About Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H.Rob.
Chromolaena odorata is a rapidly growing perennial herb. It forms a multi-stemmed shrub that reaches up to 2.5 meters (100 inches) tall when growing in open areas. Its stems are soft, while the base of the shrub becomes woody. In shaded locations, the plant becomes etiolated and grows as a creeper over other vegetation, reaching up to 10 meters (33 feet) in length. The entire plant is covered in hairs and is glandular, and its leaves release a pungent, aromatic scent when crushed. Its leaves grow in opposite pairs, and are shaped triangular to elliptical with serrated edges, measuring 4 to 10 centimeters long and 1 to 5 centimeters wide (up to 4 x 2 inches), with 1 to 4 centimeter long leaf petioles. The flowers are tubular, white to pale pink, arranged in panicles of 10 to 35 flowers that form at the tips of branches. The seeds are achenes with a slight covering of hairs. Most seeds are dispersed by wind, but they can also cling to animal fur, clothing, and machinery, which allows them to spread over long distances. A single plant produces roughly 80,000 to 90,000 seeds. Seeds require light to germinate, and the plant can also regenerate new growth from its roots. In favorable growing conditions, Chromolaena odorata can grow more than 3 centimeters per day. Chromolaena odorata is toxic to cattle, acts as a larvicide against all major mosquito vector species, and can trigger allergic reactions in people. In Santeria practice, the plant is called "rompe saragüey" and is used for spiritual purposes. This use was famously referenced in Héctor Lavoe's salsa song "Rompe Saragüey". C. odorata is commonly used as incense for spiritual household cleansing in Latin America, particularly in Santería practiced in Cuba and Puerto Rico.
