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Useful Tropical Plants

Elatostema calcareum

Merr.

Urticaceae

+ Synonyms

Common Name:

No Image.

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 *  *
HabitPerennial
Height0.50 m
Cultivation StatusWild

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 -
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-10-14. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Elatostema+calcareum>

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