The flowers of the Galphimia glauca are made into an infusion to soothe nerve problems. Its soothing properties have earned it the name “noche buena” (good night) in Mexican folk medicine.
Identity Card
Tassonomia
Detailed Informations
Etymology
Galphimia is an anagram of related genus Malphigia. Glauca, “glaucous”, refers to the leaves.
Description and flowering period
Galphimia glauca is a robust, fast-growing shrub reaching 1,5 meter in height. Its trunk and branches are reddish in colour, its leaves are blue-green, persistent, lance shaped and positioned opposite each other on thin branchlets. The flowers are yellow and borne in clusters which bloom successively in waves.
Habitat
It requires a warm climate and dry soil. It is only hardy to –2°C.
Uses
- Medicinal: The flowers are infused to treat nerves.
Notes
Due to its relaxing properties, the plant is referred to as “noche buena” (good night) in Mexican folk medicine.
Translated by: François Saint-Hillier – MNHN