Bergia capensis (white water fire)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Plant Type
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- History of Introduction and Spread
- Introductions
- Risk of Introduction
- Habitat
- Habitat List
- Hosts/Species Affected
- Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
- Biology and Ecology
- Climate
- Latitude/Altitude Ranges
- Air Temperature
- Rainfall
- Rainfall Regime
- Soil Tolerances
- Natural enemies
- Notes on Natural Enemies
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Impact Summary
- Impact: Economic
- Risk and Impact Factors
- Uses
- Uses List
- Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
- Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
- References
- Contributors
- Distribution Maps
Don't need the entire report?
Generate a print friendly version containing only the sections you need.
Generate reportIdentity
Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Bergia capensis
Preferred Common Name
- white water fire
Other Scientific Names
- Bergia aquatica Roxb.
- Bergia repens Blume
- Bergia verticillata Willd.
- Elatine luxurians Delile
- Elatine verticillata (Willd.) Wight & Arn.
International Common Names
- Spanish: alfabegueta; coleta
- Chinese: da ye tian fan lü
Local Common Names
- India: jal jambava; nandu kollupu chedi; neeru paavila; pola-tsjira; white keshuriya
- Sri Lanka: getapuruk wila
- Vietnam: biệt gia vùng cap; ruộng cày vòng
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pageBergia capensis is a small annual herb which grows in wet places and is native to Africa, southern China and tropical Asia. It has been introduced, probably (although no details are available) unintentionally through the cultivation and trade of rice, in Europe, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Although it grows in rice fields, no information is available about possible impacts on rice crops, and there are only limited reports of its being invasive anywhere.
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Spermatophyta
- Subphylum: Angiospermae
- Class: Dicotyledonae
- Order: Theales
- Family: Elatinaceae
- Genus: Bergia
- Species: Bergia capensis
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of pageThe Elatinaceae are a small family of plants, usually associated with seasonally inundated areas of tropical and subtropical regions. There are only two genera in the family, Bergia and Elatine. Bergia was named by Linnaeus after Petrus Jonas Bergius (1766-1790), and includes about 24 species worldwide with centres of diversity in Africa and Australia (Leach, 1989).
There were proposals to change the species name of Bergia capensis to B. verticillata, B. aquatica or B. luxurians, on the grounds that the epithet capensis was inappropriate as the species does not occur in the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. However, the name B. capensis was reinstated in accordance with the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (Anon., 1916; Milne-Redhead 1948).
Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong (2012) cite Bergia sessiliflora as a synonym of Bergia capensis, but this species is reported as valid in the World Flora Online (2019).
Description
Top of pageThe following description is from Flora of China Editorial Committee (2019):
Herbs annual, 15-30 cm tall. Stem prostrate and rooting in lower part, terete, slightly fleshy, glabrous; branches erect. Stipules ovate-triangular, membranous, margin dentate-sinuate; petiole 1-5 mm, flattened; leaf blade elliptic-lanceolate, obovate-lanceolate, or obovate, 1-4 × 0.2-1 cm, papery, base acuminate, margin minutely serrulate or subentire, apex acute or attenuate. Flowers arranged into small, axillary cymes, subsessile or with short pedicel 1-5 mm, very small. Sepals erect, narrowly lanceolate, 1-2 mm. Petals pink, oblong or subspatulate, subequaling or slightly exceeding sepals. Stamens 10, free; filaments filiform, base slightly widened. Ovary subglobose; styles straight or curved. Capsule subglobose, ca. 1.8 mm in diam., longitudinally 5-grooved, 5-septicidal. Seeds oblong, minute, angular or transversely striate.
Distribution
Top of pageBergia capensis is native to tropical and subtropical areas in Africa and from China (Guangdong) to tropical Asia (WCSP, 2019). It is reported as introduced in Central America (Costa Rica), the West Indies (Cuba, Haiti, Netherlands Antilles), southwestern Mexico, South America (Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela) and Europe (Greece, Portugal, Spain); see Distribution Table for details (Gálvez, 2019; Greuter and Raus, 2001; Encyclopedia of Life, 2019; Missouri Botanical Garden, 2019; WCSP, 2019).
Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong (2012) report the species as native to Cuba and Hispaniola, but other sources disagree with this. According to Flora of Nicaragua (2019), it is not recorded as present in that country, but is to be expected in areas of lower elevation as it is present in neighbouring Costa Rica. Publications by Svenson (1946a, 1946b) do not prove that the species is present in Peru as they record it from the coast of Ecuador and Peru “in pools south of Ancón”, which is a locality name used at both countries; but Missouri Botanical Garden (2019) does not appear to be in doubt about its presence in Peru.
As for where Bergia capensis is invasive, there is limited information available. Oviedo Prieto et al. (2012) report it with few details as invasive in Cuba, as a naturalized species with a tendency to proliferate at various localities in the country. They also say that it is invasive in Europe, using DAISIE as a reference, but the information at DAISIE (2019) is that it has an alien/unknown status in Greece and in Spain it is an alien/established species. Greuter and Raus (2001) report that its degree of naturalization in Greece is unknown and that it is only naturalized in rice fields in the east of Spain. As it has been present in the New World since the mid-19th century, it could be considered that if invasive it would have been more widespread and abundant there by now. According to Leach (1989), Bergia species are not more widespread in suitable areas of Australia as they do not compete well with other wetland species. Nevertheless, the distribution of B. capensis might be under-reported, as small species associated with wetlands are usually under-collected and/or overlooked. For example, Milne-Redhead (1948) reports that the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, only received two collections of B. capensis in eighty years.
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 17 Feb 2021Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Africa |
|||||||
Benin | Present | Native | |||||
Botswana | Present | Native | |||||
Burkina Faso | Present | Native | |||||
Burundi | Present | Native | |||||
Chad | Present | Native | |||||
Egypt | Present | Native | |||||
Eswatini | Present | Native | |||||
Gabon | Present | ||||||
Gambia | Present | Native | |||||
Guinea | Present | Native | |||||
Mali | Present | Native | |||||
Mauritania | Present | Native | |||||
Namibia | Present | Native | |||||
Nigeria | Present | Native | |||||
Senegal | Present | Native | |||||
South Africa | Present, Localized | Native | Northern Provinces | ||||
Tanzania | Present | Native | |||||
Zimbabwe | Present | Native | |||||
Asia |
|||||||
Bangladesh | Present | Native | |||||
China | Present, Localized | Native | |||||
-Guangdong | Present | Native | |||||
India | Present | Native | |||||
-Andhra Pradesh | Present | Native | |||||
-Bihar | Present | Native | |||||
-Chhattisgarh | Present | Native | |||||
-Daman and Diu | Present | Native | |||||
-Delhi | Present | Native | |||||
-Goa | Present | Native | |||||
-Himachal Pradesh | Present | Native | |||||
-Karnataka | Present | Native | |||||
-Madhya Pradesh | Present | Native | |||||
-Maharashtra | Present | Native | |||||
-Odisha | Present | Native | |||||
-Rajasthan | Present | Native | |||||
-Tamil Nadu | Present | Native | |||||
-Tripura | Present | Native | |||||
-Uttar Pradesh | Present | Native | |||||
-West Bengal | Present | Native | |||||
Indonesia | Present, Localized | Native | |||||
-Java | Present | Native | |||||
Iran | Present | Native | |||||
Malaysia | Present | Native | |||||
Myanmar | Present | Native | |||||
Sri Lanka | Present | Native | |||||
Thailand | Present | Native | |||||
Vietnam | Present | Native | |||||
Europe |
|||||||
Greece | Present | Introduced | Peloponnese | ||||
Portugal | Present | Introduced | |||||
Spain | Present | Introduced | Andalusia, Catalonia, Levante | ||||
North America |
|||||||
Bonaire, Saint Eustatius and Saba | Present | Present, based on regional distribution | |||||
-Bonaire | Present | Introduced | 1947 | First record, Sabana | |||
Costa Rica | Present | Introduced | Guanacaste | ||||
Cuba | Present | ||||||
Haiti | Present | ||||||
Mexico | Present, Localized | Introduced | Oaxaca | ||||
Netherlands Antilles | Present | Native | |||||
South America |
|||||||
Ecuador | Present | Introduced | 1857 | ||||
Peru | Present | Introduced | |||||
Venezuela | Present | Introduced |
History of Introduction and Spread
Top of pageBergia capensis is native to Africa, southern China and tropical Asia (WCSP, 2019). It is introduced in Europe, Central America, southern Mexico and the Caribbean (one source, Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong (2012), lists it as native in Cuba and Haiti). Although no details are available, it is highly possible that the introduction and spread of the species occurred unintentionally through the cultivation and trade of rice, as in most places it is listed from rice fields. It has been reported in South America since the mid-19th century and in the Caribbean since the early 20th century (New York Botanical Garden, 2019; Missouri Botanical Garden, 2019).
Introductions
Top of pageIntroduced to | Introduced from | Year | Reason | Introduced by | Established in wild through | References | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural reproduction | Continuous restocking | |||||||
Cuba | 1954 | Yes | No | New York Botanical Garden (2019) | ||||
Bonaire | 1947 | No | No | New York Botanical Garden (2019) | ||||
Haiti | 1924 | No | No | New York Botanical Garden (2019) | ||||
Ecuador | 1857 | Yes | No | New York Botanical Garden (2019) |
Risk of Introduction
Top of pageThere is limited information available to properly assess the risk of introduction of Bergia capensis. It should be considered as being at low to medium risk of introduction, mainly because of its possible introduction and spread through rice cultivation. In most of the countries where it is reported as present and naturalized there is no information about its abundance and spread.
Habitat
Top of pageB. capensis is reported as occurring in paddy fields, grasslands, rice fields, irrigation channels, ditch sides, rock pools, marshes, muddy places and along streams (Jacobsen, 1973; Trama et al., 2009; Encyclopedia of Life, 2019; Quiles Hoyo, 2019; India Biodiversity Portal, 2019).
Habitat List
Top of pageCategory | Sub-Category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Terrestrial | Managed | Cultivated / agricultural land | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Wetlands | Present, no further details | Natural |
Freshwater | Irrigation channels | Present, no further details |
Hosts/Species Affected
Top of pageSeveral species of Bergia are weeds of rice fields (Tucker, 1986). Bergia capensis is reported as occurring in rice fields (Smythies, 1984-1986; Encyclopedia of Life, 2019; Flora of Greece web, 2019; New York Botanical Garden, 2019). No information about the possible impact on the rice crops is given.
Host Plants and Other Plants Affected
Top of pagePlant name | Family | Context | References |
---|---|---|---|
Oryza sativa (rice) | Poaceae | Main |
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageGenetics
The chromosome number reported for Bergia capensis is 2n=18 (Tucker, 1986).
Reproductive Biology
Very little information is available on the reproductive biology of Bergia capensis. According to East (1940), self-fertilization is common in Bergia. At the India Biodiversity Portal (2019), B. capensis is reported as being self-pollinated, cross pollinated and visited by insects. Seed dispersal is by autochory (self-dispersal), anemochory (wind dispersal) and zoochory (birds or animals).
Physiology and Phenology
The species flowers from January to February and in May in Africa (E-Flora of South Africa, 2019); it flowers and fruits from August to November in India (India Biodiversity Portal, 2019).
The presence of phenolic acids, including delphinidin, ellagic acid, quercetin, cyanidin and kaempferol, is reported from members of the genus Bergia (Tucker, 1986). Saponins and alkaloids are absent from the genus.
Longevity
B. capensis is a small annual herb (WCSP, 2019).
Environmental Requirements
Little information about the environmental requirements of Bergia capensis is available, other than that it grows in seasonally inundated areas (Tucker, 1986; India Biodiversity Portal, 2019). Leach (1989) reports that Bergia can survive high salinity, high temperatures and droughts, but does not specify which species.
Climate
Top of pageClimate | Status | Description | Remark |
---|---|---|---|
Af - Tropical rainforest climate | Preferred | > 60mm precipitation per month | |
Am - Tropical monsoon climate | Preferred | Tropical monsoon climate ( < 60mm precipitation driest month but > (100 - [total annual precipitation(mm}/25])) | |
As - Tropical savanna climate with dry summer | Preferred | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in summer) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | Preferred | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) | |
BW - Desert climate | Tolerated | < 430mm annual precipitation | |
Cs - Warm temperate climate with dry summer | Tolerated | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry summers | |
Cw - Warm temperate climate with dry winter | Preferred | Warm temperate climate with dry winter (Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, dry winters) | |
Cf - Warm temperate climate, wet all year | Tolerated | Warm average temp. > 10°C, Cold average temp. > 0°C, wet all year |
Latitude/Altitude Ranges
Top of pageLatitude North (°N) | Latitude South (°S) | Altitude Lower (m) | Altitude Upper (m) |
---|---|---|---|
37 | 27 |
Rainfall
Top of pageParameter | Lower limit | Upper limit | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Mean annual rainfall | 220 | 4900 | mm; lower/upper limits |
Natural enemies
Top of pageNatural enemy | Type | Life stages | Specificity | References | Biological control in | Biological control on |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Podosphaera xanthii | Pathogen | Plants|Leaves | not specific | Ellis (2019) | N |
Notes on Natural Enemies
Top of pageThe species of Bergia are susceptible to various insect pests, powdery mildews, nematodes and moulds (India Biodiversity Portal, 2019). The fungus Podosphaera xanthii [Podosphaera fusca] is reported as growing on the leaves of Bergia capensis in Europe (Ellis, 2019).
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of pageThere is no specific information available about the dispersal mechanism of Bergia capensis. In general, it is listed as being dispersed by autochory, (self-dispersal), anemochory (wind dispersal) and zoochory (birds or animals) (India Biodiversity Portal, 2019).
Natural Dispersal
Floods are suggested as one dispersal method for Bergia and Elatine species (Leach, 1989); wind appears to be another (India Biodiversity Portal, 2019).
Vector Transmission (Biotic)
Bergia capensis is reported as being dispersed by birds and animals, but no further information is available. It is suggested that Bergia spp. seeds can be dispersed by birds, as Elatine seeds have been recorded in mud attached to birds’ feet and feathers (Leach, 1989).
Accidental Introduction
It is highly possible that the introduction and spread of the species occurred unintentionally through the cultivation and trade of rice, as in most places it is reported from rice fields. More locally, it is possible that the seeds are accidentally dispersed on clothes, shoes and equipment used in rice fields.
Pathway Causes
Top of pageCause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Flooding and other natural disasters | Flooding is reported as a dispersal method for the genus | Yes | Leach (1989) | |
Hitchhiker | Possible on clothes, shoes or equipment used in rice fields, in debris from rice cultivation, or in mud attached to feathers and feet of birds | Yes | Yes | Leach (1989); Quiles Hoyo (2019); India Biodiversity Portal (2019) |
Interconnected waterways | It is reported to occur along stream banks and irrigation channels | Yes | Encyclopedia of Life (2019); New York Botanical Garden (2019) | |
People foraging | Possible as the seeds are used for traditional medicine and for ritual purposes | Yes | India Biodiversity Portal (2019); Oas et al. (2015) |
Pathway Vectors
Top of pageVector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Clothing, footwear and possessions | Possible on clothes and shoes used in rice fields. | Yes | ||
Debris and waste associated with human activities | Possible in debris associated with rice cultivation. | Yes | ||
Floating vegetation and debris | Possible from flooding or transport through irrigation channels or streams | Yes | Leach (1989) | |
Machinery and equipment | Possible from rice cultivation | Yes | ||
Soil, sand and gravel | Possible from rice cultivation | Yes | ||
Water | It is reported to occur along stream banks and irrigation channels | Yes | Encyclopedia of Life (2019) |
Impact: Economic
Top of pageSeveral species of Bergia are weeds of rice fields (Tucker, 1986). Bergia capensis is reported as occurring in rice fields (Smythies, 1984-1986; Encyclopedia of Life, 2019; Flora of Greece web, 2019; New York Botanical Garden, 2019), but no information about the possible impact on the rice crops is given.
Risk and Impact Factors
Top of page- Proved invasive outside its native range
- Has a broad native range
Uses
Top of pageEconomic Value
According to Tucker (1986) the Elatinaceae have little economic importance. Methanolic extract of Bergia capensis inhibit the growth of Bipolaris oryzae [or Cochliobolus miyabeanus], which is a pathogenic fungus that causes brown spot disease in rice (Manimegali et al., 2011).
Social Benefit
No species of Bergia is recorded as used for food or condiments, and none are reported as poisonous (Tucker, 1986). Bergia capensis is used in folk rituals and traditional medicine (India Biodiversity Portal, 2019). Seeds of the species are also reported to have been collected for ritual purposes in Ghana in prehistoric times (Oas et al., 2015). In India, the leaves are given to animals to cure food poisoning. The leaves are also used to treat intestinal worms (Flowers of Tamilnadu, 2019).
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Top of pageThe two genera in the Elatinideae family can be distinguished by Elatine having membranous sepals and capsules, while Bergia has herbaceous sepals and crustaceous capsules (Leach, 1989). Bergia capensis is similar to B. ammannioides, both being among the more widespread species in the genus. B. capensis stems are erect, thick, fleshy and glabrous; with leaves short petiolate; flowers and stipules glabrous; and fruits 0.5 mm long. B. ammannioides has slender, glandular-pubescent, somewhat woody decumbent stems; with leaves sessile or nearly so and glandular beneath; flowers and stipules pilose; and fruits 0.3 mm long (Russell, 1977; India Biodiversity Portal; 2019).
Gaps in Knowledge/Research Needs
Top of pageInformation about the biology of B. capensis, its environmental requirements and its possible impact on other species is needed.
References
Top of pageAnon., 1916. The flora of Madras. Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), 1916(3), 57-65.
E-Flora of South Africa, 2019. E-Flora of South Africa. Pretoria, South Africa: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).https://www.sanbi.org/biodiversity/foundations/biosystematics-collections/e-flora
Ellis, WN, 2019. Plant Parasites of Europe: leafminers, galls and fungi. https://bladmineerders.nl/
Encyclopedia of Life, 2019. Encyclopedia of Life. In: Encyclopedia of Life . http://www.eol.org
Flora of Greece web, 2019. Flora of Greece web. Greece: Hellenic Botanical Society.http://portal.cybertaxonomy.org/flora-greece/
Flowers of Tamilnadu, 2019. Flowers of Tamilnadu. https://www.flowersoftamilnadu.com/
Gálvez, F, 2019. Vascular flora of western Andalusia. (Flora Vascular de Andalucía Occidental). Sevilla, Spain: BioScripts.https://www.floravascular.com/
Greuter, W, Raus, T, 2001. Med-Checklist Notulae, 20. Willdenowia, 31(2), 319-328. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.31.31204
Kress, WJ, Defilipps, RA, Farr, E, Kyi, DYY, 2003. A checklist of the trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers of Myanmar. In: Contributions from the United States National Herbarium , 45. 1-590.
Leach GJ, 1989. Taxonomic revision of Bergia (Elatinaceae) in Australia. Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, 11(2), 75-100. https://www.jstor.org/stable/23873795https://www.jstor.org/stable/23873795
Manimegali V, Ambikapathy V, Panneerselvam A, 2011. Antifungal potentiality of some medicinal plant extracts against Bipolaris oryzae (Breda de Haan). Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research, 1(3), 77-80.
Milne-Redhead E, 1948. Tropical African plants: XX. Kew Bulletin, 3(3), 449-473.
Quiles Hoyo, J., 2019. Wild flora of the Mediterranean and Macaronesia. (Flora silvestre del Mediterráneo y Macaronesia). http://www.florasilvestre.es/mediterranea/
Russell GEG, 1977. Keys to vascular aquatic plants in Rhodesia. Kirkia, 10(2), 411-502.
Smythies BE, 1984-1986. Flora of Spain and the Balearic Islands: Checklist of Vascular Plants. I. Pteridophyta, Gymnospermae, Acanthaceae-Crassulaceae. II. Cruciferae-Rutaceae. III. Salicaceae-Zygophyllaceae, Agavaceae-Zannichelliaceae. In: Englera,3. III-XXXIII + 1-880. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3776727 doi: 10.2307/3776728
Tucker GC, 1986. The genera of Elatinaceae in the southeastern United States. Journal of the Arnold Arboretum, 67(4), 471-483.
Distribution References
CABI, 2020. CABI Distribution Database: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, 2020a. CABI Distribution Database: Status inferred from regional distribution. Wallingford, UK: CABI
Encyclopedia of Life, 2019. Encyclopedia of Life. In: Encyclopedia of Life. http://www.eol.org
Flowers of Tamilnadu, 2019. Flowers of Tamilnadu., https://www.flowersoftamilnadu.com/
Gálvez F, 2019. Vascular flora of western Andalusia. (Flora Vascular de Andalucía Occidental)., Sevilla, Spain: BioScripts. https://www.floravascular.com/
Greuter W, Raus T, 2001. Med-Checklist Notulae, 20. Willdenowia. 31 (2), 319-328. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3372/wi.31.31204
Kress WJ, Defilipps RA, Farr E, Kyi DYY, 2003. A checklist of the trees, shrubs, herbs, and climbers of Myanmar. In: Contributions from the United States National Herbarium, 45 1-590.
Contributors
Top of page08/09/19: Original text by:
Jeanine Vélez-Gavilán, Universidad de Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
Distribution Maps
Top of pageSelect a dataset
Map Legends
-
CABI Summary Records
Map Filters
Unsupported Web Browser:
One or more of the features that are needed to show you the maps functionality are not available in the web browser that you are using.
Please consider upgrading your browser to the latest version or installing a new browser.
More information about modern web browsers can be found at http://browsehappy.com/