SafePlants

Romerillo: A Botanical Overview

The term "Romerillo" is a common name of Spanish origin applied to several different plants. This article explores the various species that may be referred to as Romerillo and provides information on their characteristics and uses.

Common Names and Scientific Names

• Common Name: Romerillo
• Scientific Names (may refer to):
  • Abies guatemalensis
  • Asclepias linaria
  • Baccharis sarothroides
  • Bidens alba (also known as Butterfly Needles and Shepherd's Needles)
  • Heterothalamus (South American herb)
  • Podocarpus oleifolius
  • Baccharis coridifolia
  • Chiliotrichum rosmarinifolium

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

For Bidens alba, the following taxonomic information is available:

• Symbol: BIAL
• Group: Dicot
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compuestas)
• Duration: Annual or Perennial
• Growth Habit: Forb/herb

Considerations for Pets

• Baccharis coridifolia is listed as containing toxins and is included in "Jardín de Plantas Tóxicas Grandes Animales".

Distribution and Habitat

Bidens alba is noted as a "weedy plant" found abundantly in Florida (the Sunshine State). The term "Romerillo" itself is used in various countries including: Antigua, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Venezuela.

Morphological Characteristics

Description of Bidens alba:

• An annual herb, hairless or slightly pubescent.
• Reaches a height of 30 to 100 cm or more and is more or less branched.
• Leaves are opposite, sometimes alternate in the upper parts of the plant.
• Many Romerillo plants of the family Compuestas have white or yellow flowers.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

• "El romerillo blanco" (Bidens alba) is well-known to Cubans, who have used it for medicinal purposes for generations.
• Romerillo is described as a "Planta medicinal, corroborante" (medicinal, corroborant plant).
• The entire Romerillo plant may be used for medicinal purposes.
• Recognized medicinal properties include choleretic (increasing bile production), anti-ulcer, and antifungal effects.
• Several tropical American plants called "Romerillo" are aromatic and yield native remedies or dyes.

Ecological Role

Bidens alba is described as a "weedy plant," suggesting it can be invasive or readily colonize disturbed areas.

Quirky Facts

• Kcho Studio Art Romerillo laboratory is a cultural core nonprofit in Cuba dedicated to experimentation, development, and dissemination of the arts and humanities. It was inaugurated on January 8, 2014, with Fidel Castro in attendance.

Further Information

Additional information may be found through:

• Medical Dictionaries
• Online weather resources
• Dave's Garden (a community website for sharing gardening tips and ideas)