Tradescantia spathacea
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Summary
Source: WikipediaTradescantia spathacea, also called the oyster plant, boatlily or 'Moses-in-the-cradle', is an herb in the Commelinaceae family which was first described in 1788. It is native to Central America. The plant's common name "Moses in the Cradle" is due to its small, white flowers within a boat-shaped, purple bract that resembles a cradle, which is a visual resemblance to the biblical story of Moses in the bulrushes, where he was placed in a basket.
Description
A creeping herb in the Commelinaceae family, cultivated and sold in local markets in China.
This description is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The leaves are taken in order to procure an abortion up to the third or fourth month of pregnancy.
Distribution
C. America - Belize, Guatemala and north to southern Mexico
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Korea,
Other Information
It is sold in local markets in China. It is cultivated.
References (1)
- Li, D. et al, 2017, Ethnobotanical survey of herbal tea plants from the traditional markets in Chaoshan, China. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 205 (2017) 195-206
