Ethnomedical plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Devil Bean, Rattleweed, Shack Shack. This low growing relative of Cassias/sennas has spectacular yellow flowers followed by curios, balloon-like, rattling seedpods. It has beautiful lush foliage. Very easy to grow, not demanding and fast growing. Attracts butterflies and bees. The plant can flower year round.

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. The plant contains alkaloids and used medicinally in some tropical countries.

The flowers and leaves have a sweet flavor and are edible as a vegetable. Their alkaloid content is very low. Known to be toxic to livestock, particularly goats, though current research does not confirm harmful effects on honeybees. The roasted dehulled seeds are eaten in Vietnam. The roots are used against coughing. A decoction of the flowers and leaves is used to soothe a cold. The seeds are eaten raw to act as an analgesic to deaden the pain of a scorpion sting. It is used for cordage and making canvas.

Used as a dye plant in East Africa.

Java plum, is a flowering evergreen and tropical tree native in India, Burma, Ceylon, Pakistan, Philippines, and Indonesia. It has been introduced in Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawai i, Florida, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Tonga, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Christmas Island, Australia, Africa, India, Caribbean, and South America. It was introduced to Florida in the 1920s.

It produces dark purple to black fruit with off-white flesh that can be used for jam, vinegar, etc but can be astringent if not fully ripe. Fruit matures in 90 days. Fruits are highly perishable. Fruits change their color from green to deep red or bluish black. This is a non climacteric fruit hence it dees not ripen after harvesting. Fully ripe fruits are harvested daily by hand picking or by shaking the branches and collecting the fruits on a polythene sheet. Needs a number of pickings, since all fruits do not ripen at a time. In India, the fruits are harvested by hand as they ripen and this requires several pickings over the season. Indian horticulturists have reported a crop of 700 fruits from a 5-year-old tree. The production of a large tree may be overwhelming to the average homeowner.

The jambolan tree is of real value in apiculture. The flowers have abundant nectar and are visited by bees (Apis dorsata) throughout the day, furnishing most of the honey in the Western Ghats.

The essential oil distilled from the leaves is used to scent soap and is blended with other materials in making inexpensive perfume.

Jambolan bark yields durable brown dyes of various shades depending on the mordant and the strength of the extract. The bark contains 8 to 19% tannin and is much used in tanning leather and preserving fishing nets.

The wood is water resistant. Because of this it is used in railway sleepers and to install motors in wells. It is sometimes used to make cheap furniture and village dwellings though it is relatively hard to work on.

This tree reaches 30ft and more in height in its natural habitat. It naturally occurs in loams, clays and sandy areas.

The tree, native to Tropical Africa, does not tolerate cold weather, making it unsuitable for many temperate climates. However, it can be an ideal plant for growing in a pot in cold regions, as with proper care, Ficus sur (Bush Fig) can survive temperatures as low as 30F for brief periods and can be used for bonsai.

When grown in USDA Zone 9-11, Ficus sur is typically a large shrub, growing to a height of 5-10ft tall. But when given the appropriate conditions, it can be grown as a small tree of 10-20ft. Ficus sur prefers full sun and semi-shade and requires moderate water. It is an ethnomedical plant, with many parts of the tree being used medicinally, and its edible fruit can be enjoyed fresh or used in jams and jellies.

Ficus sur produces a wide variety of fruit, which may be green, yellow, orange, or purple depending on the species. Rich in vitamin C, these fruits have several medicinal uses. In traditional medicine, they have been used to treat ulcers, diarrhea, and chronic skin disorders. Ficus sur fruits are full of essential nutrients that can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation. On average, a single large tree can produce about 200-300 edible fruits in a season.

When it comes to the care and growing of Ficus sur, it needs to be planted in a well-draining potting soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be watered regularly but it is important to ensure that water does not remain in the pot for longer than necessary as this can cause root rot. To keep the plant healthy, trim the branches regularly. Fertilize every couple of months to promote healthy growth.

Different Aconitum species (and their varieties) scattered across temperate regions of globe.

These are handsome plants, the tall, erect stem being crowned by racemes of large and eye-catching blue, purple, white, yellow or pink zygomorphic flowers. Aconitum is grown in gardens for its attractive spike like inflorescences and showy flowers.

All Aconitum plants contain poisonous alkaloids that can, in sufficient quantity, be deadly. Man has used Aconitum as a medicine and poison for thousands of years. Outside Europe it was widely used for its medical properties.

Momordica charantia is an annual and has a creeping or climbing stem. The fruit is broadly egg shaped, beaked, bumpy, ribbed, to 10 cm long and golden yellow to bright orange. At maturity the fruit breaks, bursting open along the 3 valves. The orange pulp contains bright red arils which enclose the seeds.

Momordica charantia has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. In Ayurveda, the fruit is considered as tonic, stomachic, stimulant, emetic, antibilous,laxative and alterative. The fruit is useful in gout, rheumatism and subacute cases of the spleen and liver diseases. It has also been shown to have hypoglycaemic properties (anti-diabetic) in animal as well as human studies.

Plant in rich moist soil, in frost free areas, since bitter melon is very sensitve to frost. Do not water too much.

In cooler climates start planting in pots 6 weeks before the frost free date; transplant when there is no more danger of frost.

Semi-evergreen to deciduous vine. This vine has lots of fragrant white flowers in spring, summer, and fall. Blooms on new growth. Prefers a moist well-drained light soil enriched with organic matter. Drought and pollution tolerant. Jasmine associates nicely with climbing roses, honeysuckle or clematis, but it looks superb grown on its own. Grown in the perfume fields of Southern France, it has good tolerance to a wide range of temperatures and is easily maintained in pots. Cultivars: Aureoviegatum (variegated), Affine (large, white with pink inside). An age old Indian folk treatment, jasmine was used to suppress milk production. Apply fresh jasmine flowers to the breasts. One Indian study matched bromocriptine with the application of jasmine flowers and both treatments were equally effective lactation inhibitors.

Citrus reticulata or the Mandarin orange is a small citrus tree with fruit resembling the Orange. The fruit is oblate, rather than spherical, and roughly resembles a pumpkin in shape. Mandarin oranges are usually eaten plain or in fruit salads. Varieties of Mandarin orange include the Tangerine, Clementine, Dancy, Tangor, Satsuma and several new varieties.

In some varieties, notably the tangerine, the rind is loose and can easily be removed by hand. The tangor, also called a temple orange, is a cross between a mandarin and an orange. Its thin rind is also easy to peel, and its pale orange pulp is spicy, full-flavored, and tart. Most canned mandarin oranges are satsumas.

Monarda species include annual and perennial upright growing herbaceous plants with lanceolate to ovate shaped leaves. Flower colors vary, with wild forms of the plant having crimson-red to red, pink and light purple hues.

This fast-growing, sweet-smelling perennial vine or creeper is native to India and is widely used in ethnomedical practices. Jasminum humile (Italian Jasmine) is a hardy, evergreen climber that produces an abundance of fragrant yellow or orange flowers. This jasmine will thrive with full sun to semi-shade, regular watering, and moderate soil fertility. Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the luxuriant blooms. In colder regions, it is best grown in a sunny location in a container.

Ideal for USDA Zones 7-10, Jasminum humile grows best in soils that are high in organic matter with excellent drainage. Staking or a trellis may be necessary for climbers. This climber requires regular pruning to maintain bushiness and to produce more flowers. If desired, prune them back as much as desired in early spring.

Regular watering is important for Italian Jasmine. In the heat of summer, watering twice weekly should be adequate. But during hot, dry spells, it may need extra watering. During the winter season, reduce frequency of watering since the plant is dormant. Mulching the root zone in the late fall helps to protect the roots from cold and keep them hydrated during winter.

This ethnomedical plant has a rich history of traditional use. The flowers are used to extract an oil with a warm, sweet scent. The oil is used in perfume and is believed to have many therapeutic benefits such as treating muscle spasms, sprains, anxiety, depression and some reproductive-related disorders.

Jasminum humile is an eye-catching, sweet-smelling vine that is easy to grow and a great addition to any garden. It produces an abundance of stunning flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a perfect choice for gardeners who want to attract wildlife.