Spiderwort
Leucas cephalotes
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Leucas cephalotes is a ANNUAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Open areas at elevations around 1700 metres in western China.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to western China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Tender leaves and young shoots - cooked. Used as a pot herb.
Medicine
Rating: 2
A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of malarial fever. A paste of the plant is boiled with mustard oil and applied externally to boils. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of urinary complaints. The dried inflorescences are smoked and the smoke exhaled through the nose to treat nosebleeds.
Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed outdoors in Britain. 240
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist