Abroma augustum
| Abroma augustum | |
|---|---|
_Abroma_augusta_olat_kambal.jpg) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Abroma |
| Species: | A. augustum |
| Binomial name | |
| Abroma augustum (L.) L.f. | |
Abroma augustum or Abroma augusta,[1] Devil's cotton, is a species of Abroma (Malvaceae). It has dark red flowers with an characteristic and unusual appearance. It is widely distributed in Asia. It was previously thought to grow in north Queensland but the most recent survey did not find it.
The leaves and stems are covered with soft bristly hairs that are very irritating to the touch. The bark yields a jute-like fiber.
Cultivation
In the greenhouse, plants bloom from late spring to early summer. Dark maroon flowers are formed in terminal panicles. Individual flowers are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) across.
Abroma augustum is propagated from seed. Seed germinate in 21–30 days at 72 °F (24 °C).
Uses
It is a medicinal plant with a wide variety of reported uses, including as an abortifacient and for treating uterine disorders, diabetes, rheumatic joint pain, headaches with sinusitis, dysmenorrhoea, gonorrhea, stomachache, diabetes and dermatitis.[2][3]
References
- ↑ "Abroma augusta", The Plant List, retrieved 2014-01-04
- ↑ http://www.konarkindex.com/profile/konark-index/ulatkambal.html
- ↑ http://www.ccrhindia.org/common_indian_plants/L1.htm