About Petiveria alliacea L.
Petiveria alliacea is a herbaceous shrub. Its leaves are simple and alternate, with first-order pinnate venation and second-order net-like venation. It produces determinate inflorescences. While the plant can reproduce year-round, its peak reproductive activity occurs during different time periods depending on location: in Mexico, peak activity falls between September and October, while in Central America it runs from July to January. This species is native to southernmost Florida and Texas in the United States, as well as the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, and South America. In southern Florida, it has been documented growing in disturbed areas, maritime habitats, mesic habitats, prairies, tropical hardwood hammocks, and shell mounds. In Mexico, it is commonly found growing in corn, coffee, and apple plantations. Petiveria alliacea is used as a bat and insect repellent.
