Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken
Cathedral Bells / Pendingin/Setawar/Sosor bebek (Bru.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial succulent herb that can reach 1.5 m high. Leaves are simple, oppositely and cross-wise arranged, thick, fleshy, dark green and becoming leathery when mature. Leaf blade is ovate-oblong to elliptic, obtuse to truncate at apex, rounded at base with toothed margin. Stems are reddish, few-branched, erect, woody at base and quadrangular. Inflorescence a panicle arising at leaf axils. The new plants are developing at the leaf margin. Flowers are hanging, yellowish-green with reddish-pink tinge. Fruit a follicle enclosed in persistent calyx. Seeds are numerous
Locally, the roots are used to relieve severe hand cramps after childbirth. The roots are cleaned, chewed (preferably 2-3 root parts) along with areca palm ( Areca catechu ) and spitted onto hands that are cramped. Alternatively, the roots can be made into a decoction with fennel flowers or black cumin (Nigella sativa ) and shallots ( Allium cepa ) and can be taken orally.
It thrives on mountain slopes, around bushes, in disturbed areas and in forests. It prefers loamy clay soil under full sunlight.
Leaf cutting, rhizome division and bud splitting.
Native to Madagascar.
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