Heliotropium steudneri
Vatke
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Description
A tropical tree in the borage family (Boraginaceae) native to tropical regions.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The flesh of the fruit is eaten raw. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable.
Traditional Uses
The flesh of the fruit is eaten raw. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The leaf juice is applied to cuts to stop bleeding and to prevent infection. The plants are dipped in boiling water and then squeezed over bruises. Drops of the leaf juice are applied to the eyes of cattle to cure conjunctivitis. The pyrrolizidine alkaloid lycopsamine has been isolated from the leaves. Since its uses are similar to those of some better studied species of the genus such as Heliotropium indicum L. And Heliotropium ovalifolium Forssk., pyrrolizidine alkaloids are probably responsible for the alleged medicinal properties of this plant.
Known Hazards
No specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, but many members of this plant family (Boraginaceae) are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids have a cumulative effect upon the body and, unless concentrations in a plant are high, occasional use is generally completely safe. They are derived from amino acids including ornithine. Many pyrrolizidine alkaloids have pronounced hepatic toxicity, but the lungs and other organs may be affected as well. Mutagenic and carcinogenic activities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids have also been reported.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Botswana, East Africa, Ethiopia, Himalayas, Nepal, South Africa, Southern Africa,
Cultivation
Several butterfly species depend on plants to provide them with lycopsamine as a precursor of the pheromone danaidone. The flowers have a bad smell which is believed to help pollination by flies.
Also Known As
Gabo
References (4)
- Lulekal, E., et al, 2011, Wild edible plants in Ethiopia: a review on their potential to combat food insecurity. Afrika Focus - Vol. 24, No 2. pp 71-121
- Ruiters-Welcome, A. K., 2019, Food plants of southern Africa. Ph.D. thesis. Univ. of Johannesburg p 38
- Teklehaymanot, T & Giday, M., 2010, Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants of Kara and Kwego semi-pastoralist people in Lower Omo River Valley, Debub Omo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia Journ. of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 6:23
- Welcome, A. K. & Van Wyk, B.-E., 2019, An inventory and analysis of the food plants of southern Africa. South African Journal of Botany 122 (2019) 136–179
