Lythraceae FAMILY

Heimia salicifolia

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

3/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Heimia salicifolia is an erect, much-branched, deciduous shrub growing from 0.5 - 3 metres tall. In cool climates the plant does not fully ripen its stems and these die back to the ground each year. New growth up to 1.5 metres tall is then produced from the base each year[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ]. The plant has a wide reputation in the Americas as a folk medicine for treating a range of complaints. It is often harvested from the wild for local use and is also sold in local markets. The plant is also often used to make an intoxicating drink[ 1704 Title Heimia salicifolia: a phytochemical and phytopharmacologic review Publication J. Ethnopharmacol. 42 (1994) 135-159 Author Malone M.H. & Rother A. Publisher Year 1994 ISBN Description ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate; tropical

Native RangeS. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia; C. America - El Salvador, Guatemala to Mexico, New Mexico and Texas; Caribbean - Jamaica.

HabitatAlong the sides of streams and in wet soils[ 192 Title Narcotic Plants Publication Author Emboden. W. Publisher Studio Vista Year 1979 ISBN 0-289-70864-8 Description A lot of details about the history, chemistry and use of narcotic plants, including hallucinogens, stimulants, inebriants and hypnotics. , 411 Title Trees and Shrubs of Mexico Publication Contributions from the United States National Herbarium Vol 23 Author Standley P.C. Publisher Smithsonian Institution; Washington Year 1926 ISBN Description Although dated, it contains a wealth of information on the trees and shrubs of Mexico, including many of their uses. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ].