Elatostema calcareum
Merr.
Urticaceae
Common Name:
General Information
Elatostema calcareum is a herbaceous perennial plant with somewhat fleshy stems. It produces a cluster of unbranched, apparently erect stems that are somewhat decumbent at the base, growing up to 60cm tall[
1812- Title
- An enumeration of the plants of Guam
- Publication
- The Philippine Journal of Science, Section C. Botany, Vol. 9, pp 17-156, 1914
- Author
- Merrill E.D.
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 1914
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Originally published in two sections in February and April 1914, then amalgamated.
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
Known Hazards
Unlike many other plants in the nettle family (Urticaceae), plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs[
694- Title
- Australian Rainforest Plants Volumes 1 - 6
- Publication
-
- Author
- Nicholson N. & H.
- Publisher
- Terania Rainforest Publishing; New South Wales.
- Year
- 2007
- ISBN
- 9-78095894-3628
- Description
- Beautiful set of booklets with a terse description of over 600 species and their habitat, often including some of their uses and notes on their cultivation, plus at least one, excellent photograph.
].
Botanical References
1812- Title
- An enumeration of the plants of Guam
- Publication
- The Philippine Journal of Science, Section C. Botany, Vol. 9, pp 17-156, 1914
- Author
- Merrill E.D.
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 1914
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Originally published in two sections in February and April 1914, then amalgamated.
Range
Pacific - Marianas
Habitat
Most commonly found in damp areas of limestone forest, but can also be found on the strand as part of the understory vegetation under larger trees[
354- Title
- Plants of Guam
- Publication
-
- Author
- Moore P.H. & McMakin P.
- Website
- http://university.uog.edu/cals/people/POG/scipn.htm
- Publisher
- University of Guam.
- Year
- 1979
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Brief details, usually with a photo, of plants native to the island of Guam, often together with some information on their uses. An online version is available.
].
Properties
| Edibility Rating |  |
| Medicinal Rating |  |
| Habit | Perennial |
| Height | 0.50 m |
| Cultivation Status | Wild |
Cultivation Details
Plants are dioecious - male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[
266- Title
- Flora of China
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
- Publisher
- Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
- Year
- 1994
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
].
Edible Uses
We have no specific details for this species, but most members of the genus have more or less edible leaves[
K- Title
- Plants for a Future
- Author
- Ken Fern
- Description
- Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Medicinal
The plant is one of the ingredients of an all-purpose medicinal tea in Guam. The succulent consistency of the stem gives the crushed medicine added moisture[
354- Title
- Plants of Guam
- Publication
-
- Author
- Moore P.H. & McMakin P.
- Website
- http://university.uog.edu/cals/people/POG/scipn.htm
- Publisher
- University of Guam.
- Year
- 1979
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Brief details, usually with a photo, of plants native to the island of Guam, often together with some information on their uses. An online version is available.
].
Other Uses
None known
Propagation
Seed -
If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.
Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
