Spermacoce alata | SeedImages

Species category

Weed

Common name

winged false buttonweed, broadleaf buttonweed

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

OvalOval:
Broadly elliptic.

Size

Length 1.5–2 mm
Width 1–1.5 mm
Thickness 0.6–0.8 mm

Color

Brown

Texture

Reticulate

Other structures

VentralVentral:
Adaxial; of the side of an organ facing the axis (compare dorsal).
side is hollow with enrolled edges.

Identification notes

Reticulum rows are longitudinally oriented.

Noxious weed seed categories

Federal

Learn more on ITP's Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules tool.

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Rubiaceae

Valid name

Spermacoce alata Aubl. [excluded]

Synonyms

Borreria alata (Aubl.) DC.

Spermacoce alata. True seeds with longitudinally oriented reticulum rows. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.	Spermacoce alata. True seeds with longitudinally oriented reticulum rows. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Spermacoce alata. True seeds with longitudinally oriented reticulum rows. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.	Spermacoce alata. True seeds that are reticulate. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.