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devil's horsewhip

Scientific Name: Achyranthes aspera

Family: Amaranthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Devil's Horsewhip (Achyranthes aspera)

Achyranthes aspera, commonly known as Devil's Horsewhip, is a plant with a rich history of traditional uses, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. This herb has garnered attention for its potential medicinal properties and its prevalence in diverse environments.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is also known as "prickly chaff flower", suggesting potential for sharp or irritating parts.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is also known as "prickly chaff flower", suggesting potential for sharp or irritating parts.

Common Names

  • Devil's Horsewhip
  • Chaff-flower
  • Prickly Chaff Flower
  • Burweed
  • Pululue (Kiswahili)
  • Panga za Wayuka (Kiswahili)
  • Washerman's Plant
  • Ridingwhip
  • Backbone Colic Weed

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Achyranthes aspera
  • Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family, Pigweed Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Phylum: Spermatophyta
  • Subphylum: [Not specified in provided text]
  • Taxonomic Status: Variety, Achyranthes aspera var. aspera L.
  • Synonyms:
    • Achyranthes aspera L.
    • Achyranthes aspera Linnaeus var. pubescens (Monquin-Tandon) C.C. Townsend

Distribution and Habitat

  • The origin of Achyranthes aspera is unclear.
  • It is found in open, dry places at elevations up to 2000 meters.
  • Reported in Madagascar.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Achyranthes aspera is a much-branched herbaceous annual to perennial plant.
  • Stems can become somewhat woody at the base.
  • It can grow from 0.8 to 4 meters tall, sometimes almost treelike.
  • Leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate.

Traditional Uses

  • Historically used in the Indian subcontinent for a number of ailments.
  • Used in the treatment of dropsy, rheumatism, stomach problems, cholera, skin diseases and rabies.
  • Used to treat snake bites.
  • Traditional healers esteem it for treating asthma and bleeding, and for facilitating delivery.
  • In Jamaica, it is used to make tea for colic and colds.
  • Traditionally used for skin damages during stretching.

Additional Resources

  • USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: ACAS)
  • Madagascar Catalogue, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, U.S.A. & Antananarivo