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| Arthrostemma ciliatum | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Melastomataceae |
| Genus: | Arthrostemma |
| Species: | A. ciliatum
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| Binomial name | |
| Arthrostemma ciliatum Pav. ex D.Don
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Arthrostemma ciliatum, commonly known as pinkfringe, is a species of flowering plant native to the tropical Americas.[2]
Description
[edit]Arthrostemma ciliatum is an herb with a sprawling habit that can extend 1 to 4 metres (3.3 to 13.1 ft).[2] It has reddish stems and red buds that develop into pink or purple flowers with prominent stamens.[3] The leaves are ovate to lanceolate and edged with tiny, bristly-hairy, reddish teeth.
Ecology
[edit]The pinkfringe is perennial, and grows aggressively along riverbanks, in humid forests, and in disturbed areas.[3] It can be found at middle elevations from 500 to 1,000 metres (0.31 to 0.62 mi) across the Greater Antilles, Mexico, and Central and South America.[4] The pinkfringe has also naturalized in Hawaii, where it is considered a weed.[2][3]
Uses
[edit]The pinkfringe is a popular ornamental plant.[3] It also has tender, edible stems, which can be used for food. Medicinally, it has been used to treat a variety of conditions, from diabetesto urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ "Arthrostemma ciliatum Pav. ex D. Don". USDA PLANTS Database. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ a b c Kinsey, T. Beth. "Arthrostemma ciliatum – Pinkfringe". Hawaiian Plants and Tropical Flowers. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ a b c d "Arthrostemma ciliatum". Orchid Botanics. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ "Arthrostemma ciliatum Fragile pinkfringe". Plants of the Island of Puerto Rico. Retrieved February 3, 2026.
- ^ "Pinkfringe". The Green Ark Foundation. Retrieved February 3, 2026.