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Fallugia paradoxa

Botanical Name :Fallugia paradoxa
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Fallugia
Species: F. paradoxa
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Rosales

Common Name:Apache plume and ponil.

Habitat : Fallugia paradoxa is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is found in arid habitats such as desert woodlands and scrub.

Description:
Fallugia paradoxa, the Apache plume, is an erect shrub not exceeding two meters in height. It has light gray or whitish peeling bark on its many thin branches. The leaves are each about a centimeter long and deeply lobed with the edges rolled under. The upper surface of the leaf is green and hairy and the underside is duller in color and scaly.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

The flower of the shrub is roselike when new, with rounded white petals and a center filled with many thready stamens and pistils. The ovary of the flower remains after the white petals fall away, leaving many plumelike lavender styles, each 3 to 5 centimeters long. The plant may be covered with these dark pinkish clusters of curling, feathery styles after flowering. Each style is attached to a developing fruit, which is a small achene. The fruit is dispersed when the wind catches the styles and blows them away.

Medicinal Uses:
The roots dug in the fall are boiled in water for coughs, drunk morning and evening, and the tea used as a hair rinse after shampooing.  Reports are that the root and bark tea are a good growth stimulant and tonic for the hair.  The powdered root (with tobacco) or the flowers (with Horehound and flour) are used for painful joints or soft tissue swellings, applied locally as a poultice or fomentation.  The spring twigs bay be boiled and drunk for indigestion and “spring” fevers.

Other Uses:
Thie Fallugia paradoxa plant is considered valuable for erosion control in desert areas where it grows.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallugia
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm

http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/product/51450/

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Biophytum sensitivum

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Botanical Name : Biophytum sensitivum
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Biophytum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Order: Oxalidales

Common Names :  life plant, alleluya (French), jhalai (Bengali), alm bhusha,  lajjaalu, lakshmana (Hindi), hara muni, jalapushpa (Kannada),  mukkutti (Malayalam), jharera, lajwanti (Marathi), jhullipuspa,  lajjalu,  panktipatra, pitapushpa, vipareetalajjaalu (Sanskrit), nilaccurunki, tintaanaalee (Tamil), attapatti, chumi, jala puspa,  pulicenta (Telugu), damong-bingkalat (Tag.), damong-huya (Bis.), guyankan (Sub.), hoya-hoya (P. Bis.), makahiang-lalaki (Tag.), lubi-lubi (P. Bis.), mahihiin (Ilk.), makahia (Tag.), niug-niug (Sul.).  Look-a-likes: Biophytum dendroides, which is considerably larger

Habitat :A common weed found in wet lands (mostly plains) of tropical Africa, Asia and India. Normally in the shade of trees and shrubs, in grasslands, open thickets, at low and medium altitudes.

Description: Biophytum is a genus of about 50 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants
Biophytum sensitivum is truly a remarkable little plant, it looks like a miniature palm but don’t be fooled: it belongs to the wood-sorrel family. The little plant rarely exceeds 20cm (8”) in height and forms an unbranched woody erect stem. All leaves grow from the endpoint and are made of 8 to 17 pairs of leaflets. Each leaflet is up to 1.5 cm (0.5”) long and what makes them really remarkable is their ability to fold together – call it an extreme form of “sleep movement” which is exhibited by a lot of members in this family. When applying pressure, tapping or damaging them they neatly fold together in a few seconds. Tapping the leaf once more makes it droop down, often cascading the effect to adjacent leaves. This plant also displays this behaviour (albeit slower) when the level of light drops at night. This ability is not restricted to the leaves, the peduncle which carries the flowers has the same ability and also drops at night. This mechanism is probably a means against insects which would otherwise damage the plants, but this is peculiar since plants from this family contain poisonous oxalate.

YOU MAY CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURES
..,
The flowers (1cm ?) are normally yellow, white or orange with a red/orange streak in the center of each of the 5 petals. Not only do they look like miniature Primula flowers, they share a threat with this genus which is quite interesting: heterostyly. Heterostyly in Biophytum sensitivum is responsible for 3 flower morphs. The three morphs (tristylous) each have a stable difference in pistil- and stamen length:

*long-styled: the stigmas emerge above the stamen
*mid-styled: the stigmas sit at a level between two layers of stamina
*short-styled: the stigmas are located at the bottom, above it two levels of stamina

The flowers are many, and crowded at the apices of the numerous peduncles. The sepals are subulate-lanceolate, striate, and about 7 millimeters long. The fruit is a capsule which is shorter than the persistent calyx.

The flowers are many, and crowded at the apices of the numerous peduncles. The sepals are subulate-lanceolate, striate, and about 7 millimeters long. The fruit is a capsule which is shorter than the persistent calyx.

The flowers on the same plant are all of the same morph. This mechanism normally assures self-incompatibility because pollen from a long/mid/short stamen will only set seed if it’s germinating on a matching long/mid/short style. But oddly enough you’ll find that your Biophytum sensitivum can readily set seed without intervention. The reason is that there’s a 4th less-known and rarer morph: the homostyled form. Homostyly is rare in plants that show tristyly, but quite common in Biophytum sensitivum. This fourth morph is a form where the pistils are the same length as the stamen and has been the source of much confusion in the propagation of these plants. These homostyled morphs are true from seed when selfed, and can be recognized by a pure yellow flower which is a bit smaller than the heterostylous plants. This is quite important to know since this species is actually an annual. They can grow much longer than a year in cultivation but they’ll eventually give up, at which time it’s best to have a small batch of seeds. Selfing isn’t really an issue and the homostyled plants will happily set seed without intervention. The plants remain viable for many generations and seeds from commercial sources probably come from homostyled forms which could imply a very narrow genetic diversity.

A few sources mention that this plant can be found as a lithophyte. No photographic evidence backs this up.

Cultivation & Propagation:
The species has been widely adopted by terrarium growers due to its compact but attractive habit. They require an average warm (20-30°C) humid environment and will be at their best when a regular misting is applied. The temperature is allowed to drop to 16°C in winter but try not to go lower as it can lead to death – remember that this species is actually an annual.

They thrive on a rich soil that is slightly acidic in pH. They neither like wet nor dry soil, so add sand to the soil mix and water regularly to keep it damp. Reduce watering in Winter but don’t let it go dry. As a standard medium you can mix 2 parts general purpose garden centre soil, 1 part washed sand or perlite, 2 parts leafmould and 1 part peat. Grow them in a container of 15 cm diameter, don’t repot adults as the root system is quite delicate.

Biophytum sensitivum enjoys a position in bright indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaflets to curl and shrivel but you might want to experiment. Too little light will result in dwarfed plants with a small number of leaves. Place them on a North-facing window or in a well-lit terrarium.

Biophytum sensitivum is easily propagated from seed. To get a good seedset read the guidelines regarding heterostyly in the introduction. There’s one more thing you should know: the seeds are catapulted away from the plant. Each seed is enveloped by a stiff and a flexible fleece, this builds up a tension as it dries. When the seed is mature the flexible part detaches and the seed is shot away. To harvest the seeds before they’re flung away wait until the seedpod opens (revealing a star-shaped structure with the brown seeds in 5 rows) and pinch the whole seedpod off by pressing it between thumb and index finger. Now gently rub the seeds so that the fleece comes off.

Sow the seeds in Spring on a lighter variation of the soil for mature plants: use only half a part of leafmould (or none at all) instead of 2 parts. Place the seeds on top of the soil and cover the container with transparent plastic or glass to increase humidity. Don’t place them in direct sunlight but in a bright position at 25°C. Seedlings can sometimes tumble over because the small roots have difficulty penetrating the soil – gently add a small amount of soil around them. Plant them in individual pots once they grow 2 leaves with 6 leaflets each.


Medicinal Uses:
Biophytum sensitivum has been studied in pharmacy and holds considerable potential in ethnobotany – don’t use it to make your own potions. In the Philippines the seeds (applied in the form of a powder) are used as a vulnerary. The roots in the are administered in cases of gonorrhea and bladder stone. Bruised leaves are applied to contusions. A recent work (unpublished) of Dr. F. Garcia indicates that the plant is a promising cure for diabetes mellitus, he claims that it contains an insulin-like component. Gross reports that an infusion of the leaves is useful as an expectorant. Apparently the plant is used in Brazil as an antiasthmatic, and also against scorpion stings. It is also a reputed medicine for tuberculosis. Crevost and Petelot say that the plant is given in India and Java against asthma. The annual Biophytum sensitivum is a traditional medicine in Nepal.

Ayurveda also see this little herb as a good medicine, used as a tonic, stimulant and in the treatment of stomachache, diabetes and asthma.

Other Uses:
In Kerala the flower of Biophytum sensitivum is used in athapoo, special floral formation that adores courtyards and public places during Onam, the national festival of Kerala.
It is a very good indoor plant

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://culturesheet.org/doku.php?id=oxalidaceae:biophytum:sensitivum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biophytum

Mukkutti (Biophytum Sensitivum) -Flowers of Kerala


http://vaniindia.org.whbus12.onlyfordemo.com/herbal/plantdir.asp

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Croton tiglium

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Botanical Name :Croton tiglium
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Subfamily: Crotonoideae
Genus: Croton
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malpighiales
Tribe: Crotoneae
Species: C. tiglium

Other Names :Purging croton, Physic-nut, Croton-oil plant

Habitat : Native to tropical Asia from India to New Guinea and Java, north into Indonesia and China. Wild throughout the Philippine Islands, where it is also cultivated to a limited extent; often becoming naturalized after cultivation. Grown in southern California and elsewhere as an ornamental and curious plant.

Ranging from Subtropical Moist to Tropical Very Dry throught Wet Forest Life Zones, purging croton is reported to tolerate annual precipitation of 7.0 to 42.9 dm (mean of 8 cases = 20.6), annual temperature of 21.0 to 27.5°C (mean of 8 cases = 25.3), and pH of 4 5 to 7.5 (mean of 6 cases = 6.1). (Duke, 1978, 1979) A dry land plant, adaptable to most tropical climates, up to 1,500 m elevations, not particular as to soil type or texture. Often grown in mixed forests, and commonly planted in and about towns.


Description:
Small shrub or tree up to 12 m tall evergreen; bark smooth, the younger stems stellate puberulent. Leaves alternate, simple; stipulate; petioles long; laminae ovate or elliptic-lanceolate, the bases obtuse to rounded, the margins serrate, the tips acute to acuminate, 3-costate, reticulate, the surfaces glabrous. Inflorescences in terminal racemes, bearing unisexual flowers; monoecious; bracts subulate. Flowers ebracteolate, pedicellate, unisexual, actinomorphic, pentamerous, hypogynous. Staminate flower: Calyx synsepalous, 5-partite, the tips bearded, glabrescent, persistent. Corolla apopetalous, the petals 5, linear, as long as the calyx., the margins pubescent, white. Androecium polyandrous, stamens 15, inserted on a villous receptacle, disc glands 5, small, opposite the calyx lobes, the anthers dithecous, adnate, introrse, dehiscence longitudinal. Pistillode absent. Pistillate flower: Calyx synsepalous, 5-partite, the tips bearded, stellate puberulent, villous at the base within, persistent. Corolla absent; disc obscure, annular. Pistil 1, ovary ellipsoid, stellately hispid, 3-lobed, 3-carpelled, syncarpous, 3-loculed, the placentation axile, the ovule one in each locule, the styles 3, the stigmas 2-fid. Fruit a schizocarp capsule of three 1 – seeded cocci, elliptic-oblongoid, 3-lobed, hispid; seeds oblongoid, 3-lobed, hispid; seeds oblongoid, obtusely trigonous, carunculate ,endosperm copious, fleshy. Flowering period: July – September. Fruiting period: August – November.

click to see the pictures..>..….(01)...…....(1)……..(2).…………………….

Cultivation:
Propagated from seed, the seed sown directly in the forest, or in seedbeds and the young plants planted in desired places. It may be cultivated as a pure crop or as an intercrop with cacao or coffee, providing some shade (Reed, 1976).

Harvesting:
Plants begin bearing seed in 3 years after planting, and are full-bearing in 6 years. Seeds ripen in November and December, and should be collected before capsules open.

Constituents :C.S.I.R. reports that the oil contains 3.4% toxic resin. Of the acids, 37.0% is oleic, 19.0% linoleic, 1.5% arachidic, 0.3% stearic, 0.9% palmitic, 7.5% myristic, 0.6% acetic, 0.8% formic, with traces of lauric, tiglic, valeric, and butyric, plus some unidentified.


Medicinal uses:
It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs of used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Major known ingredients are: glyceryl crotonate, crotonic acid, crotonic resin, and the tumor-promoting phorbol esters phorbol formate, phorbol butyrate, and phorbol crotonate.

Folk Medicine
According to Hartwell (1967-1971), the seed oil and bark are used in folk remedies for cancerous sores and tumors. Reported to be cathartic, diaphoretic, ecbolic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative, rubefacient, and vesicant, purging croton is a folk remedy for apoplexy, cancer, carbuncles, colds, dysentery, fever, flux, paralysis, ranula, scabies, schistosomiasis, skin, snakebite, sore, throat, and toothache (Duke and Wain, 1981). Leaf poulticed onto snakebite in Sumatra. Seed, POISONOUS, employed as purgative in lead colic and cancer; recommended as a revulsive in colds and fever for obstinate diarrhea and dysentery, delayed menstruation, edema, ranula, apoplexy, paralysis, scabies, throat afflictions, toothache. Seed oil recently used in schistosomiasis. Bruised root applied to cancerous sores and carbuncles. Seeds contain one of the most purgative substances known; also quite vesicant; once used as emmenagogue. Homeopathically used for gastroenteritis, pustulose eczema, conjunctivitis, and mastitis. Here the reader should be warned that homeopathic practitioners use some very poisonous plants in very dilute concentrations. Like so many plants, this contains both cancer-causing and cancer correcting compounds. According to Pettit (1977), phorbol is the cocarcinogenic substance of Croton tiglium. For a man, about four seeds, for a horse, about 15 seeds represent a lethal dose. On the other hand, Pettit and Cragg (1978) list Phorbol 12-tiglate 13-decanoate as active at doses of 60-250 ug/kg against the PS-tumor system (Duke and Ayensu, 1984). In Malaya a single kernel is eaten as a purgative; when purging has gone far enough, coconut milk is drunk to stop it.

Other Uses
Studying insecticidal activity of 20 plants to adult females of Uroleuron cathami, Deshmukn and Borle (1975) reported the petroleum ether extracts of purging croton seeds to be most effective (0.125% as toxic as nicotine sulfate). Hager’s Handbuch (List and Horhammer, 1969-1979) says it is more effective than Derris extract. Himalaya tribes use the bark in arrow poisons. Bark has been used as a tannin source. Mashiguchi et al. (1977) report on the molluscididal activity of the seed against Oncomelania quadrasi. It is also used to poison fish. When Croton oil was evaluated for possible effects on the P-388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice, significant inhibitory activity was noted. Fractionation of the oil led to characterization of the major component, the phorbol diester, phorbol 12-tiglate 13-decanoate which exhibits significant inhibitory activity at dosages of 60-250 ug per kg body weight against P-388. There is a paradoxical similarity in structure between the cocarcinogenic and antileukemic principles of the Euphorbiaceae and the Thymelaeaceae (Kupchan et al., 1976). Croton oil, a fixed oil expressed from seeds by methods similar to those used to obtain castor oil, is used in human and veterinary medicine as a cathartic, irritant, and rubefacient. Internally, it is a drastic, very rapid purgative or cathartic; applied externally to the skin, it is a powerful local irritant, causing pustular eruptions. When diluted, oil is used as a counter-irritant, and is usually administered with sugar and bread crumbs. In Malaysia, the oil is used more for illumination and soapmaking than for medicine. According to the Wealth of India (C.S.I.R. 1948-1976), “Croton oil appears no longer any place in medical practice.” Crushed seeds and leaves, pulverized and put in sacks, are placed in ponds and rivers to stupefy fish.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.


Resources:
http://www.homeopathyandmore.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563
http://www.tuninst.net/MyanMedPlants/TIL/famE/Euphorbiaceae.htm
http://toptropicals.com/cgi-bin/garden_catalog/cat.cgi?uid=Croton_tiglium&comments=1
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Croton_tiglium.html

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Bois de Rose (Aniba rosaeodora )

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Botanicakl Name :Aniba rosaeodora
Family: Lauraceae
Genus: Aniba
Common Names :Bois de Rose , Rosewood
Common Names in Dutch: Echt Rozenhout
Common Names in English & French:: Car-Cara
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Laurales
Species: A. rosaeodora


Habitat :It is found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Traditions: Central and South America


Description:
Shrubs to tall trees , evergreen or rarely deciduous ( Cassytha a parasitic vine with leaves reduced to scales ), usually aromatic . Leaves alternate, rarely whorled or opposite, simple , without stipules, petiolate . Leaf blade : unlobed (unlobed or lobed in Sassafras ), margins entire, occasionally with domatia (crevices or hollows serving as lodging for mites ) in axils of main lateral veins (in Cinnamomum ) . Inflorescences in axils of leaves or deciduous bracts, panicles (rarely heads ), racemes , compound cymes, or pseudoumbels (spikes in Cassytha ), sometimes enclosed by decussate bracts. Flowers bisexual or unisexual , bisexual only, or staminate and pistillate on different plants , or staminate and bisexual on some plants, pistillate and bisexual on others; flowers usually yellow to greenish or white, rrely reddish; hypanthium well developed, resembling calyx tube , tepals and stamens perigynous; tepls 6(-9), in 2(-3) whorls of 3, sepaloid , equal or rarely unequal, if unequal then usually outer 3 smaller than inner 3 (occasionally absent in Litsea ) ; stamens (3-) 9(-12), in whorls of 3, but 1 or more whorls frequently staminodial or absent; stamens of 3d whorl with 2 glands near base ; anthers 2- or 4-locular, locules opening by valves ; pistil 1, 1-carpellate; ovary 1-locular; placentation basal; ovule 1; stigma subsessile , discoid or capitate. Fruits drupes, drupe borne on pedicel with or without persistent tepals at base, or seated in ± deeply cup-shaped receptacle (cupule), or enclosed in accrescent floral tube . Seed 1; endosperm absent.

 

click to see the pictures........(01)….


Common Uses: Deodorants/Perfumes * Facial and Skin care *
Properties:  Analgesic* Skin tonic* Aromatic*

Personal Experience, Research, Possible Actions:
Rosewood has a similar nature to Ho Wood and is considered both emotionally uplifting and calming to the mind. Due to its high % of linalol this oil is thought to be deeply nourishing and supportive to the immune system. We use this oil for healing from an infection, cold or flu, as well as for assisting in sleep. Rosewood is a deep sedative.

Rosewood offers the immune system a boost. I use it as a regular part of my preventative health care and feel blessed to have this oil in my life. My favorites uses for Rosewood are in a bath, cream, massage oil, and in shampoo. When I am traveling I will put a few drops on a cotton ball, put it in a plastic bag, and open it up every few hours to smell its woodsy, lightly floral aroma.

Rosewood can be blended with Lavender to relieve a headache. Put both oils into a carrier oil (St. John’s Wort is my favorite for a headache) and rub on the back of your neck and on your throat as soon as the headache begins.

It is also known for its skin-healing ability (antibacterial and anti fungal). I like to steam my face with a drop of Rosewood in a bowl of hot water. Use the same technique for a sinus steam and let your skin soak up the Rosewood.

It has a wonderful anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic action and is used for colds and flu, especially when there is muscle pain accompanied with a heavy cough.

Great for insomnia!

Traditional Knowledge:-

*Antidepressant/uplifting
*Analgesic

*Anti-inflammatory – reduce inflammation

*Antiseptic – assists in fighting germs/infections
*Anti fungal – inhibits growth of fungus (Candida, athlete\’s foot)
*Antispasmodic
*Bactericidal – destructive to bacteria
*Cephalic – remedy for the head (in this case, clears the head)
*Immune support – stimulates functioning of immune system
*Sedative

*Tonic – strengthens and restores vitality
*Nourishing for the skin

Emotional and Energetic Qualities:-
*Assists meditation
*Helps prepare for any spiritual healing
*Calms to the nerves
*Acts as an antidepressant

Rosewood essential oil (Aniba rosaeodora):
A sweet, woody, fruity scented oil which is soothing, relaxing, calming and has a tonic effect. Rosewood essential oil is a good general balancer for the emotions, thus it can have good effects when used as an anti-depressant or when used during periods of stress.Rosewood is said to stimulate new cell growth, regenerate tissues and help minimize lines and wrinkles. It can also help with dry and oily skin, acne and scars. Rosewood essential oil can also be a good oil for helping to clear headaches.


Recipe:
Immune Support
10 drops Rosewood
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Ravintsara
5 drops Sandalwood

Blend these oils without any carrier, making a “stock bottle”.  Add drops to a cream, oil, bath or candle diffuser. Put a drop in your shampoo or add to an unscented liquid soap.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail8.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aniba_rosaeodora
http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/A/Aniba_rosaeodora/#top
http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/33958/0
http://www.aromaticsinternational.com/aromatherapy-essential-oil/rosewood
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.golkom.ru%2Fbook%2F2_27.html&sl=auto&tl=en
http://www.biopirateria.gob.pe/recurso18.htm
http://www.bio.uu.nl/~herba/Guyana/VTGG/Lauraceae/Aniba/slides/Aniba%20rosaeodora%201.html

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Redshank

Botanical Name :Adenostoma sparsifolium
Family : Rosaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Rosales
Genus: Adenostoma
Species: A. sparsifolium

Common Name: Red shank, Ribbon bush,Ribbonwood

Habitat: South-western N. America – Southern California.  Grows in chapparal at elevations of 300 – 2500 metres[

Description:
Adenostoma sparsifolium is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6m.It is a multi-trunked tree or shrub native to dry slopes or chaparral of Southern California and northern Baja California. Shaggy falling shanks or ribbons of bark are one of the strongest characteristics of the tree, hence the common names. Redshanks are closely related to the more abundant Chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum).

You may click to see the picturs..

It is an annual to tree.
Leaves simple to pinnately to palmately compound, generally alternate; stipules free to fused, persistent to deciduous
Inflorescence: cyme, raceme, panicle, or flowers solitary.

Red shanks grows from the San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara County line south in chaparral, down through the L.A. basin in coastal sage scrub and up on the edge of the pine forests in many areas like Mountain Center and Wheeler Springs.. It looks something like a tamarisk in fruit and flower. In the upper Malibu area the frequent fires and post-fire seeding of grasses have destroyed most of the plants. Red Shanks makes the area look like something from a James Bond movie shot in Africa or Captain Kirk on an alien planet, or Korea if you watch a MASH rerun. If pruned a little and opened up it makes a very dramatic small tree. Weird that it is not as wide ranging as it’s cousin Chamise, but it is as easy to grow and very tolerant of most garden conditions.

Flower generally bisexual, radial; hypanthium free or fused to ovary, saucer- to funnel-shaped, often with bractlets alternate with sepals; sepals generally 5; petals generally 5, free; stamens (0)5–many, pistils (0)1–many, simple or compound; ovary superior to inferior, styles 1–5
Fruit: achene, follicle, drupe, pome, or blackberry- to raspberry-like
Seeds generally 1–5

It is hardy to zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Cultivation :-
Requires a sheltered sunny position in a well-drained soil and protection from cold winds. Plants are not very hardy in Britain and do not withstand exposure to prolonged winter frosts though they succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country. In colder areas they are best grown against a south or south-west facing wall. The leaves are resinous and catch fire easily. They have a pleasant aroma.

Propagation:-
Seed – we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow the plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse or cold frame, planting them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings could be tried in August of half-ripe wood, preferably with a heel, in a frame. Layering.

Medicinal Uses:
The plant is cathartic. The plant has been used externally in the treatment of arthritis. An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colds and chest complaints, and also as a mouth wash to treat toothaches. An infusion of the dried leaves, or the branches, has been used in the treatment of stomach ailments, inducing either bowel movements or vomiting. The crushed twigs have been mixed with oil and used as a salve.

Other Uses
The bark is fibrous and has been stripped off the plants to make women’s skirts. The wood has been used to make fencing posts and as construction material. The wood burns well, giving a high intensity heat.

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Adenostoma+sparsifolium
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ADSP&photoID=adsp_004_ahp.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenostoma_sparsifolium
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6677,6681,6683
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/adenostoma-sparsifolium

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