Bahamian Buttercup

Title

Bahamian Buttercup

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Turnera ulmifolia L.

Description

Common Names

Bahamian Buttercup, Buttercups, Yellow Alder

Turneraceae

Turnera ulmifolia grows as a woody herbaceous shrub to 1 meter in height. The leaves are arranged alternately, to 15 cm in length, lanceolate with a pair of glands at the leaf base. The leaf has a dentate margin, an acute leaf apex, and varies from glabrous to pubescent.

The actinomorphic flowers are arranged solitarily in leaf axils. The flowers are subtended by 3 bracts. The calyx has 5 fused green sepals. The corolla has 5 unfused yellow petals. There are 5 stamens, each fused to the base of a petal. The ovary is superior with a single locule and many seeds. The fruit is a capsule at maturity.

Turnera ulmifolia grows in human disturbed habitats (roadsides, houses, abandoned fields), dune areas as well as long the edges of Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation – Woodlands/Shrublands.

Turnera ulmifolia occurs on all island groups in the Bahamian Archipelago as well as Florida, the entire Caribbean region, and tropical and subtropical regions throughout the entire world.

Turnera ulmifolia is used medicinally in the Bahamas to treat gastrointestinal problems (constipation, diarrhea), colds and flu, and circulatory problems (heart palpitations), infant care (gripe), ob/gyn issues (menstrual cramps), and dermatological issues.

Turnera ulmifolia is used in the horticultural trade.