Boerhavia coccinea Mill.

Species Identification and Growth Habit

Boerhavia coccinea Mill. is a low-lying, sprawling perennial herb that can grow stems exceeding one meter in length.

Stem Characteristics

Its stems are somewhat hairy and sticky from glandular secretions.

Leaf Morphology

Its generally oval-shaped leaves grow on short petioles, have wavy edges, and may have reddish margins.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence forms a small head of tiny frilly flowers, each just a few millimeters long.

Flower Coloration

Flowers are most often bright scarlet to red-violet, but can also appear in shades of pink, yellow, or white.

Habitat Preferences

This species grows in a wide variety of habitats, and it is a common roadside weed in disturbed areas.

Native Range Uncertainty

The native range of Boerhavia coccinea Mill. is not confirmed.

Proposed Native Distribution

It is generally considered native to the Americas, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent, and parts of Australia.

Postulated Origin and Introduction

Some evidence suggests the species originated between the southern United States and northern South America, and was introduced to other regions of the world through human activity.

Range Expansion in Australia

In Australia, the species' range has expanded due to human activity.

Recorded Distribution in Africa

In Africa, it has been recorded in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Taxonomic Identification Challenges

Uncertainty around its native range is made worse by the difficulty of telling species apart within the B. diffusa-B. coccinea complex.

Medicinal Use History

This plant has a long history of use for its medicinal properties.

Geographic Medicinal Usage

Leaves and roots are used medicinally in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

Traditional Mexican Medicinal Uses

In traditional Mexican medicine, it is used to treat conditions including diarrhea and dysentery.

Primary Medicinal Applications

It is most commonly used medicinally to treat pain and inflammation, due to its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties.

Current Research Status

Research into the chemical basis for these properties is currently active.

Other Uses

Boerhavia coccinea Mill. is also eaten by humans, used as animal feed, and its seeds can be processed into flour.