Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - December 03, 2008
From: Sarasota, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Medicinal Plants
Title: Tilo (Justicia pectoralis), a tropical American plant
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Re: keelo plant (Seminole, Fl. herb used to treat stomachache-St. Pete), try Tilo: Justicia pectoralisANSWER:
Thank you for this information. This does look like what the person in a previous question was asking about. Justicia pectoralis (tilo, piri piri or freshcut) is native to tropical America (occurring in Florida in the United States). It has been used medicinally for many ailments, but I could find only one reference to it being used for stomach problems and that was in Panama. It was traditionally added to mind-altering snuffs for its vanilla-like flavoring. The tilo itself apparently has no hallucenogenic effects, but is used only as a flavoring.
More Medicinal Plants Questions
Information on medicinal plant uses by Dakota Indians
November 29, 2006 - I would like to know what the plants were that were used for medicinal purposes by the plains Indians in the Dakotas. Is there a place/site that I can go to to research the data?
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on women trying to conceive
July 10, 2005 - RE: Eucalyptus.
Is this bad for women trying to conceive? The smell is very powerful.
view the full question and answer
Information on herbs for Northeast Ohio
May 03, 2006 - Hello there,
I am writing you seeking some information on Northeast Ohio's native plants. This has been rather difficult to find—specific native plants that can be used as herbs.
If you could h...
view the full question and answer
Herbalism and Native American EthnoBotany
June 25, 2007 - What plants cure diarrhea?
view the full question and answer
Identification of a vine in El Paso, Texas
November 23, 2012 - I live in Del Rio Texas - Zone 8/9 and I have a vine which can't be identified. It looks like a morning glory white flower with crimson throat, but the leaf pattern is like a 5-7 fingered hand with d...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |