Herb: Acalbir


Latin name: Datisca cannabina


Family: Datiscaceae



Medicinal use of Acalbir:

The leaves and flowering stems are bitter, diuretic, febrifuge and purgative. The root is used as a sedative in the treatment of rheumatism. It is also applied to carious teeth.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
180 cm
(6 feet)

Flowering:
September

Habitat of the herb:

Banks of streams in rich alluvial soils.

Other uses of Acalbir:

A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves, root and stems.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse, only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 weeks at 18°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in the spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation of Acalbir:

Banks of streams in rich alluvial soils.

Known hazards of Datisca cannabina:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.