Tithonia diversifolia

Tithonia diversifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family that is commonly known as the tree marigold, Mexican tournesol, Mexican sunflower, Japanese sunflower or Nitobe chrysanthemum. It is native to eastern Mexico and Central America but has a nearly pantropical distribution as an introduced species.^[1] Depending on the area they may be either annual or perennial, 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) in height with upright and sometimes ligneous stalks in the form of woody shrubs. The flowers are orange.

Symbolism and uses

• In Japan, towards the end of the Meiji Period, they were imported as ornamental plants although seldom cultivated there. Having a characteristic bitter taste, they were used to induce a fever to help fight poisoning, although not used for direct medicinal purposes. There is also the story of the species being introduced to Japan by Nitobe Inazo, hence its Japanese name, the Nitobe chrysanthemum (ニトベギク; Nitobegiku).

• In Mexico, they are used to treat sprains, bone fractures, bruises and contusions.

• In Southern China they are used to treat skin diseases (such as athlete's foot), night sweats, as a diuretic, hepatitis, jaundice and cystitis.

• They are sold in herbal medicine markets in Taiwan to be infused to improve liver function.

• It is the provincial flower of Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand.

• It is the unofficial symbol of Da Lat city, Vietnam.

References

External links

Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tithonia_diversifolia Tithonia diversifolia] at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Tithonia diversifolia at Wikispecies