Common Name:

General Information

Abuta rufescens is a large climbing shrub with vigorous woody stems that can climb high into the trees in the forest[].
The plant is often gathered from the wild for local medicinal use. In the 1700's this plant was exported from French Guiana to Europe, under the name 'White Pareira Brava', for a preparation used to rid the liver, kidneys and bladder of obstructions such as mucus, grit and sand[].

Known Hazards

The plant is poisonous and is an ingredient of the famous S. American toxin 'curare'[, ].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas.

Habitat

Upland rain forest and mountain savannah forest[]

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	0.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of mainly lowland areas in the tropics, where it is found at elevations up to about 1,000 metres.

A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The large root is acrid and bitter[]. It has a high reputation as a digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, stomachic and tonic[]. It is used in the treatment of liver complaints; bladder complaints; digestive complaints such as flatulence and colic; oedema and snake bites[, ].
The plant is used as a substitute for Chondrodendron platyphyllum, and is often mixed with that species[].

A decoction of the stem bark is used to treat frequent micturition and bladder diseases[].

The leaves are used to make a poultice that is applied to ulcers[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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