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- Title
THE ETHNOBOTANY OF PLUCHEA CAROLINENSIS (JACQ.) G. DON (ASTERACEAE) IN THE BOTÁNICAS OF MAIAMI, FLORIDA.
- Authors
Hodges, Stephen; Bennett, Bradley C.
- Abstract
Botánicas, or herbal shops that cater to ethnic populations, are common in culturally diverse southern Florida. One of the most frequently found plants in these botánicas is Pluchea carolinensis. This small shrub in the Asteraceae is a common species in disturbed sites in the region, especially in back mangrove habitats. The binomial P. symphytifolia has been misapplied to P. carolinensis and is considered a synonym for Neurolaena lobata. Both species have similar uses and common names. Pluchea carolinensis is called salvia in Latino botánicas and la choige in Haitian botánicas in Miami. Interviewees at 17 herbal shops provided information on the uses of the plant. The most frequently mentioned ailments treated with P. carolinensis were sore throats and catarrh. The plant also is employed to alleviate headaches, stomach ailments, flatulence, high blood pressure, rash, toothaches, and it is considered to be an antiseptic, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory. Teas and compresses were the most common mode of preparation. The medicinal uses of P. carolinensis in southern Florida are similar to those reported elsewhere in the Caribbean and similar to the uses of other Pluchea species. The plant also plays a role in limpiezas or spiritual cleansings and is associated with the Santería deity Babalú Ayé.
- Subjects
FLORIDA; ETHNOBOTANY; HERB stores; USEFUL plants; BOTANY in folklore; ASTERACEAE; SHRUBS; FLATULENCE; BLOOD pressure
- Publication
Economic Botany, 2006, Vol 60, Issue 1, p75
- ISSN
0013-0001
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1663/0013-0001(2006)60[75:TEOPCJ]2.0.CO;2