Tar Vine, Red spiderling

Boerhavia diffusa

Physical Characteristics

Boerhavia diffusa is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Edible portion: Leaves, Root, Fruit, Seeds, (Caution) Vegetable. Root - eaten by the Aborigines of central Australia[ 46 ]. The root is long, thick and fleshy[ 266 , 304 ]. Leaves - cooked as a pot herb or added to soups[ 46 , 348 ]. Occasionally used as a vegetable[ 617 ]. Seeds - cooked[ 299 ]. Added to cereals[ 299 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Diuretic Dysentery Emetic Expectorant Laxative Stomachic Spreading hogweed is used in traditional medicine in several parts of its range, but is especially popular in India where it is a part of the Ayurvedic tradition. The whole herb, including the root, is used and it is said to be bitter, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, laxative and stomachic[ 46 , 304 ]. Research has shown the presence of an alkaloid, beta sitosterol and various other compounds in the roots[ 304 ] An alcohol extract of the whole plant has shown significant antiinflammatory activity, a cardiotonic effect, an increase in blood pressure, a relaxant effect and promising diuretic activity[ 304 ]. The plant is emetic and purgative[ 348 ]. It is used in the treatment of various conditions including gastric disturbances, asthma, jaundice, anascara, anaemia and internal inflammation[ 46 , 304 , 348 ]. It has also been used as an antidote to snake venom[ 304 ]. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat jaundice[ 46 , 348 ]. The leaves are used in a cataplasm for treating indurated liver[ 348 ]. The root can be used as an ipecacuanha (Carapichea ipecacuanha) substitute[ 348 ]. Antispasmodic, very astringent, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and sudorific herb, it can be used in a decoction to treat dysentery and a range of other conditions[ 348 ]. The boiled roots are applied to ulcers, abscesses and to assist in the extraction of Guinea worm[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

None known