Phyla scaberrima (Juss. ex Pers.) Moldenke
Aztec Sweet Herbs / Stevia (Bru.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial herb that can reach up to 6 m tall. Leaves are simple, oppositely arranged, purplish-green, covered with soft hairs and releasing an aromatic smell. Leaf blade is elliptic, acute at apex, cuneate at base with toothed margin. Stems are sparsely hairy and woody at base. The new shoot is purplish- brown. Flowers are white and green, 20-flowered or more in individual
The leaves and roots are crushed together, mixed with the nests of Coucal ( Centropus bengalensis or locally known as Burung bubut) which are normally found inside dense vegetation and made into an ointment. It is applied externally and believed to have healing effect on bone fractures especially on legs. Antioxidant, free radical scavenging, antimicrobial, antibacterial, bone healing, antiulcer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities are observed in the plant.
It is often found in open and disturbed waste places, near coastal areas and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soil under sunny position.
Seeds.
Distributed in Philippines, Palawan, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi and New Guinea.
None