Porophyllum ruderale

Porophyllum ruderale is a plant species of the genus Porophyllum, belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and South America. The plant is commonly known as Papalo in Mexico and is used in traditional Mexican cuisine.

Description

Porophyllum ruderale is an annual herb that grows up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are alternate, pinnately divided, and 2–3 cm long. The flowers are small, with five pale purple or blue petals. The fruit is a small achene.

Cultivation

Porophyllum ruderale is a fast-growing plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and can be grown in poor soil conditions. The plant is usually grown from seeds, which germinate in about one week. It can also be propagated by cuttings.

Uses

In traditional Mexican cuisine, Porophyllum ruderale is used for its strong, unique flavor that is similar to cilantro and rue. The leaves are usually used fresh and added to dishes just before serving, as cooking destroys the flavor. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.

Medicinal Uses

In traditional medicine, Porophyllum ruderale is used for a variety of ailments. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

See Also

• List of culinary herbs and spices
• Mexican cuisine