Schizanthus candidus
NameSchizanthus candidus
Scientific NameSchizanthus candidus
Common NamesWhite Butterfly Flower, Poor Man's Orchid
Plant FamilySolanaceae
Natural HabitatNative to Chile, found in arid and semi-arid regions, often in rocky or sandy soils.
Parts Used
Medicinal Actions
Traditional UsesSchizanthus candidus is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant for its striking flowers and is not widely recognized for traditional medicinal uses. Some species in the genus contain toxic alkaloids.
Active ConstituentsTropane alkaloids (e.g., schizanthine)
Preparation Methods
Contraindications & WarningsIngestion is highly contraindicated due to the presence of toxic tropane alkaloids, which can cause severe adverse effects. Handle with care and keep away from children and pets.
Cultivation NotesPrefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Can be grown from seed and is often cultivated as an annual in temperate climates. Requires moderate watering.
Rarityuncommon
Description
An annual or biennial herbaceous plant, typically growing up to 60 cm tall, featuring finely dissected, fern-like leaves. It produces numerous delicate, white, orchid-like flowers with deeply lobed petals, often with a small purple or yellow mark in the throat.
