Ethnomedical plant - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Arbor Tristis, Night-flowering Jasmine) is a large shrub or small tree native to South Asia and India. It typically grows 5-10 feet tall but can reach up to 20 feet in favorable conditions. The plant has rough, hairy leaves and produces clusters of highly fragrant white flowers with bright orange centers. Blossoms open at night, fill the air with perfume, and fall by morning, carpeting the ground with petals. This combination of beauty and fleeting bloom has long made it one of the most admired night-flowering ornamentals.

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with moderate watering. It is hardy to the mid 30F for short periods, placing it in USDA Zone 10-11 with frost protection recommended. The plant flowers in late summer to fall in many tropical gardens and responds well to monthly fertilization. It is often grown near patios or walkways where its fragrance can be enjoyed at night. While its flowers and leaves are mentioned in traditional medicine and temple rituals, it is primarily cultivated today as an ornamental tree prized for its unique nocturnal blooms.

In addition to its medicinal and spiritual importance, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is also cherished for its beauty and romantic lore. One tale tells that Lord Krishna brought the tree to earth, sparking a quarrel between his wives Satyabhama and Rukmini. Another legend speaks of Princess Parijat, who loved Surya, the Sun God. After her tragic death, the gods granted her a new life as this tree, whose pure white flowers with blazing orange centers symbolize the sun in her heart. The blossoms release fragrance at night, but fall at dawn like tears, unable to bear the rays of the sun.

This species is used medicinally and for paper-making, starch, and oil.

Piper peltatum is a small plant, typically ranging 2-5 ft in height, with heart-shaped glossy green leaves. The stems are woody and usually not more than an inch in diameter. When used for ethnomedical purposes, the leaves and stems are boiled for about 20 minutes and the resulting liquid is drunk.

The plant thrives in full sun with regular water and is native to Central America. In the United States, it is hardy to USDA Zones 9-11, but may even survive in Zone 8 with protection from the cold in winter. It can also be grown in pots in colder climates, provided the soil does not freeze and the pot is brought in during the winter months.

When planting Piper peltatum, its ideal conditions should be taken into consideration. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet, to prevent any root rot. Pruning is also beneficial since it helps promote a bushy, healthy form and encourages flowering. Fertilizing is recommended twice a year with a balanced organic fertilizer. As a small shrub, Piper peltatum looks best when kept in a neat and tidy appearance, so regular trimming is necessary to keep it looking good.

With its dual purpose of both ornamental and medicinal benefits, Piper peltatum will make a great addition to any garden. Its bright green foliage, low maintenance, and evergreen qualities makes it a perfect fit for any garden.

The sweetly scented, cream-white flowers are small in size, around 3 mm long, and are borne in large, branched inflorescences.

Muraltia spinosa, also known as Tortoise Berry, is an attractive and unusual shrub native to South Africa. Growing to an average height of 5-10 ft tall, it can also be used as a groundcover and low-growing shrub reaching heights of 2ft. Well suited to full sun, Muraltia spinosa can tolerate moderate water and dry conditions. It is adorned with pink flowers, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and produces a red edible fruit.

The Tortoise Berry fruit is rich in Vitamin C and has been used in traditional medicine for treating colds, flu and bronchitis, as well as providing relief for abdominal pain and tuberculosis. Tea/infusions of stems and leaves also act as a general tonic and bitter digestive. This ethnomedical plant has properties that can help those with sleeplessness when the leaves are chewed in small amounts. The fruits are quite thirst-quenching and can be eaten straight from the bush.

Tortoise Berry is very easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. It is a tough plant and will usually survive with little attention. Water as necessary and ensure the soil is well-drained. It is also fairly resistant to most pests. It can be grown in USDA Zones 9-11. Mature plants are cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a short time. It is salt-tolerant and can be grown near the sea. Propagation is best done from seed and can take up to a year, however it is very rewarding and will usually create a beautiful display once planted in rockeries and slopes and any well-drained, sunny garden position. If located in colder regions, it is advised to grow the shrub in a pot and bring indoors during cold snaps.

Cistanche is a worldwide genus of holoparasitic desert plants. They lack chlorophyll and obtain nutrients and water from the host plants whose roots they parasitize.

The Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a perennial thistle originating in Southern Europe around the Mediterranean. It grows to 1.4-2 metres (4.6-6.6 ft) tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery, glaucous-green leaves 50-82 centimetres (20-32 in) long. The flowers develop in a large head from an edible bud about 8-15 centimetres.

The flowers are quite small but they produce a grape size, edible, olive green or orange colored fruit. Cercestis mirabilis, commonly known as African Embossed Plant, is a small shrub reaching up to 2-5 feet tall in maturity. It hails from the tropical region of Africa and is a popular ornamental foliage plant. It prefers semi-shaded positions and regular water, and is hardy from USDA zones 9-11.

Its attractive and unusual triangular shaped leaves are green with a unique white-silver marking that slowly fades as the plant matures. As the young plants or shoots grow the leaf blades are not perforated, however as it enters the adult growth stage the perforations start to form.

The flowers of Cercestis mirabilis are quite small but they produce a grape-sized, edible fruit which can range in color between olive green to orange.

The plant also has ethnomedical uses as the young leaves and inflorescences are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, and is considered a healthy food source due to its relatively high Vitamin A content.

In terms of growing the African Embossed Plant, it requires a bit of maintenance. Even though it is quite resilient and can manage long dry seasons, optimal growth is achieved when the plant is watered regularly. For those living in colder regions, growing the African Embossed Plant in a container or pot allows it to be easily transferred to avoid harsh winter climates.

Schisandra is a woody vine which bears numerous clusters of tiny, bright red berries.Schisandra chinensis is a plant which bears fruit containing one or more naturally-occurring adaptogens, which have been shown to maintain the body

One of the principle timbers of west Africa, it is widely harvested from the wild and has been introduced into many other tropical countries as a promising timber plantation species. It is also cultivated as a shade tree in cacao plantations.