Heliopsis longipes
(A. Gray) S. F. Blake
Golden root, Aztec root
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(c) Pedro Nájera Quezada, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Pedro Nájera Quezada
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Alan Camacho Morales, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaHeliopsis longipes is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It has been found only in the states of Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, and Querétaro in north-central Mexico. Locally called chilcuague, Azteca gold root, and many other names, it was considered powerful medicine for the prehispanic populations of México.
Description
A perennial herb in the Asteraceae family native to tropical regions.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The root is used as a food flavouring in sauces and spicy meals. It has a flavour similar to chili. It is added to alcoholic beverages to improve the taste.
Medicinal Uses
The roots possibly have anti-arthritic properties.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Mexico,
Other Uses
The roots are used as an insecticide, having a paralyzing and toxic action against flies and other insects . Studies have confirmed the roor has an effective insecticidal action against various insects, including the domestic house fly and the common bean weevil. Furthermore, the active compound 'affinin' has been found to be effective against mollusks and fungi, whilst the crude root extracts have been shown to kill a number of bacteria and fungi.
Notes
The roots possibly have anti-arthritic properties.
Synonyms
References (1)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
