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Tawa-tawa, Asthma Weed

Chamaesyce hirta syn. Euphorbia hirta

Description:

Chamaesyce hirta, previously known as Euphorbia hirta, called Hairy Spurge, Snake Weed, Cat's Hair, Asthma Weed. This is a small, hairy herb not more than 30cm high, grown in open grasslands, roadsides and pathways. Branching comes from near the plant base with the branches nearly upright. The stem and leaves are often tinged red or purple. Leaves are simple, 4x1.2cm and more or less oblong. Flowers are very small, in compact round heads in the leaf axils and 1.2cm or more in diameter. Fruits are capsules and also very small. Known in the Philippines as "Tawa-tawa" or “Gatas-gatas”, this indigenous plant is claimed to have a curative effects on dengue patients as being backed up by personal testimonies. It has widespread use and became one of the most popular “folkloric medicine” for dengue in the Philippines. A Philippine government health research arm spearheads studies to assess the curative component of Tawa-tawa for dengue.

Habitat:

Backyard.

Notes:

Reference: http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/dna/organisms/det.... http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Chamaesyce%2.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/phuonglovej.... http://www.flickr.com/photos/andresdjhs/....

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2 Comments

AgnesAdiqueTalavera
AgnesAdiqueTalavera 11 years ago

Thanks Luis! :)

LuisStevens
LuisStevens 11 years ago

Nice series and interesting info Agnes!

Biñan, Laguna, Philippines

Spotted on Jan 26, 2013
Submitted on Feb 7, 2013

Spotted for Mission

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