Polypremum Explained

Polypremum is a flowering plant genus in the family Tetrachondraceae.^[1] The genus contains the single species Polypremum procumbens, commonly known as juniperleaf^[2] or rustweed.^[3] Polypremum has also been placed in the various families Buddlejaceae, Loganiaceae, Rubiaceae, and most recently in its own Polypremaceae.^{[4] [5]}

P. procumbens is a perennial or annual forb/herb, and grows low with sometimes multiple ascending stems producing small white flowers that bloom in summer and fall. Leaves are opposite, 1–2.5 cm, narrow, and pointed at the end. The foliage turns a brownish red in autumn.

P. procumbens is native to eastern USA excluding New England, south to Central America and the West Indies, with occurrences in South America. It has been introduced in the Pacific basin and Australia, often occurring along roads and airstrips. In its southeastern USA range it is common in coastal plain and piedmont regions, growing in disturbed areas, and rare in the mountains.^[6]

Notes and References

1. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=455054 USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. (8 January 2013)
2. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=POPR4 USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Polypremum procumbens L. - juniper leaf
3. http://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3616 Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants: Polypremum procumbens L. - rustweed
4. http://floranorthamerica.org/files/Polypremaceae03k%20SI.CH%20for%20Prov%20Pub.pdf Richard K. Rabeler & Craig C. Freeman (2012) Flora of North America Provisional Publication: POLYPREMACEAE Takhtajan ex Reveal (Polypremum Family)
5. Book: Weakley. Alan S.. Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States. Nov 2012. The University of North Carolina Herbarium. Chapel Hill, NC, USA. 898. 26 Sep 2014.
6. http://eol.org/pages/581507 Encyclopedia of Life (25 Sep 2014)