Scientific Name: Plumbago rosea; Plumbago coccinea

Description: Erect or spreading, branched, hearbaceous or half-woody plant, 1.5 meters or less in height. Leaves are ovate to oblong-ovate, 8-13 cm long, smooth, with entire or wavy margins, with a pointed or blunt tip and a pointed base. Calyx is tubular, 8-10 mm long. Corolla is bright red, tube is slender, about 2.5 cm long.

Traditional Uses:

• Poulticed bark scrappings for headaches.

• Bark plaster applied to spine for fevers; antidyspeptic.

• In india, root is used as abortifacient.

• Juice of leaves with oil, for rheumatism, glandular swelling.

• Roots also used for dyspepsia, piles, diarrhea, and to improve the appetite.

Excerpts from: "An illustrated compilation of Philippine medicinal plants by Godofredo Stuart"