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Spigelia anthelmia L.
| Family Name: | Loganiaceae |
| Synonyms: | Spigelia fruticulosa Lam., Spigelia domingensis Gand. |
| Common Name: | West Indian Pinkroot, Wormbush |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Asia, Tropical America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Spontaneous (Naturalised)) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Herbaceous plant that grows up to 0.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Ovate to lanceolate leaves are deeply veined and have short petioles (up to 1 cm long). |
| Flowers | Star-shaped flowers are tubular with 5 obovate, pointed lobes. They are white with pink stripes or purple, opening in the afternoon. |
| Fruit | Fruit is a 2-lobed capsule. |
| Others - Plant Morphology | It contains the compound Spiganthine which delays heart contractions, stopping the heart at large doses. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: It is used to expel intestinal worms. |
Landscaping Features
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Toxic Upon Ingestion |
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Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Bulging in between Veins |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acuminate |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White, Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
| Flowering Opening Time Remarks | Afternoon |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
References
| References | Achenbach et al.. 1995. Spiganthine, the cardioactive principle of Spigelia anthelmia. Journal of Natural Products. 58. 7. 1092-1096 |
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Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31355 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5752 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |