SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 5108.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "5108" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

escoba babosa

Scientific Name: Bastardia bivalvis

Family: Malvaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Bastardia bivalvis (Escoba Babosa)

This page provides information about Bastardia bivalvis, commonly known as escoba babosa. The name "escoba babosa" is Spanish for "slimy broom".

Considerations for Pets

  • The common name, "escoba babosa" (slimy broom), refers to the mucilaginous content of the leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • The common name, "escoba babosa" (slimy broom), refers to the mucilaginous content of the leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bastardia bivalvis (Cav.) Kunth
  • Family: Malvaceae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Mentions of "escoba" related to Sida species imply a potential for historical misclassification.

Common Names

  • escoba babosa (Spanish)
  • U.S. name: escoba babosa
  • Other Spanish names: malvilla, Barbarisco, chichiv, escoba, escobillo, huinar, malva, malva amarilla, malva de cochino, malvarisco, naranjillo, oreja de burro

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in Colombia, Honduras, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Habit: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb
  • Duration: Perennial

Uses

  • In Colombia and Honduras, the leaves are used in cataplasms because they contain mucilage.
  • Traditionally used for making brooms ("escoba" means broom in Spanish).
  • Considered to be refreshing, anti-inflammatory, and emollient.

Growing Conditions

  • Requires a bright location with direct sunlight.
  • Young plants may need to be secured with stakes in windy climates.

Quirky Facts

  • The Spanish name "escoba babosa" literally translates to "slimy broom," referencing the mucilaginous texture of the leaves.
  • The plant's name origin is linked to its historical use for making brooms and the mucilage content of its leaves.

Associations

  • Often mentioned with other species under common names such as Escoba blanca (Melochia parviflora), and Escoba babosa (Sida glomerata).

Further Information

  • Tesauro de Plantas Medicinales - Departamento de Biblioteca de la Facultad de Quimica Montevideo - Uruguay.