Zornia latifolia

Zornia latifolia is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known as maconha brava and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean.

Description

Zornia latifolia is a perennial herb with a creeping or decumbent habit. It has compound leaves with two leaflets, and yellow flowers that are typical of the pea family. The fruit is a segmented pod.

Distribution and habitat

Zornia latifolia is native to a wide range of habitats in the Americas, from the southern United States to Argentina. It is also found in the Caribbean. It grows in open areas, including grasslands, savannas, and disturbed sites.

Uses

Zornia latifolia has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures. In Brazil, it is used as a sedative and analgesic. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases and wounds.

Cultivation

Zornia latifolia is not commonly cultivated, but it can be grown from seed. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Taxonomy

Zornia latifolia was first described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The genus name, Zornia, honors the German botanist Johann Zorn, and the species name, latifolia, means "wide-leaved".

See also

• List of Fabaceae species
• Flora of the Americas