Dorstenia sp.
wikimedia· cc-by-sa
Wikimedia Commons - Shyamal
wikimedia· cc-by-sa
Wikimedia Commons - Irina-kab
Description
A herb. The flowering arrangement is flattened or cup shaped with all the flowers on the upper surface.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The leaves are edible.
Medicinal Uses
South American species such as Dorstenia contrajerva and Dorstenia brasiliensis are a source of the herbal preparation contrayerva that has been used as a tonic and febrifuge, and as an antidote in South American folk medicine. In North America powder made from the rootstocks and leaves of Dorstenia contrajerva is mixed with tobacco for improving the taste of cigarettes. In Oman the tubers of Dorstenia foetida are cooked and eaten. Dorstenia barteri is used in West African folk medicine. Scientific research has shown that it contains numerous flavonoid compounds that have anti-microbial, anti-reverse transcriptase, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Distribution
A tropical plant. They need a warm climate and adequate moisture.
Where It Grows
Africa, East Africa, Malawi,
Cultivation
Probably grown from seed.
Notes
There are 105 Dorstenia species with 46 in tropical America.
References (7)
- Anderson, M., 2002, The World Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents. Hermes House, New York. p 149 (Genus)
- Glover et al, 1969,
- Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 75
- Llamas, K.A., 2003, Tropical Flowering Plants. Timber Press. p 277 (Genus)
- Marinelli, J. (Ed), 2004, Plant. DK. p 103 (Genus)
Show all 7 references Hide references
- Martin, F.W. & Ruberte, R.M., 1979, Edible Leaves of the Tropics. Antillian College Press, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. p 223
- Peters, C. R., O'Brien, E. M., and Drummond, R.B., 1992, Edible Wild plants of Sub-saharan Africa. Kew. p 147
