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Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum is a perennial flowering shrub belonging to the (Gesneriads) Gesneriaceae family. It is a member of the Rhytidophyllum genus and the Tomentosum[1] species. Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum is native to Jamaica[2].
Description[edit]
Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum has long slender lime-green to dark green hairy leaves that are between 6 and 8 inches long. The leaves are pointed at both ends and have jagged edges.
The plant blooms light yellow tubular flowers that have dark red spots in the center.
Habitat[edit]
Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum thrives in damp, shaded, rocky hillsides. Although the plant is endemic to Jamaica, it has been introduced to the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Local Names[edit]
In Jamaica the vernacular names for Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum are Search mi heart[3], Search my heart or Heart bush.
Traditional Uses[edit]
- Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum fresh or dried leaves are used to make herbal tea for heart palpitations, coughs, chest congestion, sinus infections, and menstrual cramps.
- The plant's leaves and stems are combined with other ingredients to make Jamaican root tonic[4].
References[edit]
- ^ "Rhytidophyllum tomentosum (L.) Mart. - Jamaica, Cornwall Co. (BARCODE: 110428) - ISB: Atlas of Florida Plants". florida.plantatlas.usf.edu. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ "Jamaica". Geography. 2014-03-21. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
- ^ Mitchell, Sa; Ahmad, Mh. "A review of medicinal plant research at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, 1948-2001". MDPI. 55 (4). doi:10.3390/molecules26030607. ISSN 0043-3144.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ Vandebroek, Ina; Picking, David; Tretina, Jessica; West, Jason; Grizzle, Michael; Sweil, Denton; Green, Ucal; Lindsay, Devon (2021). "Root Tonics and Resilience: Building Strength, Health, and Heritage in Jamaica". Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 5. doi:10.3389/fsufs.2021.640171. ISSN 2571-581X.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)