Leucas cephalotes - (Roth.)Spreng.
(Roth.)Spreng.
Spiderwort
gbif· cc-by-nc
Ajay Malik.
gbif· cc-by-nc
Ajay Malik.
gbif· cc-by-nc
Ajay Malik.
Description
Leucas cephalotes is a ANNUAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Tender leaves and young shoots - cooked. Used as a pot herb.
Medicinal Uses
Antiperiodic Malaria Skin Styptic UrinaryA decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of malarial fever. A paste of the plant is boiled with mustard oil and applied externally to boils. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of urinary complaints. The dried inflorescences are smoked and the smoke exhaled through the nose to treat nosebleeds.
Distribution
E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to western China.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, China (Xizang Zizhiqu) TROPICAL ASIA: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed outdoors in Britain. 240
Propagation
Seed -
