Waltheria indica
| Waltheria indica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Waltheria |
| Species: | W. indica |
| Binomial name | |
| Waltheria indica L.[1] | |
Waltheria indica is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family, Malvaceae, that has a pantropical distribution. It is believed to have originated in the neotropics.[1] Common names include sleepy morning, basora prieta, hierba de soldado, guimauve, mauve-gris, moto-branco, fulutafu, kafaki,[2] and ʻuhaloa (Hawaii).[3] W. indica is a short-lived subshrub or shrub, reaching a height of 2 m (6.6 ft) and a stem diameter of 2 cm (0.79 in). It is most common in dry, disturbed or well-drained, moist habitats. In Puerto Rico, it grows in areas that receive 750–1,800 mm (30–71 in) of annual rainfall and at elevations from sea level to more 400 m (1,300 ft).[2]
Medicinal uses
The roots, leaves and flowers of W. indica are all used medicinally in some cultures,[4] as are those of its close relative, Waltheria americana. However, caution is advised, due particularly to the prevalence of the plant in disturbed areas that may be subject to herbicide use.
References
- 1 2 "Waltheria indica L.". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2005-01-18. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- 1 2 "Waltheria indica L. sleepy morning" (PDF). International Institute of Tropical Forestry. United States Forest Service. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ↑ "uhaloa, alaala pu loa, hala uhaloa, hialoa, kanakaloa". Hawaii Ethnobotany Online Database. Bernice P. Bishop Museum. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
- ↑ http://173.201.252.229/ethnobotanydb/ethnobotany.php?b=d&ID=uhaloa
External links
Media related to Waltheria indica at Wikimedia Commons
- "Waltheria indica". Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database. University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.