Clidemia hirta (L.) D. Don
Soap Bush / Sendudok bulu (M.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial densely- branching shrub that can reach up to 3 m tall. Leaves are simple, oppositely arranged, papery, glossy and both surfaces are covered with bristly hairs. Leaf blade is elliptic-ovate, acuminate at apex, obtuse or rounded at base with subentire or toothed, hairy margin and tri-veined. Stems are branching and hairy. Flowers are white or pink and small. Inflorescence a panicle arising from leaf axils or terminal branch. Fruit a globose,
The local healers believed the infusion of leaves can cure poisoning caused by toxic darts. It has been reported that the plant exhibits antidiabetic, cytotoxic, antibacterial
It prefers moist but well- drained soil under direct sunlight to partial shade. It can be found in lowland mixed dipterocarp forests, near running freshwater and along roadsides.
Seeds.
Native of South America
None