Nasa perijensis
NameNasa perijensis
Scientific NameNasa perijensis
Common NamesPerijá Nasa, Stinging Nasa
Plant FamilyLoasaceae
Natural HabitatEndemic to the cloud forests and sub-Andean forests of the Sierra de Perijá, a mountain range on the border of Colombia and Venezuela, typically found at elevations between 1800 and 2500 meters.
Parts Used
Medicinal Actions
Traditional UsesThere are no widely documented traditional medicinal uses for Nasa perijensis. Like many species in the genus Nasa, it possesses stinging hairs (glochids) that can cause significant skin irritation upon contact, which generally limits its direct use in traditional medicine.
Preparation Methods
Contraindications & WarningsDirect contact with the plant should be avoided due to the presence of stinging hairs (glochids) which can cause significant skin irritation, redness, and itching.
Cultivation NotesThis species is endemic to specific high-altitude cloud forest environments, requiring cool, moist conditions, high humidity, and well-drained soil. It is not commonly cultivated and would be challenging to grow outside its natural habitat.
Rarityrare
Description
Nasa perijensis is a herbaceous plant characterized by its striking bright red, bell-shaped flowers and stems covered in stinging hairs (glochids). Its leaves are deeply lobed or pinnatifid, also typically covered in these irritating hairs. It is a relatively recently described species.
