Cestrum chiriquianum
Image: MBG (cc-by-nc)
NameCestrum chiriquianum
Scientific NameCestrum chiriquianum Francey
Plant FamilySolanaceae
Natural HabitatNative to Panama, specifically found in the Chiriqui province, Distrito Bugaba, Cerro Punta, at an elevation of 2200 meters. It grows in a high-altitude tropical environment, often near the edge of mountains and rivers.
Parts Used
Medicinal Actions
Traditional UsesSpecific traditional medicinal uses for *Cestrum chiriquianum* are not readily documented in available ethnobotanical literature. The genus *Cestrum* is known to contain various alkaloids and other compounds, and many species are considered toxic, often causing poisoning in livestock.
Preparation Methods
Contraindications & WarningsSpecific contraindications for *Cestrum chiriquianum* are not documented. However, plants in the genus *Cestrum* are generally known to be toxic due to the presence of various alkaloids (e.g., tropane alkaloids, solasodine glycosides) and saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac symptoms if ingested. Caution is advised, and it should not be used internally.
Cultivation NotesThis plant is a shrub growing to about 1 meter in height. It thrives in high-altitude tropical environments, as evidenced by its collection at 2200 meters in Panama. It produces fragrant flowers with purple tubes and green corolla lobes.
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen is a pressed herbarium sample of a shrub, approximately 1 meter tall. It features alternate, simple leaves and terminal or axillary inflorescences with tubular flowers. The label notes the flower tube is purple with green corolla lobes and is fragrant.
