Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Streptophyta

Class: Equisetopsida

Subclass: Magnoliidae

Order: Gentianales

Family: Rubiaceae

Genus: Spermacoce

Species: remota

Description: Spermacoce remota, also known as woodland false buttonweed, is a perennial herb or sub-shrub with small white flowers. It's native to the Americas, but is also found in Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world. 

Appearance

Stems are round or square, and can be hairy or grooved 

Leaves are lanceolate or elliptic, and can be hairy or papery 

Flowers are small, white, and funnel-shaped, and grow in clusters at the top of the stem 

Capsules are ellipsoid and contain seeds that are yellowish brown to dark brown 

Habitat 

Grows in disturbed areas, along roads and tracks, and in wet sites

Can be found in rainforest, Eucalypt forest, riparian forest, and Melaleuca forest

Distribution 

Native to the southeastern United States, West Indies, Mexico, Central and South America

Naturalized in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, China, India, Sri Lanka, New Guinea, Mauritius, and more

Uses: Medicine

Used to treat malaria, fever, headache, and respiratory infections 

Used to treat skin diseases, diarrheal and other digestive problems, hemorrhage, urinary and respiratory infections, inflammation of eye, and gums 

Leaves can be rubbed on the affected part to treat eczema 

Attracting butterflies 

Butterflies often lay their eggs on it

Garden use 

Generally considered safe to grow in gardens and around homes

A resilient plant that can adapt to various growing conditions

Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is recommended to ensure healthy growth

Other uses 

The roots are solid with longitudinal wrinkles, and have a brownish-red or brownish-yellow color

The medicinal material has a faint smell and bitter taste