47, 120.
315
Borreria distans (H.B.K.) Cham. & Schlecht.

Rubiaceae

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution In Central Java near Jogjakarta, run wild abundantly.; Grassland and pathway of Bogor
Botanical Garden.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Belandean).
316
Borreria laevis (Lamk) Griseb.

Rubiaceae

Indonesian names Bulu lutung.
English names -
Description An erect, annual to perennial herb, which mainly branches from the base. The stems are or
ascending. It can grow up to 15-50 cm tall with long and thin taproot. The leaves are oblong-
lance-shaped, measure 2,6-6 cm x 0,8-2 cm, acuminate at apex, smooth and usually tinged
dark purple. The lateral veins are conspicuous below. The fascicles are axillary, dense and
slender bracts between the flowers are visible. The sepal is narrowly obconical, sparsely
hairy, 4-lobed and with narrow lobes 0,5-1 mm long while the petal is funnel-shaped, about 3
mm long, white, glabrous inside tube, with ovate lobes, often purplish-rimmed and aparsely
hairy inside. The capsule is obconical and 2-3 mm long.
Habitat Occurs in regions with a short or pronounced rainy seasons, on sunny or lightly shaded
localities, in grassland, along roadsides, in rice fileds, often on hard soils, often on hard soils,
often abundant, from sea level up to 1200(-2000) m altitude.
Uses -
Distribution Long ago introduced into Java, especially West Java.; Introduced in Java long ago; almost
pantropic. Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan as far as known.; Clove and cacao
plantations in South Sulawesi.; Oil palm (4 years) plantations in South Sumatra.; Shifting
cultivations of Timor, NTT.; Grassland and pathway of Bogor Botanical Garden.; Weed of
tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.
317
Borreria repens DC.

Rubiaceae

Indonesian names Pacific false buttonweed.
English names -
Description -
Habitat -
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia, except Sulawesi and the Moluccas, as far as known.; Oil
palm plantations in South Sulawesi.; Sulfat acid soils Banjar Baru.; Experimental garden
Banjar Baru, South Kalimantan; Grassland and pathway of Bogor Botanical Garden.; Tidal
areas of South Kalimantan (Handil Manarap).
318
Dentella repens (L.) J.R. & G. Forst./ Oldenlandia repens L.

Rubiaceae

Indonesian names Kremah, krokot putih, mata yuyu (Javanese).
English names Creeping lickstoop.
Description Terrestrial, annual or perennial, prostrate herb, up to 50 cm long, rooting at the nodes. Rooot
fibrous, white or brown. Stems quandrangular, solid, glabrous. Stipules present, sheath like,
truncate, glabrous. Leaves simple, not lobed or divided, opposite, sessile, elliptic orobovate,
less than 2 cm ling/wide, hairy on lower surface, margin entire, apex acute, base acute, one-
veined. Flowers solitary, sessile, petals, white or yellow. Fruits an indeshicent capsule.
Habitat In ever wet regions or in regions with a pronounced dry season, on light to very heavy soils,
fallow fields, in sugarcane fields, dry riverbeds, wastelands, especially on heavy soils ; locally
abundant. Rainfed and upland rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution Asia. Throughout Indonesia.
319
Diodia ocymifolia (Wiild ex R. & S.) Bremek./ Hemidiodia ocymifolia

(Willd. ex R. & S.) K. Schum
Rubiaceae
flickr.com
Indonesian names -
English names Slender buttonweed.
Description Slender Buttonweed, is a subshrub forb/herb of the genus Diodia. Its duration is perennial
which means it will grow year after year.
Habitat Subshrub Forb/herb.
Uses -
Distribution In West Java run wild.
320
Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lamk./ H. ramosa BI./ Oldenlandia

corymbosa L./ Oldenlandia ramosa Roxb.
Rubiaceae
Origin Unknown/ Africa & India.

Indonesian names Rumput siku-siku.
English names Diamond flower.
Description Terrestrial, annual, erect or prostrate herb, up to 50 cm long. Roots fibrous, white or brown.
Stems quadrangular, solid, glabrous, Stipules present, laciniate. Leaves simple, not lobed or
divided, entire, opposite, stalked, linear, lanceolate, or elliptic, usually more than 2 cm
long/wide, glabrous on both sides, margin entire, apex acute, base acute, one-veined,. Flowers
bisexual, solitary or grouped together into an axillary cyme, sessile or stalked, petals 4, white.
Fruits a capsule, opening with apical pores or slits.
Habitat In sunny, not too wet sites, especially on hard or stony soil on roadsides, base of walls,
gardens, premises, lawns, fallow fields; often abundant. Up to 1500 m alt. Rainfed, upland
and lowland rice fields.
Uses -
Distribution Asia. Throughout Indonesia.; Grassland and pathway of Bogor Botanical Garden.; Tidal areas
of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Handil Manarap) and Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).;
Pantropical distribution, throughout Malesia.
321
Hedyotis diffusa Willd./ H. herbacea L./ Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.)

Roxb./ Oldenlandia brachypoda DC.
Rubiaceae
Origin Unknown.
Indonesian names Rumput lidah ular.
English names An annual diffuse flaccid weed, stems numerous, prostrate, often rooting at the nodes. Leaves
subsessile, 2-3.2 cm long, linear or linear-lanceolate, acute. Flowers very small, white,
usually solitary, sessile or on very short pedicels. Capsules broader than long, very truncate
and flat on the top.
Description -
Habitat Decoction of the plant is used in biliousness, fever and gonorrhoea. The herb is antitumour
against Ehrlich cancer cells in mice. Hexane extract is cytotoxic to both human and mouse
cancer cells (Asolkar et al., 1992).
Uses -
Distribution Asia. Throughout Indonesia.; From Sri Lanka, India, S. China and Japan to Malesia; also in
tropical America.
322
Mitracarpus villosus (Sw.) DC./ M. scaber Zucc.

Rubiaceae
flickr.com
Origin N. W. Africa (Senegal), along the Nile.
Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Erect or spreading annual herb (5)9–40 cm. tall, with unbranched or sparsely to much-
branched stems; branchlets pubescent with short curled ± appressed hairs and often with
spreading ones as well, the older with epidermis eventually peeling; sometimes quite woody
at the base. Leaf blades 1–6 x 0.3–2.3 cm., elliptic, subacute at the apex, cuneate at the base,
glabrescent to scabrid-pubescent above, glabrescent or glabrous beneath save for hairs on the
main nerves; margins often scabrid; petiole c. 1 mm. long, often densely pubescent and with
ciliate margins; stipule sheath 1–3 mm. long, divided into 6–9(15) often colleter-tipped
fimbriae, 1–5 mm. long, ciliate. Inflorescences numerous, present in most axils, subglobose,
(0.5)0.8–1.8 cm. in diam.; flowers sessile or almost so; bracteoles filamentous, white, 1–2
mm. long. Calyx tube 1–1.4 mm. long; limb tube 0.15–0.4 mm. long; lobes 4, 2 oblong-
lanceolate, green with hyaline margins, rather thick, 1.3–2.3(3) mm. long, and 2 hyaline,
0.55–1.5 mm. long, triangular-lanceolate, narrower than the others, all with usually ciliate
margins and often hairy below. Corolla white, glabrous or slightly hairy outside; tube 1.4–1.9
mm. long; lobes 0.6–1 x 0.3–0.9 mm, ovate. Flowers showing very slight heterostyly, the
anthers varying in their degree of exsertion; style 1.1–1.6 mm. long; stigma 0.3–0.5 mm.
long. Capsule straw-coloured, c. 1 mm. long and wide. Seeds pale yellow-brown, 0.8 x 0.5
mm., compressed ellipsoid-rectangular, of very characteristic appearance (see TAB. 42, fig.
10.), dorsally resembling a rectangle with a square portion removed from each corner,
ventrally separated into 4 distinct areas by 4 impressed lines radiating from the hilum,
rugulose and reticulate.
Habitat Weed in gardens and cultivations on sandy soil, also by roadsides, dambos, dry rocky hills
etc 510–1200 m.
Uses Medicinal uses: Leaves used for eczema.
Distribution Has been observed in West Java, in the Karawang area.
323
Richardia brasiliensis Gomez/ Richardsonia brasiliensis (Gomez)

Hayne
Rubiaceae
Origin S. Tropical America.

Indonesian names Goletrak beuti (Sundanese).
English names Mexican Clover; White Eye.
Description Stem: Perennial (or ? annual) prostrate herb, often forming a mat from a central taproot;
stems 7-40 cm. long, densely covered with spreading hairs.
Leaves: Leaf blades 1-6.5 x 0.4-2.7 cm., elliptic, acute or subacute at the apex, very narrowly
attenuated to the base, the apparent petiole up to 1.5 cm. long, mostly with short hairs all over
the upper surface and on the margins and nerves beneath; basal narrowed part with longer
hairs; stipular sheath 1-3.5 mm. long, with 3-5 fimbriae, 1-4 mm. long, usually with long
hairs.
Flowers: Inflorescences 0.7-1.2 cm. in diam.; bracts ovate-elliptic, rounded at the base, the
long ones 1.5-3.5 x 0.65-2 cm., the short ones 1-1.7 cm. x 4-9.5 mm., sometimes lacking,
with a similar indumentum to that on the leaves, save that there are much longer hairs towards
the base; basal part of bracts often subhyaline. Calyx tube 1.2-1.7 mm. long; lobes 5-6, 1-1.5
x 0.3-1 mm., ovate-triangular, the margins conspicuously ciliate, basal united part of the limb
0.5-1 mm. long. Corolla white often tinged pink, 2.7-3.2 mm. long; lobes 4-6, 1-1.4 x 0.5-0.8
mm. Style 3-4 mm. long, the branches 0.2-0.5 mm. long; stigmas 0.2-0.3 mm. long,
spathulate.
Fruit: Cocci brown, 2-2.6 x 1.4-1.6 mm., oblong-obovoid, inner face with smooth depressed
area (i.e. actual septum of ovary) almost as broad as the face, dorsal face covered with short
flat hairs which are longer in the middle or a mixture of papilla-like hairs and longer hairs.
Seeds brown, 2.5 x 1.8 mm., compressed oblong-obovoid, with ventral face Broadly grooved,
with 2 short basal projections 0.1 mm. long.
Habitat Altitudinal range from near sea level to 880 m. Grows in disturbed areas, openings and along
roads and tracks in rainforest, Eucalypt forest, various types of woodland and grassland.
Uses In Brazil this plant is used medicinally as an antiemetic and for diabetes.
Distribution Introduced into Java before 1900. In Indonesia : Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan, as far as
known.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten
Bogor, West Java.; Weed of cotton plantations Banguntapan (Kabupaten Bantul,
Yogyakarta).
324
Diodia sarmentosa Swartz

Rubiaceae

Indonesian names -
English names Tropical buttonweed.
Description Scrambling herb with a tap root. Stems 1-4 m long, often with numerous lateral branches,
square in cross-section and with long hairs on the angles. Leaves yellowish-green,
lanceolate, 1.8-6.3 - 0.7-2.8 cm; leaf blade scabrous above with dense tubercular hairs,
smooth below; petiole 1-5 mm long. Flowers 1-8 in axillary clusters at most nodes, each
flower 1.5-3 mm long with 4 mauve or white petals. Seeds dark blackish red, 2-4 mm long,
1.5 mm wide, 0.8 mm thick.
Habitat A strand plant, often near high water mark; grassland and bushland at low altitudes, and a
weed of cultivation.
Uses -
Distribution Introduced in Java; locally run wild; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu Utara,
Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.
325
Salix tetrasperma Roxb.

Salicaceae
Origin Continental Asia and perhaps also some parts of West Malesia.
Indonesian names -
English names Indian willow.
Description Deciduous dioecious trees, to 25 m high, bark 10-12 thick, pale brown, rough, vertically
fissured; blaze red; young branches silky pubescent. Leaves simple, alternate; stipules lateral,
ovate, cauducous; petiole 10-25 mm, slender, glabrous, grooved above; lamina 6-15 x 2-5 cm,
ovate, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate; base acute or rounded; apex acuminate; margin serrate,
glabrous and shining above, glaucous beneath, coriaceous; lateral nerves 10-18 pairs, pinnate,
close, prominent, intercostae reticulate, faint. Flowers unisexual, in axillary catkins, to 6 cm
long, minutely silky villous; male yellowish; female greenish; bracts ovate, 2 x 2 mm, densely
woolly; perianth absent; stamens 5-12, unequal, free, with 2 glands at the base; anthers
basifixed; disc yellow, ovary stalked, superior, 1-celled, ovoid, 4-6 ovuled; stigma 2,
branched again. Fruit a capsule, 4 mm, 2-4 valved; seeds 1-4, oblong, with long deciduous
hairs.
Habitat Along riverbanks in semi-evergreen forests.
Uses Dried leaves mixed with sugar given in rheumatism, epilepsy, venereal diseases, stone in the
bladder, piles and swellings. Bark used as a febrifuge.
Distribution From Afghanistan and the Punjab eastwards throughout SE. Asia and southern China; in
Malesia in Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, Lesser Sunda Islands (Bali and Nusa
Tenggara), E. Kalimantan and the Philippines. In Peninsular Malaysia only male sex has been
introduced.
326
Salvinia cucullata Roxb. ex Bory

Salviniaceae
Origin Temperate zone of the northern half of the old world.

Indonesian names -
English names Asian watermoss.
Description "Floating fern with hairy stems. Uppermost (floating) leaves entire at apex, to 1.2 cm long,
broader than long with margins curving upwards and inwards; upper leaf surfaces with
papillae in irregularly curved rows, the tips not joined. Sporocarps form on the submerged,
rootlike lower leaves. This species is similar to the serious weed Salvinia molesta. The
characters of S. molesta are leaves longer than broad with deeply indented leaf apices; the
papillae hairs are joined at their tips to form a cage-like structure" (Waterhouse & Mitchell,
1998; pp. 91-92).
Habitat The species will occur in most types of standing water body, including lakes, ponds, tanks
and seasonal pools.
Uses -
Distribution SE. Asia from India to W. Australia. Throughout Indonesia.
327
Salvinia molesta
Salviniaceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names Kiambang.
English names African payal , African pyle, aquarium watermoss, giant salvinia, giant salvinia, kariba weed,
koi kandy, salvinia, water fern, water spangles.
Description Salvinia molesta is a free floating aquatic fern. It produces a horizontal rhizome (that lies
below the water surface) and two types of fronds (buoyant and submerged). The mature plant
produces egg-shaped spore sacs containing infertile spores. It lacks true roots but its
submerged fronds function as roots. Its fronds are in whorls of three (two floating and one
submerged). The floating fronds are positioned in an opposite orientation to each other and
are round to oblong in shape. On their upper surface they have rows of cylindrical papillae.
Each papilla has four hairs at its distal end (each consisting of a single row of cells) that are
joined together at their tips to form what looks like an inverted egg-beater. The cage-like
structure of the end hairs is an effective air trap giving the plant buoyancy in the water. The
papillae, end hairs and upper surface of the plant are water repellent in comparison to the
under surface of the leaf, which attracts water. It is this difference in water attraction that
maintains the correct orientation of the plant on the water surface. The fronds are light to
medium green, often with brownish edges in mature plants, and with a distinctive fold in the
center. The plant exhibits great morphological variation depending on the conditions of
habitat (such as space and nutrient availability), and ranges from a slender floating specimen
with leaves less than 1.5cm wide to one with leaves up to 6cm wide (Pieterse et al 2003; Kay
and Hoyle 1999; Mitchell D. Pers. Comm. 2005; Agriculture & Resource Management
Council of Australia & New Zealand, Australian & New Zealand Environment &
Conservation Council and Forestry Ministers, 2000).
Habitat Lakes, water courses, wetlands.
Uses Floating aquatic weeds have been used for mulch, compost, fodder, paper making, handicrafts
and bio-gas generation (Howard and Harley, 1998). The main impediment to the commercial
use of floating aquatic weeds such as Salvinia is their high water content, which is often up to
90% of the harvest wet weight. Thus a large proportion of the harvest is water, while only a
small proportion is actually plant matter.
Distribution Tanah Jawa, Rawa Pening, South Kedu, Waduk Sempor.; Eastern Batanghari, Lampung.;
East Kalimantan.; Sentani Lake, Jayapura.
328
Salvinia natans (L.) All.

Salviniaceae
Origin Temperate zone of the northern half of the old world.

Indonesian names Rumput ganepo.
English names Floating fern, floating watermoss, floating moss, or commercially, Water Butterfly Wings.
Description S. natans has two nickel-sized leaves lying flat against the surface of the water, and a third
submerged leaf which functions as a root. Flotation is made possible by pouches of air within
the leaves. Cuticular papillae on the leaves' surface keep water from interfering with the
leaves' functioning, and serve to protect them from decay. Spore cases form at the plant's base
for reproduction. The leaves of S. natans block sunlight from reaching very far underwater.
This is helpul to many freshwater fish, providing safe hiding places to breed in, but can
interrupt the photosynthesis of many underwater plants. S. natans can eventually cover entire
ponds or lakes without ecological competition, starving other plant species.
Habitat Grow on still water in full sun to part shade. Scatter small bunches of plants on the water
surface after last frost date.
Uses Rain Garden, Suitable as Annual, Water Plant, Will Naturalize.
Distribution SE. Asia from Africa to C. Europe. In Indonesia so far found in Java and Sulawesi.
329
Artanema longifolium L. Vatke/ A. longiflorum Wettst./ A.

sesamoides Bth.
Scrophulariaceae
Origin America or subtropical Africa.

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Undershrubs. Leaves opposite, to 20 x 8 cm, elliptic, acuminate, serrate, attenuate at base,
glabrous; nerves to 6 pairs, distinct below; petiole short or absent. Racemes terminal, to 20
cm long; bracts leafy; bracteoles absent. Flowers sessile, to 25 mm long; calyx 12 mm long,
campanulate, divided to the middle, lobes acuminate, glabrous; corolla 2.5 cm long, 2-lipped,
deep violet, upper lip round or emarginate, lower lip 3-lobed, lobes orbicular; stamens 4,
filaments of longer stamen curved or arched, with an orbicular basal appendage, anthers
connate in pairs; ovary 2-furrowed, many-ovuled; style long, slender, stigma spathulate.
Capsule 7 x 8 mm, depressed globose; seeds cylindrical, puberulus, brown.
Habitat Moist deciduous forests and grasslands.
Uses In Nigeria and Tanzania the leaves of Artanema longifolium are collected from the wild and
eaten as a vegetable.
Distribution Throughout Indonesia, except the Lesser Sunda Islands and the Moluccas, as far as known.;
Tidal areas of Central Kalimantan (Unit Tatas).
330
Bacopa floribunda (R.Br.) Wettst./ Herpestis floribunda R. Br.

Scrophulariaceae

Indonesian names -
English names -
Description Stem erect, 10-30 cm, subquadrangular, glabrous, slightly branched at base, leaves lanceolate-
linear, 1.8-3.1 cm, acute, entire, narrowly revolute at margins, finely gland-dotted; flowers 1
or 2 in an axil, on short slender pedicels; bracteoles filiform, sepals membranous, veiny,
puberulous, outer ones broadly oval, obtuse.
Habitat Bacopa floribunda is an annual found mostly in wet places, in rice fields and often on wet
sand around drying ponds.
Uses -
Distribution Throughout Indonesia, except Kalimantan, the Moluccas and Papua, as far as known.
331
Scoparia dulcis L.
Scrophulariaceae

Indonesian names Jaka tua.
English names Sweet Broom Weed, Sweet Broom Wort.
Description Sweet Broom Weed is a branched herb with wiry stems, growing up to 1 m tall. Narrowly
elliptic, almost stalkless leaves are arranged oppositely or in whorls of 3. Leaves are 3-4 X 1-
1.5 cm wide, with serrated margins. Small white, hairy flowers occur in leaf axils. The
stamens are greenish and the ovary is green. The capsule is nearly round.
Habitat Wasteplaces.
Uses It is traditionally used in treatment of diabetes, dysentery, earache, fever, gonorrhea,
headaches, jaundice, snake bite, stomach problems, toothache, warts.
Distribution Naturalized in Java.; Onions plantations in South Sumatra.
332
Datura metel L./ D. fastuosa L.

Solanaceae
Origin SE. Asia/ America.

Indonesian names Kecubung.
English names Devil's trumpet and metel. Downy thorn apple, metel thorn apple.
Description The plant is an annual herb growing up to 3 ft. high. It is slightly furry, with dark violet
shoots and oval to broad oval leaves that are often dark violet as well. The pleasantly-scented
6-8 in. flowers are immensely varied, and can be single or double. Colors range from white to
cream, yellow, red, and violet. The seed capsule is covered with numerous conical humps and
a few spines. It is similar to D. inoxia, but D. metel has almost glabrous leaves and fruits that
are knobby, not spiny. D. inoxia is pilose all over and has a spiny fruit.
Habitat Cultivated in gardens, farmlands around the world but also a frequent garden escape.
Uses Datura metel can be grown as an ornamental plant. However, this use cannot compensate for
this plant's overall negative impacts.
Distribution In Java and Madura., often cultivated in gardens, yars; also run wild and naturalized in all
tropical and subtropical regions. In SE. Asia, it is reported for Indo-China, Thailand,
Peninsular Malaysia (cultivated and locally naturalized in the northern part), Brunei, Java
(cultivated and naturalized), the Philippines (naturalized, sometimes cultivated) and Papua
New Guinea (very locally cultivated and naturalized).
333
Nicandra physalodes (L.) Gaertn.t

Solanaceae
Origin Peru.
Indonesian names Nandina.
English names Shoofly plant.
Description This introduced annual plant is 2-5' tall, branching occasionally. The stems are angular and
largely hairless. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and 4" across (excluding the petioles).
They are ovate-cordate and sparsely pubescent. Their margins are shallowly lobed, bluntly
dentate, or undulate. The petiole of each leaf is long and slender, tilting at an upward angle;
there are a few hairs near its base, otherwise it is hairless. From the axils of the upper leaves,
there develops individual flowers on short stalks. These flowers often nod downward, but are
sometimes erect. Each flower consists of a spreading corolla that is light blue or lavender with
5 shallow lobes. However, the throat of the corolla is white, where there are 5 stamens with
light yellow anthers and a single pistil. These flowers are about 1–1½" across when fully
open; they are diurnal and short-lived. The blooming period occurs during the summer and
lasts about 2-3 months. Only a few flowers remain open at the same time. The calyx is shorter
than the flowers and divided into 5 sepals. Each sepal is ovate-sagittate. After the flowers
wither away, spheroid fruits develop within the enclosing sepals of the calyx. This fruit is
about ½" across and divided into 5 cells (sometimes only 3-4 cells). It has a dry texture and is
full of seeds. The root system consists of a taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Habitat It was introduced into the United States from tropical America as an ornamental plant.
Habitats include areas adjacent to flower gardens, areas along roadside ditches, cropland, and
fallow fields. This species is occasionally cultivated in flower gardens because of the
moderately attractive flowers. It prefers disturbed areas, and usually doesn't persist in the
wild.
Uses Nicandra physalodes was originally introduced as a garden plant (ornamental). It is also
known to have medicinal and insecticidal properties. The latter attribute is the reason for it
being sometimes known as shoo-fly.
Distribution Naturalized in Java, introduced long ago; Dieng-Plateau (Central Java).; In the vegetable
fields in the dry and rainy seasons in Candi Kuning, Bali.
334
Physalis peruviana L./ P. angulata L.

Solanaceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names Ceplukan badak.
English names Goldenberry.
Description Soft-wooded, short-lived shrubs up to ca. 1 m tall, straggly with age, all parts densely
pubescent with erect, simple or glandular hairs up to 1 mm long. Leaves simple, alternate,
usually geminate, 1 larger than the other, ovate-acuminate, often 6 cm long, 4 cm wide,
margins entire or rarely with a few blunt lobes, apex acuminate, base cordate, petioles 2 to 3
cm long. Flowers perfect, actinomorphic, solitary in the leaf axils, pedicellate; calyx connate
in lower, 5-lobed, veins often prominent, the lobes acumunate-triangular, ca. 1 cm long,
distinct at apex; corolla yellow with well-defined purplish brown spots at base, 15 to 20 mm
in diameter, the limb rotate or shallowly 10-lobed, the tube swollen into shallow nectary
pouches between the filaments, densely pubescent with pale yellowish dendritic hairs below
the spots and around the nectaries; style 5 to 7 mm long. Berries pale yellow, drying pale
brown, aromatic, succulent, globose, 1.5 to 2 cm in diameter, enclosed in the inflated calyx 3
to 3.5 cm long. Seeds numerous, pale brown, discoid, 1.75 to 2 mm long, minutely shallowly
reticulate, embryo curved, endosperm present.
Habitat Agricultural areas, natural forests.
Uses Physalis peruviana is used as an ornamental plant; consumed (fruit); berries used for making
jams; used in traditional medicine (USDA-ARS 2003; Motooka et al. 2003).
Distribution Naturalized in Java.; Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia, except Sulawesi and Papua, as far as
known.; Oil palm plantations (4 years) in South Sumatra.; Generally found in SE. Asia but
not cultivated.
335
Solanum erianthum D. Don/ S. mauritianum Blanco non Scop./ S.

verbascifolium auct. non L.
Solanaceae
Origin West Indies, C. America & Mexico.

Indonesian names Terung teter.
English names Potato Tree; Tobacco Tree; Tobacco, Wild; Nightshade; Flannel Bush; Wild Tobacco.
Description Stem: Occasionally grows into a small tree but usually flowers and fruits as a shrub.
Leaves: Twigs, petioles and leaf blades unarmed but densely clothed in stellate hairs. Stellate
hairs present on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf blade but more numerous on the
underside. Leaf blades about 8-24 x 4-15 cm, petioles 1-10 cm long. Lateral veins about 6-9.
Crushed leaves emit a strong odour.
Flowers: Inflorescence branched, many-flowered. Pedicels about 5-10 mm long, densely
stellate hairy. Calyx 4-7 mm long, lobes about 1-2.5 mm long, both stellate hairy on the outer
and inner surfaces. Corolla about 13-19 mm diam., stellate hairy on the outer surface but
glabrous on the inner surface. Anthers about 2.5-3 mm long. Ovary clothed in straight hairs.
Fruit: Fruits globular, about 10 mm diam., stellate pubescent on the outer surface. Seeds
about 1.5-2 mm long. Embryo horseshoe-shaped,cotyledons about as wide as the radicle.
Habitat Altitudinal range in CYP and NEQ from 250-1000 m. Grows in disturbed areas in upland rain
forest particularly along roads. Usually found in areas where the rainfall is at the lower end of
the range which supports rain forest and where the nutrient status of the soil is higher than
average.
Uses In West Africa a leaf decoction of Solanum erianthum is taken for its diuretic and purgative
properties to cure malaria, leprosy and venereal diseases and it is also taken to stimulate the
liver functions. In tropical Asia the leaves are considered a potent medicine for expelling all
impurities through the urine, in particular to treat leucorrhoea, and also as an abortifacient.
Pounded leaves are applied as a poultice to treat haemorrhoids and scrofula. Heated leaves are
applied to the forehead against headache. A decoction of the leaves is drunk to treat vertigo.
A decoction of the roots is applied to treat violent body pains or to relieve digestive troubles;
it is also given to treat dysentery, diarrhoea and fever. The root bark is used as an
antiphlogistic and to treat arthritis. The fruits are an ingredient of arrow poison. Although the
fruits are considered poisonous, causing nausea, headache and cramps, in South-East Asia
they are sometimes eaten when cooked. In southern India the fruits are prepared as a curry. In
the Philippines the velvety leaves are used to remove grease from dishes. Solanum erianthum
is considered suitable as a shade plant for coffee, but in Ghana it is considered an undesirable
shade plant. In the Caribbean Solanum erianthum is planted as an ornamental.
Distribution It is now an almost pantropical weed, although hardly penetrating S. America. Probably
336
introduced into the Philippines by the Spanish in the 16th Century, from where it has spread
throughout the Malesian archipelago and to mainland Asia and Australia.
337
Solanum torvum Swartz/ S. ferrugineum Jacq./ S. largiflorum C.

White
Solanaceae
Origin The Antiles.

Indonesian names Takokak, terung pipit.
English names Turkey berry, Devil's Fig, Prickly Nightshade, Shoo-shoo Bush, Wild Eggplant, Pea
Eggplant, Pea Aubergine.
Description The plant is usually 2 or 3 m in height and 2 cm in basal diameter, but may reach 5m in height
and 8 cm in basal diameter. The shrub usually has a single stem at ground level, but it may
branch on the lower stem. The stem bark is gray and nearly smooth with raised lenticels. The
inner bark has a green layer over an ivory color (Little and others 1974). The plants examined
by the author, growing on firm soil, had weak taproots and well-developed laterals. The roots
are white. Foliage is confined to the growing twigs. The twigs are gray-green and covered
with starshaped hairs. The spines are short and slightly curved and vary from thick throughout
the plant, including the leaf midrib, to entirely absent. The leaves are opposite or one per
node, broadly ovate with the border entire or deeply lobed. The petioles are 1 to 6 cm long
and the blades are 7 to 23 by 5 to 18 cm and covered with short hairs. The flowers are white,
tubular with 5 pointed lobes, and grouped in corymbiform cymes. They are shed soon after
opening. The fruits are berries that grow in clusters of tiny green spheres (ca. 1 cm in
diameter) that look like green peas. They become yellow when fully ripe. They are thin-
fleshed and contain numerous flat, round, brown seeds (Howard 1989, Liogier 1995, Little
and others 1974).
Habitat Given an equal start after disturbance, turkey berry quickly overtops most herbs, grasses, and
other shrubs. It grows best in full sunlight and does well in light shade or shade for part of the
day, but cannot survive under a closed forest canopy. Turkey berry single plants, groups, and
thickets are most frequently seen on roadsides, vacant lots, brushy pastures, recently
abandoned farmland, landslides, and river banks.
Uses -
Distribution Pantropical weed. Occasionally it is also cultivated, especially in S., SE., and E. Asia.
338
Lantana camara L./ L. aculeata L.

Verbenaceae

Indonesian names Kembang telek, tembelekan.
English names Lantana, sage, wild sage.
Description Lantana camara is a low erect or subscandent, vigorous shrub with stout recurved prickles
and a strong odour of black currents; it grows to 1.2-2.4 metres (or even more); its root
system is very strong, and it gives out a new flush of shoots even after repeated cuttings; Leaf
ovate or ovate-oblong, acute or subacute, crenate-serrate, rugose above, scabrid on both sides;
Flower small, usually orange, sometimes varying from white to red in various shades and
having a yellow throat, in axillary heads, almost throughout the year; Fruit small, greenish-
blue black, blackish, drupaceous, shining, with two nutlets, almost throughout the year,
dispersed by birds. Seeds germinates very easily. (Sastri and Kavathekar, 1990).
Habitat Agricultural areas, coastland, natural forests, planted forests, range/grasslands, riparian zones,
ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands, urban areas, wetlands.
Uses Lantana camara has several uses, mainly as a herbal medicine and in some areas as firewood
and mulch (Sharma et al. 1988; Sharma and Sharma 1989, in Day et al. 2003). In some
countries, it is planted as a hedge to contain or keep out livestock (Bradley 1988, Ghisalberti
2000 in Day et al. 2003). There has been much work conducted, especially in India, on the
chemical constituents of lantana; extracts from the leaves exhibit antimicrobial, fungicidal,
insecticidal and nematicidal activity (Chavan and Nikam 1982, Sharma and Sharma 1989,
Begum et al. 2000, in Day et al. 2003). The use of lantana extracts as potential biocides has
been suggested. For example, aqueous leachate at 1–3% can kill water hyacinth, a
troublesome weed in many tropical countries (Saxena 2000, in Day et al. 2003). Its
application as a weedicide would depend on the size of the waterbodies being treated and the
cost of extraction of the leachate. Verbascoside, which possesses antimicrobial,
immunosuppressive and antitumor activities, has been isolated (Mahato et al. 1994, in Day et
al. 2003). Lantanoside, linaroside and camarinic acid have been isolated and are being
investigated as potential nematocides (Begum et al. 2000, in Day et al. 2003). Lantana oil is
sometimes used for the treatment of skin itches, as an antiseptic for wounds (Anon. 1962),
and externally for leprosy and scabies (Ghisalberti 2000). Plant extracts are used in folk
medicine for the treatment of cancers, chicken pox, measles, asthma, ulcers, swellings,
eczema, tumors, high blood pressure, bilious fevers, catarrhal infections, tetanus, rheumatism,
malaria and atoxy of abdominal viscera (Anon. 1962, Kirtikar and Basu 1981, Ghisalberti
2000, in Day et al. 2003).
Distribution Naturalized in Java and Madura.; Cashew nuts plantations in South Sulawesi.; Oil plantations
339
(4 years) in South Sumatra.; Tidal areas of South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin, Sakalagun).;

Java.; Introduced and naturalized throughout the tropics and subtropics.
340
Lantana trifolia L.
Verbenaceae
Origin America/ West Indies.

Indonesian names -
English names Shrub verbena.
Description Height: 2 to 5 feet; Spread: 1 to 3 feet; Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer; Bloom Color: Pink,
White, Lavender; Bloom Description: Lavender, white, pink.
Habitat Easily grown as bedding plants in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun.
Tolerates poor soils.
Uses Garden uses (Annual bedding plant. Containers. Houseplant).
Distribution Naturalized in Java, not in very dry regions.
341
Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene/ Lippia nodiflora (L.) A. Rich.

Verbenaceae
Origin Asia.
Indonesian names -
English names Frog fruit, sawtooth fogfruit, turkey tangle, matchweed.
Description Phyla nodiflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
It is hardy to zone 10. It is in flower from May to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite
(have both male and female organs).
Habitat It is often grown as groundcover, and is sometimes present in yards as a lawn weed.
Uses As ornamental (A great groundcover for full sun and part shade areas, with trailing foliage
and charming, mini-verbena-like flowers. Would also do well as a pot plant)
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.
342
Stachytarpheta indica (L.) Vahl/ S. bogoroensis Z. & M.

Verbenaceae

Indonesian names Jarong lalaki, pecut kuda.
English names Indian snakeweed, nettle-leaved vervain.
Description Terrestrial, annual or perennial, erect subshrub, up to 200 cm tall. Taproot white or brown.
Stem quadrangular, solid, glabrous or hairy. Stipules absent. Leaves simple, not lobed or
divided, opposite, stalked, elliptic or ovate, more than 2 cm long/wide, usually airy on both
sides, margin coarsely dentate, apex acute or obtuse, base obtuse our rounded, pinnately
veined. Flowers bisexual, grouped together in a terminal spike, sessile, petals 5, blue, with
white throat. Fruits a nut.
Habitat Sunny to lightly shaded, preferably not too heavy soils in regions with a strong dry season;
along roads, fields, coconut plantations and mango groves, fallow and waste lands; often
gregarious. From 0-1500 m alt. Upland rice fields.
Uses The plant is abrotifacient; used for treating intestinal worms, venereal diseases, ulcers, dropsy
and stomach ailments. It is also used in purulent ulcers, fevers and rheumatic inflammations.
Juice of the plant is used against cataract and open sores. Infusion of the bark is used against
diarrhoea and dysentery. Leaves are used in cardiac troubles and rubbed in sprains and
bruises.
Distribution Pantropical. Throughout Indonesia.; Oil plantations (4 years) in South Sumatra.; Sugarcane
plantations Camming Factory in South Sulawesi.; Weed of tea plantations Ciliwung, Tugu
Utara, Kecamatan Cisarua, Kabupaten Bogor, West Java.; Undergrowth plant at Purwodadi
Botanic Garden, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java.
343
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl

Verbenaceae

Indonesian names Pecut kuda.
English names Blue porterweed, Blue snakeweed, Brazilian tea, Jamaica vervain.
Description Blue porterweed is a low, sprawling shrub with a subtle beauty. It is surprising to some that
this native plant of the tropical south east is being cultivated for the best of gardens. It was
considered a weed for so long. The leaves are attractive, crinkled and toothed. It is a perennial
shrub that becomes woody toward the base of the stem as is grows to about one-year-old.
Plants grow about 4-feet-tall by 6-feet wide before stems droop and touch the ground. Blue
flowers, about a quarter-inch in diameter, are borne terminally on long, stringy spikes at the
ends of the stems. Rich, dark green foliage displayed on square, green stems makes
Porterweed a nice addition to any, sunny landscape. Porterweed is a prolific bloomer and it
attracts a wide variety of butterfly. They all flock to drink its sweet nectar. More popular
garden varieties are the ones with blue, purple, or coral blooms.
Habitat A weed of forests and forest margins, native bushland, roadsides, disturbed sites, waste areas,
waterways, floodplains, coastal environs, gardens, plantation crops and pastures in tropical
and sub-tropical regions.
Uses The fresh leaves are consumed in bush tea as a ―cooling‖ tonic and blood cleanser, to treat
―asthma‖ and ―ulcerated stomachs‖.
Distribution Quite established in Java and Madura.; Especially in Western part of Java.
344
Verbena officinalis L.
Verbenaceae
Origin Europe/ Mediterranean region.

Indonesian names -
English names Vervain.
Description Verbena officinalis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
It is hardy to zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 10-Apr It is in flower from Jul to
September, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have
both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, lepidoptera, self.The plant is
self-fertile.
Habitat Common Vervain is native to Europe. Nowadays, the plant is widely naturalized all over the
globe. It grows on waste places and prefers moist, well-drained soils.
Uses Analgesic; Antibacterial; Anticoagulant; Antipruritic; Antirheumatic; Antispasmodic;
Antitumor; Astringent; Bach; Birthing aid; Depurative; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emmenagogue;
Galactogogue; Stimulant; Tonic; Vulnerary.
Distribution Once collected as an adventive in grassfield in West Java.; It is a species of temperate and
subtropical regions. It is found at both low and higher elevations in SE. Asia, e.g. in Java,
New Guinea, Luzon, N. Thailand and Vietnam. It was introduced for its ornamental value or
traditional use in folk medicine in Europe. In general it has become a weed as a follower of
cultivation.
345
Hybanthus attenuatus (Humb. & Bonpl.) G.K. Schulze

Violaceae
Origin S. America.
Indonesian names -
English names Green violet.
Description Erect annual herb to 50 cm tall, sometimes much-branched. Stems terete, hollow, with 2 or 3
longitudinal rows of hairs. Leaves alternate, shortly petiolate; blade ovate to oblong, 3-8 - 1-
3 cm. Flowerszygomorphic, solitary in leaf axils; peduncle 2 cm long. Sepals 5, subequal, 2-
4 mm long. Petals 5, unequal; upper petals white, 2.5-3.5 mm long; lateral petals 4-4.5 mm
long, purple-striped; lower petal white, oval to kidney-shaped, 8-10 mm long including a claw
4-5 mm long. Fruit a nodding, globular capsule, 4-5 mm long, elastically
dehiscent. Seeds subglobose with a crater-like top, smooth, black speckled with white.
Habitat Disturbed situations and cultivation.
Uses -
Distribution In Indonesia, has so far been found only in C Java (1978).
346
Cissus quandrangula L./ Vitis quandrangulis Wall.

Vitaceae
Origin Bengal.
Indonesian names Sipatah-patah.
English names Veldt Grape or Devil's Backbone.
Description Cissus quadrangularis reaches a height of 1.5 m and has quadrangular-sectioned branches
with internodes 8 to 10 cm long and 1.2 to 1.5 cm wide. Along each angle is a leathery edge.
Toothed trilobe leaves 2 to 5 cm wide appear at the nodes. Each has a tendril emerging from
the opposite side of the node. Racemes of small white, yellowish, or greenish flowers;
globular berries are red when ripe.
Habitat Semi-arid desert. Sandy, dried-out river bed.
Uses Cissus quadrangularis has been used as a medicinal plant since antiquity. In siddha medicine
it is considered a tonic and analgesic, and is believed to help heal broken bones, thus its
nameasthisamharaka (that which prevents the destruction of bones). It is said to have
antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antihemorrhoidal and analgesic activities
Distribution Here and there in Java and Madura, especially near the sea, run wild.
347
Tribulus terrestris L.
Zygophyllaceae
Origin World tropical to warm temperate.

Indonesian names -
English names Puncture vine.
Description Tribulus terrestris is a taprooted herbaceous perennial plant that grows as a summer annual in
colder climates. The stems radiate from the crown to a diameter of about 10 cm to over 1 m,
often branching. They are usually prostrate, forming flat patches, though they may grow more
upwards in shade or among taller plants. The leaves are pinnately compound with leaflets less
than 6 mm (a quarter-inch) long. The flowers are 4–10 mm wide, with five lemon-yellow
petals. A week after each flower blooms, it is followed by a fruit that easily falls apart into
four or five single-seeded nutlets. The nutlets or "seeds" are hard and bear two to three sharp
spines, 10 mm long and 4–6 mm broad point-to-point. These nutlets strikingly resemble goats'
or bulls' heads; the "horns" are sharp enough to puncture bicycle tires and lawn mower tires
and to cause painful injury to bare feet.
Habitat The trailing plant is common in sandy soil throughout India and Ceylon.
Uses It has been reported that the seeds or nutlets have been used in homicidal weapons smeared
with the juice of Acokanthera venenata in southern Africa.
Distribution Cultivated in Central Java as medicinal plant.; Occurs throughout NSW and other mainland
states.
348

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Foreign Distribution List of Invasive Species in Indonesia

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wallich ex Nees/

Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anders.

Origin India & Ceylon

Asystasia intrusa (BI.)

Rostellularia sundana Bremek.

Origin The West Indies.

Amaranthus dubius Mart.

Origin N. America/SE. Asia.

Amaranthus gracilis Desf.

Origin Unknown / Tropical S. & C. America.

Origin Perhaps Africa

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) O.K/A. Strigosa Hassk.

Origin Tropical America.

Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb./

Origin Tropical S. America

Amaranthus hybridus L. ssp. Cruentus (L.) Thell. var. paniculatus

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb./ Hydrocotyle asiatica L.

alongside coconut, roselle, crysanthemum, orange and other health drinks.

Eryngium foetidum L./E. antihystericum Rottler

Origin C. & S. America

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides/ H. hirsuta BI./ H. latisecta Zoll./

Cryptostegia grandiflora R. Br./ C. glaberrima Hochr.

Origin India & Madagascar

Origin Eourope, N. Africa & Continental Asia.

Acanthospermum hispidum DC.

Origin Tropical America/ C. & S. America.

Ageratum houstianum Mill./ A. mexicanum Sims/

Origin Tropical America.

Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. var. elatior (L.) Descourtils/ A. elatior L.

Origin Europe, Continental Asia, & N. America (+northern Africa?).

Athroisma laciniatum DC/ A. visdicum Z. & M.

Austroeupatorium inulifolium (Kunth) R. M. King & H. ROB/

Origin Tropical America.

Austroeupatorium uliginosa (Sw.) R. Cass./ Spilanthes uliginosa Sw./

Origin Carribean & Brazil.

Centipeda minima (L.) A. Br. & Aschers./ C. minuta (G. Forst.)

• Anti-inflammatory action in the treatment of acute pleural effusion.

Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) Walker/ C. ambigua DC./ Erigeron

Origin Tropical America.

Crassocephalum crepidiodes (Benth.) S. Moore/ C. diversifolium

Origin Tropical Africa.

Dichrocephala integrifolia (L.f.) Kuntze/ Hippia integrifolia L.f./

Origin Tropical Asia.

Eclipta prostrata (L.) L./ E. alba (L.) Hassk. var. prostrata/

Origin Tropical America.

Elephantopus mollis Kunth/ E. carolianus Raeuschel var. mollis

Origin S. & C. America.

Origin Tropical Asia.

Eleuntheranthera rudelaris (Sw.) Sch.-Bip./ E. prostrata Sch. Bip./

Origin Tropical America.

Emilia javanica (Burm. F.) Merr./ Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC./ E.

Origin Tropical Africa.

Enydra fluctuans Lour./ E. linifolia Sch.-Bip./ E. longifolia (BI.) DC/

Erechtites hieraciifolia (L.) Rafin. Ex DC./ Senecio hieraciifolius L./

Origin Tropical America/ N. & S. America/ N. America.

Erechitites valerianifolia (Wolf) DC./ Senecio valerianifolius Wolf

Origin Tropical & Subtropical America.

Erigeron karvinskianus DC./ E. mucronatus DC.

Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng./