Stachytarpheta jamaicensis
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Scientific
Classification
Synonyms
Species
ID: NMP-250;wfo-0000314894;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 634377 Common
Names: Brazilian tea, Gervao, Rooter comb, Verbena cimarrona, and Blue porter
weed Description: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is a small, sprawling perennial shrub that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The younger stems are green or purplish, and the leaves are oblong-elliptic to ovate, measuring 2–9 cm in length, with coarsely crenate-serrate margins. The plant produces slender spikes of small, tubular blue flowers, which are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Distribution and Habitat: Native to the Caribbean, including Florida, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis has been introduced to various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide including Nigeria. It typically grows along country roadsides and thrives as a ruderal plant on disturbed terrain. Medicinal Properties: The plant is reputed to have emetic, expectorant, sudorific, and tonic properties. Traditionally, it has been used to treat ailments such as malaria, yellow fever, amenorrhea, syphilis, and gonorrhea. The whole plant is utilized in preparations for treating diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes, low blood pressure, and fractures. A decoction of the whole plant is used as a bath to remedy grippe and headache, as well as liver ailments. The leaves are astringent, cholagogue, hypotensive, and purgative, and an infusion is used to treat high blood pressure. The juice of the leaves is used for treating colic and the pain of dysentery. Additionally, the plant contains iridoids such as ipolamiide, as well as tarphetalin, stachytarphine, and dopamine, which are active on the central nervous system. Known Toxicity: Tea brewed from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis has been shown to cause a dose-dependent reduction in blood pressure in normal rabbits. However, it has also been observed to cause mild, non-dose-dependent systemic toxicity in various tissues, including congestion, fatty changes, and necrosis in the liver, blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, and testes. The brain, eyes, intestines, and heart were essentially normal in these studies. Additional Information: Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is valued for its ornamental appeal, especially its slender spikes of blue flowers, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant and has become naturalized in various regions, including parts of Africa. The plant is also used for hedges and has been reported as a common weed in some areas, such as Zanzibar, where it occurs in pure stands over large areas and can be troublesome in coconut plantations and shambas. References
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