Pink root, Maryland pink
Spigelia anthelmia

Family: Loganiaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. The leaves are opposite and clasp the stem. The upper ones often form a ring. They are 3-12 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. They are oval to sword shaped.

It is used as medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Benin, Burkina Faso, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Maldives, South America, Suriname, Venezuela, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

The leaves are only occasionally eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Valu kafa

Synonyms

Spigelia anthelmia var. nervosa (Steud.) Progel Spigelia anthelmia var. obliquinervia A. DC.; Spigelia domingensis Gand.; Spigelia fruticulosa Lam.; Spigelia multispica var. discolor Progel; Spigelia nervosa Steud.; Spigelia oppositifolia Stokes; Spigelia quadrifolia Stokes; Spigelia stipularis Progel;