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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #271949

Title: Field Notes: Tunera diffusa 'Luisa'

Author
item Meerow, Alan
item Ayala Silva, Tomas
item Irish, Brian

Submitted to: American Nurseryman
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2011
Publication Date: 3/31/2011
Citation: Meerow, A.W., Ayala Silva, T., Irish, B.M. 2011. Field Notes: Tunera diffusa 'Luisa'. American Nurseryman. P.38.

Interpretive Summary: Turnera diffusa is a widespread and variable species found throughout tropical America. Commonly known as “damiana,” it has figured extensively in folk medicine. In this article, we promote to the industry the release of a cultivar of T. diffusa with outstanding ornamental qualities selected from a population in Puerto Rico called 'Luisa'. The form has attractive gray-green leaves, compact habit, and flowers for most of the year. It is easily propagated and can be used in the landscape as a ground cover, edging or bedding plant.

Technical Abstract: Turnera diffusa is a widespread and variable species found throughout tropical America. Commonly known as “damiana,” it has figured extensively in folk medicine. In this article, we promote to the industry the release of a cultivar of T. diffusa with outstanding ornamental qualities selected from a population in Puerto Rico called 'Luisa'. The form has attractive gray-green leaves, compact habit, and flowers for most of the year. It is easily propagated and can be used in the landscape as a ground cover, edging or bedding plant.