Drymaria cordata

Drymaria cordata, the tropical chickweed, stangries, West Indian chickweed, or golondrina, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to moist habitats in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, and has been introduced to many places in the tropics and subtropics, including the southeast US, the Caribbean, the Indian Subcontinent, southern China, Japan, and a number of islands. It is known as one of the most aggressive weeds of the tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

Description

An annual herb. It climbs or creeps along the ground. It has branches that divide in two. It often forms a dense ground cover. The stems form roots at the nodes. The leaves are small, opposite and heart shaped. The leaves are 0.8-2 cm long by 0.5-2 cm wide. The flowers are small and white. The are in twice branched heads at the ends of the stems. The fruit is a capsule. It splits to release small seeds.

Edible Uses

Tender young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. The leaves are used in salads for their cooling properties. The herb is also reported to be eaten raw or cooked as a stimulant.

Traditional Uses

The tender shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are also eaten in salads. They are also used for drinks. The shoots can be stored for 4-5 days.

Medicinal Uses

Pounded leaves are applied to snake bites in China. The plant is appetizer, depurative, emollient, febrifuge, laxative, and stimulant; the juice of the plant is used medicinally.

Known Hazards

The plant has been shown to contain alkaloid-like chemicals, and is potentially poisonous to cattle[1093.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in damp shaded sites, often near streams or under shrubs, disturbed areas between 200–1900(–2400) m altitude in China. It grows in wetlands. It grows in Nepal between 2200-4300 m altitude. In Tanzania it grows between 900-2,700 m above sea level. It grows in open areas. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Where It Grows

Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Central Africa, Central America, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Japan, Indonesia, Lesser Antilles, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, New Caledonia, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Sikkim, South America*, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Venezuela, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ in spring. Germination usually takes place within 1–4 weeks at 20°C.

Other Uses

None known.

Production

Leaves can be collected all year round in damp places.

Notes

It is used in medicine.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Abhijalo, Abijalo, Anantsaritaka, Berro cimarron, Chimjera, Dalokshal, Erva-de-jaboti, He lian dou cao, Jaboticaa, Jabshri, Jabsri, Kur-vengso, Lai jabori, Laijabri, Lengua de pajaro, Linyolo, Lugulashili, Mibnonette, Petit quinine, Piki fowroesopo, Sadhab, Samsang-karing, Samsithalap, Shirapi kiyan, Sisente, Timignonette, Ukiko, Yurak shullu

References (47)

• Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 184
• Baro, D., Baruah, S. and Borthukar, S. K. 2015, Documentation on wild vegetables of Baksa district, BTAD (Assam). Scholars Research Library. Archives of Applied Science Research, 2015, 7 (9):19-27
• Barua, U., et al, 2007, Wild edible plants of Majuli island and Darrang districts of Assam. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 6(1) pp 191-194
• Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 1 (A-H) p 875
• Dangol, D. R. et al, 2017, Wild Edible Plants in Nepal. Proceedings of 2nd National Workshop on CUAOGR, 2017.

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