Dichroa febrifuga
Dichroa febrifuga is a species of flowering plant in the family Hydrangeaceae. It is native to East Asia, including regions such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine.
Description[edit | edit source]
Dichroa febrifuga is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 1-2 meters in height. The leaves are opposite, simple, and elliptic to lanceolate in shape, with a serrated margin. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are typically blue or purple, arranged in terminal clusters. The fruit is a berry, which turns from green to blue or purple as it matures.
Habitat[edit | edit source]
This species thrives in subtropical and tropical climates, often found in forested areas, along streams, and in mountainous regions. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy.
Medicinal Uses[edit | edit source]
Dichroa febrifuga has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The roots and leaves of the plant are known for their antimalarial properties. The active compound, febrifugine, has been studied for its potential to treat malaria. In addition to its antimalarial effects, the plant is also used to treat fever, cough, and respiratory infections.
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. It requires a warm climate and partial shade to full sun for optimal growth. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Pruning may be necessary to maintain the desired shape and size of the shrub.
Conservation Status[edit | edit source]
The conservation status of Dichroa febrifuga has not been extensively studied. However, habitat destruction and overharvesting for medicinal use could pose threats to its natural populations.
Related Species[edit | edit source]
Dichroa febrifuga is closely related to other members of the Hydrangeaceae family, such as Hydrangea and Deutzia. These plants share similar morphological characteristics and are often found in similar habitats.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Dichroa febrifuga in bloom
Close-up of Dichroa febrifuga flowers
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
