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blumea

Scientific Name: Blumea lacera

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Blumea: Exploring a Diverse Genus of Plants

Blumea is a fascinating genus of flowering plants with a rich history and diverse applications. This article delves into the various aspects of Blumea, from its taxonomy and distribution to its chemical composition and traditional uses.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species are herbs or shrubs.
  • Some species have essential oils that are extracted from their leaves.

Considerations for Children

  • Some species are herbs or shrubs.
  • Some species have essential oils that are extracted from their leaves.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Blumea DC.
  • Common Names:
    • Ngai camphor, nagi camphor (for Blumea balsamifera)
    • Sambong (Philippines, for Blumea balsamifera)
    • Blumea camphor
    • Da feng ai

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Asteraceae (also referred to as Compositae)
  • Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
  • Synonyms and related taxa:
    • Conyza appendiculata Blume
    • Conyza balsamifera L.
    • Pluchea species
    • Blumea appendiculata (Blume) DC.
    • Blumea grandis (Wall.) DC.
    • Blumea zollingeriana C.B.Clarke

Distribution and Habitat

  • Blumea species are found in tropical Australasia and Africa.
  • Blumea balsamifera is native to Southeast Asia but distributed throughout tropical Asia.
  • Blumea lacera is a common weed in India.
  • Some species can be found in damp grasslands and along streams.
  • In the Philippines, Blumea balsamifera (sambong) is often found amidst crabgrass or on roadsides.

Ecological Role

  • Blumea lacera is noted as a common rabi weed in India.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The genus includes herbs and shrubs.
  • Leaves are simple and alternate.
  • Flower heads are discoid, with purple or yellow flowers.
  • Blumea lacera is an annual herb with a strong odor.
  • Blumea membranacea is an annual, 7-100 cm tall, with stems usually.

Chemical Composition

  • Blumea mollis leaf essential oil contains linalool (circa 19%) and ?-elemene (c.12%).
  • Essential oils from various parts of the plant contain cineol, fenchone, and Blumea camphor.
  • GC-MS analysis of Blumea balsamifera leaf essential oil revealed the presence of 50 components, contributing to 99.07% of the oil.
  • The essential oil of Blumea lacera contains thymoquinol dimethyl ether as the main constituent.
  • Acetylenic thiophene constituents have been isolated from the aerial parts of Blumea obliqua.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Fumigant compounds from Blumea balsamifera leaves have shown activity against the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais).

Quirky Facts

  • Blumea lacera attracts attention in India during the cold weather due to its abundance on waste ground and in fields after harvesting.

Resources and Further Information

  • Blumea - Jnal of Plant Taxonomy and Plant Geography
  • National Herbarium of the Netherlands
  • Universiteit Leiden
  • Flora of Tropical East Africa
  • Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History
  • ARKive (for Blumea photos and facts)