Larrea divaricata
| Larrea divaricata | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Zygophyllales |
| Family: | Zygophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Larrea |
| Species: | L. divaricata |
| Binomial name | |
| Larrea divaricata Cav. | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Larrea divaricata, commonly known as chaparral, is a small evergreen bush in the family Zygophyllaceae. It is native to arid regions of South America where it is known as jarilla or jarillo. It was first described in 1800 by the Spanish botanist Antonio José Cavanilles.[2]
Description
Larrea divaricata is a slow-growing shrub growing to a maximum height of 3 m (10 ft). The stems are cylindrical. The small, dark green, elliptical leaves are resinous and grow in opposite pairs. The yellow flowers have five petals and appear in October and November. The fruits are dry capsules containing greyish hairs and five seeds. The plant is dispersed when goats eat the leaves and seed capsules in the dry season when there is little grass available.
Distribution and habitat
Larrea divaricata is endemic to southwestern South America. Its range includes Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Argentina, especially Patagonia. It is found in open woodland, scrubland and rough grassland.
Larrea divaricata only grows in South America whereas the closely related Larrea tridentata occurs in North America. The two have been confused in the past but in the 1940s it was determined that they are separate species.[3]
Uses
The resin contains lignans, polyphenolic substances with possible therapeutic uses. The plant also contains guaiaretic acid and its derivatives, flavonoids, triterpenes and other organic substances.[2]
In Bolivia, an extract of Larrea divaricata has been used as a abortifacient. Since this plant is suspected of being used as an adulterant in preparations of "chapperal", a herbal remedy made from Larrea tridentata, the use of that substance during pregnancy and lactation is not advised.[3]
An aqueous extract of Larrea divaricata has been shown to have anti-microbial properties against Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative bacterium found in the stomach and known to be associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.[4]
References
- ↑ "Larrea divaricata Cav.". Tropicos. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Chaparral (Larrea divaricata)". Plant profiler. Sigma-Aldrich. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2005. pp. 329–330. ISBN 0-443-07171-3.
- ↑ Stegea, P.W.; Davicino, R.C.; Vega, A.E.; Casali, Y.A; Correa, S.; Micalizzia, B. (2006). "Antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts of Larrea divaricata Cav (jarilla) against Helicobacter pylori". Phytomedicine 13 (9–10): 724–727. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2005.06.008.