Struchium sparganophora
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Scientific
Classification:
Synonyms: Ethulia nodiflore Lam.; Ethulia
sparganophora L.; Sparganophoros sparganophora (L.) C.Jeffrey Common Names: Water bitterleaf Local Names: Ewuro-odo Species ID: NMP-171;wfo-0000021260;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 2067364 Basic
Description:
Struchium sparganophorum, commonly known as Burr-Ragweed or Sparganophorum
Knapweed, is an annual herbaceous plant. It grows up to 60 cm tall and features
yellow flowers about 1-2 cm in diameter. The leaves are elliptic and serrated,
and the plant is puberulous with cylindrical hairs and capitate glands. It is
often used ornamentally in gardens due to its attractive appearance and ability
to attract butterflies and bees. Distribution
and Habitat:
This plant is native to tropical America, including Southeast Mexico and other
parts of Tropical America. It thrives in a variety of habitats such as wet
thickets, forest edges, and often becomes a weed in banana plantations.
Struchium sparganophorum prefers moist alluvial or sandy soils along streams or
in flood plains and is widely naturalized throughout the tropics. Medicinal
Properties:
Struchium sparganophorum is utilized in traditional medicine primarily for its
antimicrobial properties. A tea made from the whole plant is used to treat
headaches, colds, wheezing, asthma, and backaches. The juice from the plant is
applied to cuts and ulcers, and the leaves are known to treat convulsions in
children. It is also used as a general tonic to improve health. Toxicity: No significant toxicity has been
reported for Struchium sparganophorum, making it safe for medicinal and
culinary uses. However, as with any medicinal plant, it is advisable to use it
under the guidance of a knowledgeable practitioner to avoid any potential
adverse effects. Additional
Information:
The plant is not only valued for its medicinal properties but also as a food
source. The leaves can be cooked and used as a potherb or a condiment in soups.
Additionally, Struchium sparganophorum is used as an ornamental plant in
gardens due to its aesthetic appeal and drought tolerance. It is also known to
have environmental benefits, such as serving as ground cover in dry, sunny
areas. References: Struchium
sparganophorum (L.) O. Ktze., Rev. Gen. Pl. 1: 366. 1891; Vasudevan, Bull. Bot.
Surv. India 8: 202. 1966; Mohanan, Fl. Quilon Dist. 233. 1984; Antony, Syst.
Stud. Fl. Kottayam Dist. 221. 1989; Joseph, Aquatic Angiosp. Malabar 54. 1991;
M. Mohanan & Henry, Fl. Thiruvanthapuram 267. 1994; Uniyal in Hajra et al.,
Fl. India 13: 347. 1995; Anil Kumar et al., Fl. Pathanamthitta 288. 2005; Sunil
& Sivadasan, Fl. Alappuzha Dist. 391. 2009. External
links
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| Compounds of Struchium sparganophora | |
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