SafePlants

Coccocypselum hirsutum and Related Species

This page provides information compiled from various sources about Coccocypselum hirsutum, Geophila repens, and related plants, commonly referred to as "Yerba de Guava" or "Corrida Yerba de Guava".

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Coccocypselum hirsutum Bartl. ex DC.
• Common Name: Yerba de Guava
• Family: Rubiaceae (implied through taxonomic relationships with Geophila)

• Scientific Name: Geophila repens (L.) I.M. Johnst.
• Common Names: Corrida Yerba de Guava, Snake Pennywort, Karinkudungal, Karimutthil, Karintakkalli
• Synonyms: Geophila herbacea (Jacq.) K. Schum., Rondeletia repens L.
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

• Scientific Name: Coccocypselum herbaceum Aubl.
• Common Name: Yerba de Guava
• Rank: Species

Note: Some sources may use different scientific names, so it is important to check the specific authority being cited.

Distribution and Habitat

• Geophila repens is found in Angola, Antarctica, Argentina, Argentina:Rio Negro, Australia, Barbados, and other locations.
• A specimen of Coccocypselum hirsutum was collected at Lake Manatee State Park, Manatee County, Florida.
• Coccocypselum hirsutum is considered Not Native.

Morphological Characteristics

• Geophila repens is described as a creeping herb with stems 20-30 cm long. It is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).

Traditional and Reported Uses

• Geophila repens (Corrida Yerba de Guava) is listed as a medicinal plant.
• "Yerba de garro" is mentioned as a medicinal plant found in humid forests of Cuba ("bejuco guar") and Puerto Rico ("yerba de guava"). Six leaves of guarumo are used in one liter of water, taken three glasses a day.

Additional Information

• The USDA PLANTS database contains images and information about Coccocypselum hirsutum (Yerba de Guava).
• The USF Herbarium Specimen Database contains specimen details.
• Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Coccocypselum herbaceum.