Blood Flower

Asclepias currasavica

Physical Characteristics

Asclepias currasavica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wasps, Bees, Butterflies. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical S. America, but widely naturalized in many areas of the Tropics.

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery The latex of the plant as well as the roots, leaves, and flowers are used medicinally[317 ]. The root is febrifuge. A decoction is used in the treatment of dysentery and as an eyewash for infected eyes[348 ]. The root contains a glycoside, asclepiadin, which is used as an emetic and purgative[332 , 348 ]. It has been used as a substitute for ipecacuanha[332 ]. A paste made of the crushed leaves, combined with salt, vegetable oil and bread, is used for treating skin ulcers[348 ]. The plant contains an abundant white latex which is applied to warts and corns in order to kill them[332 ]. The juice of the whole plant is used to treat ringworm, sores, rashes, dermatitis etc[348 ]. The plant is considered cicatrizant (healing cuts etc by encouraging the formation of scars)[332 ]. The aerial parts of plant are sometimes used in the treatment of dysentery and as an eyewash for infected eyes[348 ]. The root contains cardenolides with aglycones such as asclepogenine and curassavogenine[348 ]. The latex contains cardenolides and esterified triterpenes. Extracts stimulate the central nervous system[348 ]. The latex also contains quercetin, caffeic acid, sterols, flavonoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids and acidic mucilage[348 ]. The plant contains beta-sitosterol, which is antihypercholesterolemic (reduces cholesterol), anti-prostatic, and oestrogenic[348 ].

Known Hazards

The root contains a glycoside, asclepiadin, which is emetic and purgative - in large doses it can cause death[332 ]. The plant is suspected to be poisonous to grazing animals[332 ].