Asclepiadaceae Asclepias curassavica L.

| |	© W.D. Hawthorne

Keywords in this picture :

• Flower
• Inflorescence
• Flower & fruit
• Plant parts

Places where this species can be found :

• Morne Gazo - GRENADA

Species information

Description
Herb to 60cm. Leaves opposite or 3-whorled.

Interest
Acclepias was the Greek God of medicine; some species used medicinally. A common weed poisonous to livestock. The root is esed traditionally in the Caribbeanm to induce vomiting, and used in a similar way to true Ipecacuanha. The leaves can be used against worms, but the plant is toxic. The Caribs, apart from using the plnt thus, use the leaves in baths against 'piai, or bad spells ((Politi, 1996; Honeychurch, 1986). The active principle is said to asclepiadin, which in excess is fatal.

Specimen information

Collection Date
19/06/2001

Collector
W.D. Hawthorne, S.Cable & D. Jules

Specimen Number
581

Location
Along main nature trail.

Notes
Shrub 50 cm tall. FLOWERS: red and yellow.

Coordinates
Latitude: 12.020000 N   Longitude: 61.430000 W   Altitude: 265