Chileperro (Costa Rica)

Description:

Asclepias curassavica, popularly called blood flower, platanillo, Mary grass, kills livestock or mocking. A perennial of the genus Asclepias, family Asclepiadaceae. This species, which is native to tropical America, now naturalized in many other parts of the world as well as in tropical areas worldwide. It is grown as an ornamental garden plant and as a food source for butterflies in the butterfly gardens.

Notes:

It is one of two species of caterpillars feed monarch butterflies along with Asclepias fruticosa. In some states of central and southern Mexico is reported useful in the treatment of dental problems: cavities or chipped teeth, with their employment searches for pain relief side and on the other by removing the affected part fragmentation. It is also very common use of latex in external application, to address various skin conditions. When a snake bite occurs, viper or snake in Puebla, a decoction of the plant is applied to heat or the affected part is rubbed raw. Also recommended for bites of scorpion fly or chicle.