Can anyone here identify this greenhouse weed? (see attached photo file) The plants came in perhaps from overseas (Taiwan?) Flowers are about 1.5 cm (3/4 inch) across. Plants have eliptic, entire, pinnate leaves of dark green color. Somewhat thickened taproot to 10cm (4 inch). Plant height to 30cm (12 inch). Rapid seed production with apparently explosive seed capsules and spreads rapidly. Plants are found mostly in orchid greenhouses are becoming widespread from coast to coast in US greenhouses. It's pretty, but its not an orchid of any kind.
I'd guess it's a Barleria Sp. It would be nice if folks included foliage so we could make more accurate identification. HTH Chris
Agreed about the leaves. In my haste the other day I didn't take any leaf photos. My next chance will be Saturday. Stay tuned. The leaves of this plant look very much like Lupulina cristata...including opposite leaves along the stem. Flower form is similar but seems to be more delicate than L. cristata.
Well, I've got my ID on this weed: Pseuderanthemum variabile It's a plant native to tropical areas of eastern Australia. It has color forms from pure white to dark pink. It's used as a ground cover there where it attacts butterflies. In Australia its called the Love Flower or Pastel Flower and I'm finding references to it being called Afternoon & Evening Flower. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PSVA2 http://www.brisrain.webcentral.com.au/old_site/database/Pseud_variabile.htm The ID came from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Florida.
Good thought to contact Marie Selby - they'd almost certainly have encountered it there previously with their emphasis on orchids. Thanks for posting the ID.
