Herb latin name: Desfontainia spinosa


Family: Loganiaceae (Logania Family)



Medicinal use of Desfontainia spinosa:

The leaves are narcotic and have been used medicinally in Chile. More research needs to be carried out into the medicinal virtues of this plant. The sub-species D. spinosa hookeri is usually employed.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
2.5 m
(8 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
August to
October

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Cool mountain cloud forests in the north of its range, descending to sea level in the south.

Propagation of Desfontainia spinosa:

Seed - surface sow in spring in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to become dry. Grow on the seedlings in a bright filtered light. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Requires humid conditions and bottom heat at 16°C. Overwinter in a cold frame and grow on for another year before planting out. Division of suckers in the dormant season.

Cultivation of the herb:

Cool mountain cloud forests in the north of its range, descending to sea level in the south.

Known hazards of Desfontainia spinosa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.