Plectranthus caninus
Roth
Dogbane
iNaturalist· cc-by-sa
(c) Andrew Hankey, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
iNaturalist· cc-by-sa
(c) Andrew Hankey, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
iNaturalist· cc-by-sa
(c) Andrew Hankey, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Description
A tropical herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as Dogbane, that is propagated from cuttings.
This description is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of teeth and gum disorders. Extracts of the root are used as a treatment for coughs. The plant has cytotoxic and anti-tumour promoting activity and can be used in the treatment of cancer.
Known Hazards
The plant is said to be poisonous to livestock.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, North Africa, SE Asia,
Cultivation
It is grown from cuttings
Propagation
Seed - sow in well-drained soil, covering lightly with a thin layer of sand, and place in a warm but shaded spot. The seed germinates in about three weeks.
Other Uses
The leaves are used as a snuff - a habit that can become addictive. The succulent leaves are used by nursing mothers to clean their breasts after a journey.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 211 (As Coleus spicatus)
- Recher, P, 2001, Fruit Spirit Botanical Gardens Plant Index. www.nrg.com.au/~recher/ seedlist.html p 1 (As Coleus caninus)
