Home > Plants > Nyctaginaceae > Boerhavia coccinea

Family Nyctaginaceae

HAWAII - NATURALIZED

Boerhavia coccinea 

Makapu'u, Oahu

RED SPIDERLING

Weedy herb common in dry disturbed habitats.  Terminal, branched flowering stems directed upwards, tiny magenta flowers.  Wide branching pattern distinguishes this species from the endemic Boerhavia herbstii which has a narrow zig-zag branching pattern.  Sticky fruits aid in dispersal by birds & mammals.  Native to the Caribbean.