Tag: Leaf shape

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Tetrapanax papyrifer

[amazon_link asins=’B071RD77C6,B0106K5AV2,B01HVI1C46,B01DOV67HG,B072HHDWDK,B005OQJ54W,B06VVRGYWQ,B01AQTVLN4,B01A0R9PM6′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c989f2ec-a1ab-11e7-8ea5-81273f551710′]

Botanical Name :Tetrapanax papyrifer
Family: Araliaceae
Subfamily: Aralioideae
Genus: Tetrapanax (K.Koch) K.Koch
Species: T. papyriferus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Apiales

Common Names: Tung-tsau or Rice-paper Plant

Habitat : Tetrapanax papyrifer is   widely cultivated in East Asia and sometimes in other tropical regions as well.

Description:
It grows to 3-7 m tall, with usually unbranched stems 2 cm diameter bearing a rosette of large leaves at the top (superficially similar to a palm crown). The leaves are carried on 40-60 cm petioles, the leaf blade orbicular, 30-50 cm across, deeply palmately lobed with 5-11 primary lobes, the central lobes larger and Y-forked near the end. It spreads extensively by sprouts from the root system underground. The inflorescence is a large panicle of hemispherical to globular umbels near the end of the stem. The flowers have 4 or 5 small white petals. The fruit is a small drupe.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Medicinal Uses:
Chinese medicine uses the pith as a liver stimulant and a diuretic and to increase milk production. It is believed to have cooling effects.  Plant extracts have shown anticancer activity in animals.  Used to treat coughs, fever, diabetes, induces flow of urine and expels intestinal worms.

Other Uses:
The pith from the stem is used to make a substance commonly known as rice paper, but more properly termed pith paper.

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.

Resourcs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrapanax
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Starr_050321-5220_Tetrapanax_papyrifer.jpg

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Triumfetta semitriloba

[amazon_link asins=’B007G2KBXQ,B00JEOPPXA,B007R40E8K,B000W8OUJ2,B007F9SLLO,B007R40EDK,B007G2MGRK,B00B5JJ0BU’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’93acba13-0620-11e7-a406-233fd4071b3e’][amazon_link asins=’B01EELAC80,B01F0XCLOY,067975525X,B000000FHI,B007TICXHO,B01EU054XS,B01FPS5N7Q,1862077851,B004HOQTG4′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4ac082e8-0620-11e7-b76c-bd4d8270895c’]

 

Botanical Name:Triumfetta semitriloba
Family : Tiliaceae – Linden family
Genus : Triumfetta L. – burbark
Species: Triumfetta semitriloba Jacq. – Sacramento burbark
Kingdom : Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division:Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Order: Malvales

Common Names :Mozote
Chamorro: dadangsi, masiksik lahe

Chinese: fei dao ci shuo ma

English: black bush, burweed, Sacramento bur, Sacromento burbark, triumfetta

French: cousin-petit, mahot-cousinrouge, petit mahot-cousin, tête à nègre

Spanish: cadillo de perro, pegadillo

Habitat : Native to  Tropical America, but now a pan-tropical weed.

Description:
Triumfetta semitriloba is a Perennial herbs or subshrubs to ca 5-20 dm tall; stems erect, younger ones densely stellate pubescent, glabrate with age.  Leaves variable in shape, usually broadly ovate to lanceolate, 4-20 cm long, 3.5-8 cm wide, usually slightly 3-lobed, 3-nerved from base, stellate pubescent, more densely so on lower surface, margins irregularly serrate-dentate, apex acuminate, base very broadly cuneate to truncate, rarely subcordate, petioles 1.5-6 cm long.  Sepals linear, 4-7 mm long, apex with a filiform subapical appendage; petals yellow, narrowly oblanceolate, 3.5-6.5 mm long; stamens 15-20.  Capsules globose, indehiscent, 4-5 mm in diameter, puberulent, glabrate with age, covered with retrorsely setose, hooked bristles”  (Wagner et al., 1999; p. 1294).

click to see the pictures….>..…(01).…...(1).….…(2)..….(3).…...(4)……...(5)..

Medicinal Uses:
The plant is used in Choco cough medicine. For internal parasites, boil a handful of leaves in 3 cups of water for 10 minutes; drink 3 cups of tea daily for 3 days, followed by a purge. Leaves parched over a flame are powdered and applied to sores, infections, wounds, and fungal conditions. Mash leaves into a poultice and rub juice on itching skin condition or rashes

In Costa Rica, mozote is used as a treatment for colds and diarrhea. The aqueous extract in Costa Rican folk medicine as remedy for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Mexicans use a decoction of the root for treating venereal disease, as well as kidney and liver problems, while a more astringent leaf decoction is used in Yucatan to treat hemorrhoids and leucorrhea.

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://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TRSE4
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Triumfetta_semitriloba
http://www.hear.org/pier/species/triumfetta_semitriloba.htm

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_LMN.htm

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Gentiana scabra

[amazon_link asins=’B01N7VEVTY,B01N0GW677,B01MV0IXU9,B00VKQWQCI,B071R9D8G6,B071R9W4B2,B071R1VL35,B06ZZLM34N,B008HRM9VQ’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’1d268608-296c-11e7-b25d-8129c2e8048e’]

Botanical Name : Gentiana scabra
Family: Gentianaceae
Genus: Gentiana
Species: G. scabra
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Gentianales

Common Name; Long Dan Cao, Japanese gentian

Habitat :Gentiana scabra  is native to E. Asia – China, Japan.( Now it is  found in much of the United states and Japan ,Korea, E Russia (Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang ).It grows in  river banks, grassland and roadside slopes, moist meadows, scrub, forest margins, forests; 400-1700 m.

Description:
Gentiana scabra is a perennial plant . growing  30-60 cm tall. Stems apically papillate. Stem leaves sessile; lowermost leaves scalelike, 4-6 mm; middle to upper leaves linear-lanceolate, ovate-lanceolate, or ovate, 2-7 × (0.4-)2-3 cm, base rounded to subcordate, margin scabrous and revolute, apex acuminate to acute, veins 3-5. Upper leaves slightly smaller, shorter than flowers and surrounding their bases. Inflorescences 1 to many flowered, terminal or in axillary clusters, axillary clusters rarely on pedunclelike branches; bracts linear-lanceolate to lanceolate, 2-2.5 cm. Flowers sessile. Calyx tube 1-1.2 cm, entire; lobes spreading to erect, linear, 8-10 mm, margin scabrous, apex acute. Corolla blue-purple, sometimes with yellow-green spots in throat, tubular-campanulate to funnelform, 4-5 cm; lobes ovate to ovate-orbicular, 7-9 mm, apex rounded and apiculate; plicae obliquely and narrowly triangular, 3-4 mm, apex acute or slightly 2cleft. Stamens inserted at middle of corolla tube; filaments 0.9-1.2 cm; anthers free, narrowly ellipsoid, 3.5-4.5 mm. Style 3-4 mm. Capsules 2-2.5 cm; gynophore to 1.5 cm. Seeds 1.8-2.5 mm. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in flower from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bumblebees, butterflies.

click to see the pictures
Propagation;
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame. It can also be sown in late winter or early spring but the seed germinates best if given a period of cold stratification and quickly loses viability when stored, with older seed germinating slowly and erratically. It is advantageous to keep the seed at about 10?C for a few days after sowing, to enable the seed to imbibe moisture. Following this with a period of at least 5 – 6 weeks with temperatures falling to between 0 and -5?C will usually produce reasonable germination. It is best to use clay pots, since plastic ones do not drain so freely and the moister conditions encourage the growth of moss, which will prevent germination of the seed. The seed should be surface-sown, or only covered with a very light dressing of compost. The seed requires dark for germination, so the pots should be covered with something like newspaper or be kept in the dark. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. The seedlings grow on very slowly, taking 2 – 7 years to reach flowering size. When the plants are of sufficient size, place them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in March. Most members of this genus have either a single tap-root, or a compact root system united in a single root head, and are thus unsuitable for division. Cuttings of basal shoots in late spring.

Edible Uses:
Young plant and old leaves – cooked & eaten.  A famine food, used when all else fails.

Medicinal Uses:
Long Dan Cao is used as a bitter tonic in Chinese herbalism where it promotes digestive secretions and treats a range of illnesses associated with the liver. The root is antibacterial and stomachic. It is used in the treatment of anorexia, dyspepsia, jaundice, leucorrhoea, eczema, conjunctivitis, sore throat, acute infection of the urinary system, hypertension with dizziness and tinnitus. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. This species is one of several that are the source of the medicinal gentian root, the following notes are based on the general uses of G. lutea which is the most commonly used species in the West. Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system, and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant, stomachic. It is taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties.

The root is a bitter, cooling, anti-inflammatory herb that stimulates the appetite and digestion, increases blood sugar levels and potentiates the sedative and analgesic properties of other herbs.  Internally used for liver disorders, eye complaints related to liver disharmony (such as conjunctivitis), acute urinary infections, hypertension with dizziness or tinnitus and tantrums in children.  Included in many Chinese patent remedies for “liver heat.”  It is also used in the treatment of jaundice, leucorrhoea, eczema, conjunctivitis, and sore throat.

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.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200018072
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gentiana_scabra
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_LMN.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Gentiana_scabra

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gentiana+scabra

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Cypripedium pubescens

[amazon_link asins=’B000JL90GU,B00MBLS8FA,B00CNWTFWC,B01NA68R75,B01MZ1WEGF,B0032K0Y10,B01LYI2Q6T,B01LDQPCKM,B017C9AJCU’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’560cbcde-475f-11e7-b22c-fbbb7001ab93′]

Botanical Name :Cypripedium pubescens
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Cypripedioideae
Genus: Cypripedium
Species: C. pubescens
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales

Common Names: Large yellow lady’s slipper, Yellow moccasin-flower, Nerveroot, Noah’s ark, American valerian, Whippoorwill’s-shoe,Lady’s Slipper
(The specific epithet calceolus is the Latin meaning “little shoe,” in reference to the slipper-like shape of the labellum. The varietal name pubescens is the Latin meaning “downy” or “hairy,” in reference to the hairy nature of the plant.)

Habitat : Cypripedium pubescens is  native to northern North America.In the southern part of Wisconsin, this variety is typically found growing in moist, rich deciduous woods. Further north it occurs in similar habitat but may also occur in boggy or swampy areas (where it also occasionally found in the south). The plant is rarely found in clayey soils, and shows a distinct preference for areas of limestone. In Door County, where this taxon is particularly numerous, it often grows in limestone gravel along roadsides.

Description:
Plant arising from a rhizome with a fascicle of numerous fibrous roots, 15-80 cm high; several to many stems may arise from the same rhizome. Leaves 3-5 (-6), ovate to ovate-lanceolate, plicate, 5-20 cm long and 4-10 cm wide; pubescent. Flowers 1-2, each subtended by a ovate to ovate-lanceolate, green foliaceous bract 4-10 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. Sepals apparently two (the result of the fusion of the two lateral sepals behind the labellum), green streaked with brown to brown (but highly variable in coloration); dorsal sepal ovate, 3-7 cm long and 1-3.5 cm wide; lateral sepals united and similar to dorsal sepal but typically spirally twisted, tip typically divided. Petals colored as sepals, linear-lanceolate, 4-9.5 cm long and typically less than 1 cm wide; petals usually spirally twisted. Labellum pouch-shaped, inflated, obovate, 1.5-6 cm long, opening above with inrolled edges; yellow streaked or spotted inside with madder-purple.
FLOWERING TIME: May 10-July 15.

 

click to see……>...(01)....(1).…..(2)..…...(3)……..(4)….

POLLINATION: According to Stoutamire (1967), plants are pollinated by a number of different species of small bees, primarily adrenid and halictid bees. The plants are also visited and sometimes pollinated by a variety of Diptera.

Medicinal Uses:
Cypripedium pubescens used to be a specific remedy to overcome depression, mental anxiety, and troubled sleep.  It was often recommended for women for both emotional and physical imbalances relating to menopause or menstruation, such as nervous tension, headaches, or cramps.  Cypripedium pubescens is said to increase nervous tone after a long disease and to relax nervous muscle twitches.  It is almost always given as an alcoholic tincture, since some constituents are not water-soluble.  Cypripedium pubescens is often compared to valerian, although valerian doesn’t create the uncomfortable side effects.

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.botany.wisc.edu/orchids/pubescens.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cypripedium_pubescens
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_LMN.htm

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Gillenia stipulata

[amazon_link asins=’B01M8NC90B,B00WNPEB1O’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b97db543-fa5b-11e6-addf-357bc69a955a’]

Botanical Name : Gillenia stipulata
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Gillenia
Species: G. stipulata
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Rosales

Synonym(s): Porteranthus stipulatus; spiraea stipulata, Porteranthus stipulatus. (Muhl. ex Willd.)Britt.

Common Name : American Ipecacuanna, American ipecac

Habitat : Gillenia stipulata   is native to  Eastern N. America – New York to Indiana and Kansas, south to Georgia, Louisiana and Oklahoma. It grows in woods, thickets and rocky slopes.

Description:
Gillenia stipulata is a  herbaceous, perennial  plant   growing to 1.2 m (4ft).  It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in flower from May to June.  The stem  is erect, glabrous to pubescent, branching, multiple from base, sub-hollow, greenish to red above, from caudex, rhizomatous.. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Leaves – Alternate, stipulate, short-petiolate, trifoliolate. Stipules large, foliaceous, serrate, ovate, +/-2.5cm long and broad, pubescent below, glabrous ir sparse pubescent above. Leaflets sessile, linear-lanceolate, to 9cm long, 2cm broad, serrate, pubescent below, sparse pubescent above, central leaflet slightly larger than lateral leaflets. Leaflets of lowest leaves pinnatifid.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Inflorescence – Axillary and terminal loose few-flowered panicles. Each divisions of inflorescence subtended by reduced foliaceous bract.

Flowers – Petals 5, white, acute to acuminate, 1.2cm long, 3-4mm broad, glabrous, oblong, clawed. Claw to 3mm long. Stamens 20, borne at edge of hypanthium, in two sets. Filaments white, glabrous, 2mm long. Anthers tan, 1mm in diameter. Pistils 5, distinct. Styles white, 3mm long, glabrous. Ovaries yellow-green, 1.9mm long. Hypanthium tube 5-6mm long, 3-4mm in diameter, greenish-white to reddish, truncate at base, glabrous. Sepals 5, acute, 1.1mm long, with some pubescence internally near apex. Follicles to 8mm long, glabrous, with +/-3 seeds.

A common name for this plant is “American Ipecac” because the plant had been used by natives as a laxative and emetic. This is not, however, the common Ipecac of modern medicine. Today’s Ipecac comes from Cephaelis ipecacuanha, a member of the Rubiaceae from South America.

Cultivation:
Easily grown in a rather moist but well-drained lime-free peaty soil in semi-shade. Succeeds in a sunny position but requires shade at the hottest part of the day.

Propagation:
Seed – sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on for the first year in a lightly shaded area of the greenhouse or cold frame. Plant out in late spring and protect from slugs until well established. Division in spring or autumn.
Medicinal Uses:
The dried powered root bark is cathatric, slightly diaphoretic,a mild and efficient  emetic,expectorant and tonic. Minute dosesare used internally in the treatment of colds, chronic diarrhea, constipation, asthma and other bronchial complications. The root have been used externally in the treatment of rhematism. A cold infution of the roots has been given , or the root   chewed  in the treatment of bee and insects stings.The roots are harvested in the autumn, the bark is removed and dried for later use. A tea made from the whole plant is strong laxative and emitic.Minute doses are used internally in the treatment of colds, indigestion, asthma and hepatitis.A poultice or wash is used in the treatment of rhematism,bee stings and swellings.A decoction or strong infution of the whole plant has been taken a pint at a time as an emitic.A poultice of the plant  has been used to treat leg swellings. The plant has been used in the treatment of toothaches.

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://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/cornell_herbaceous/plant_pages/Gilleniastipulata.html

http://www.robsplants.com/plants/GilleStipu

http://www.missouriplants.com/Whitealt/Gillenia_stipulata_page.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gillenia_stipulata

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_IJK.htm

http://www.thealpinegarden.com/woodlandusa.htm

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Gillenia+stipulata

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
css.php