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Useful Tropical Plants

Eysenhardtia polystachya

(Ortega) Sarg.

Fabaceae

+ Synonyms

Dalea fruticosa G.Don

Eysenhardtia amorphoides Kunth

Psoralea fruticosa Kellogg

Psoralea fruticosa Sesse & Moc.

Psoralea stipularis Sesse & Moc.

Varennea polystachya (Ortega) DC.

Viborquia polystachya Ortega

Wiborgia amorphodes (Kunth) Kuntze

Wiborgia polystachya (Ortega) Kuntze

Common Name: Mexican Kidneywood

No Image.

General Information

Eysenhardtia polystachya is a much-branched, deciduous shrub or small tree usually growing 1.5 - 5 metres tall, occasionally reaching 7 metres. The bole can be up to 25cm in diameter[
1456
Title
Revisión del género Eysenhardtiaa (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae).
Publication
A postgraduate Thesis at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Author
Ramiro Cruz Durán
Publisher
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Year
2006
ISBN
 
Description
 
,
1457
Title
Eysenhardtia (Leguminosae): Taxonomic revision and relationships
Publication
Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 4750. Iowa State University 1972
Author
Lang J.M.
Website
http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/4750
Publisher
Iowa State University
Year
1972
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
This species has long been highly valued in Mexico for the medicinal properties of its wood, to which is ascribed an almost miraculous ability to cure kidney and bladder ailments[
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
]. It has at times been exported in quantity to destinations such as Europe and the USA. The plant is also harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of wood.
Eysenhardtia polystachya is widespread in its natural range, no major threats to the species are known at present and the population is believed to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

1456
Title
Revisión del género Eysenhardtiaa (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae).
Publication
A postgraduate Thesis at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Author
Ramiro Cruz Durán
Publisher
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Year
2006
ISBN
 
Description
 
,
1457
Title
Eysenhardtia (Leguminosae): Taxonomic revision and relationships
Publication
Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 4750. Iowa State University 1972
Author
Lang J.M.
Website
http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/4750
Publisher
Iowa State University
Year
1972
ISBN
 
Description
 

Range

Southern N. America - central and southern Mexico

Habitat

Grasslands, dry, open forest, spiny forest, deciduous forests; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,400 metres[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
1457
Title
Eysenhardtia (Leguminosae): Taxonomic revision and relationships
Publication
Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 4750. Iowa State University 1972
Author
Lang J.M.
Website
http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/4750
Publisher
Iowa State University
Year
1972
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

Properties

Conservation StatusLeast Concern
Edibility Rating *  *
Medicinal Rating *  *  *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *
HabitDeciduous Shrub
Height4.00 m
PollinatorsBees
Cultivation StatusWild

Cultivation Details

Eysenhardtia polystachya is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Mexico, growing in regions where the mean annual rainfall can range from 250 - 1,750mm.
Prefers a position in full sun, tolerating light shade.
The plant is very tolerant of being cut back, sprouting freely from old wood[
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
].
The wood has a very interesting property of flourescence. When soaked in slightly alkaline spring water, it imparts a blue colour to the water when it is viewed against a dark background. In the light this changes to a yellow to orange-gold colour and different hues can be obtained when it is viewed against other backgrounds[
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[
755
Title
Nodulation Plants in GRIN Taxonomy
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.ars-grin.gov/~sbmljw/cgi-bin/taxnodul.pl?language=en
Publisher
United States Department of Agriculture
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
An online database listing plants that have either positive or negative reports on root and stem nodulation with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
].

Edible Uses

Flowers - the whole inflorescence is eaten cooked[
1438
Title
Food Plants in the Americas: A Survey of the Domesticated, Cultivated, and Wild Plants Used for Human Food in North,
Publication
 
Author
Kermath B.M.; Bennett B.C.' Pulsipher L.M.
Publisher
 
Year
2014
ISBN
 
Description
A pre-publication draft of an amazing, on-going work first started in 1985. It contains information on more than 3,900 taxa from the Americas - from Arctic regions to the Tropics
].

Medicinal

Eysenhardtia polystachya is commonly used in traditional medicine in Mexico, where in particular it is seen as an excellent medicine for the kidneys and bladder. It is also used as a blood purifier, antitussive, antispasmodic, antidiabetic, febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and analgesic agent[
1459
Title
The Ethanolic Extract of Eysenhardtia polystachya (Ort.) Sarg. Bark and Its Fractions Delay the Progression of Rheum
Publication
Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2018), 17 (1): 236-248
Author
Saudy Saret Pablo-Pérez et al
Publisher
 
Year
2018
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
A decoction of the bark is held to be an excellent medicine for the kidneys and bladder. It is used to treat a wide range of urinary disorders[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
1456
Title
Revisión del género Eysenhardtiaa (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae).
Publication
A postgraduate Thesis at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Author
Ramiro Cruz Durán
Publisher
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Year
2006
ISBN
 
Description
 
,
1458
Title
Activity of extracts from two Eysenhardtia species against microorganisms related to urinary tract infections
Publication
British Journal of Biomedical Science 2009 66 (2)
Author
C. Rivas-Morales et al
Publisher
 
Year
2009
ISBN
 
Description
 
]. Regular consumption has been shown to prevent the formation of kidney stones[
1459
Title
The Ethanolic Extract of Eysenhardtia polystachya (Ort.) Sarg. Bark and Its Fractions Delay the Progression of Rheum
Publication
Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2018), 17 (1): 236-248
Author
Saudy Saret Pablo-Pérez et al
Publisher
 
Year
2018
ISBN
 
Description
 
]

The plant has been shown to have a hypoglycaemic activity[
1458
Title
Activity of extracts from two Eysenhardtia species against microorganisms related to urinary tract infections
Publication
British Journal of Biomedical Science 2009 66 (2)
Author
C. Rivas-Morales et al
Publisher
 
Year
2009
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
A methanol extract of the leaves contains flavonoids, terpenoids, carbon-carbon double bonds and phenolic compounds. The extract has shown broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, being effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria[
1458
Title
Activity of extracts from two Eysenhardtia species against microorganisms related to urinary tract infections
Publication
British Journal of Biomedical Science 2009 66 (2)
Author
C. Rivas-Morales et al
Publisher
 
Year
2009
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
An ethanol extract of the bark has been shown to have an effective antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activity and that the extract is not orally toxic[
1459
Title
The Ethanolic Extract of Eysenhardtia polystachya (Ort.) Sarg. Bark and Its Fractions Delay the Progression of Rheum
Publication
Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2018), 17 (1): 236-248
Author
Saudy Saret Pablo-Pérez et al
Publisher
 
Year
2018
ISBN
 
Description
 
].
A methanol extract of the bark has been shown to have antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic activities[
1460
Title
Evaluation of antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiglycating activities of the Eysenhardtia polystachya
Publication
Pharmacognosy Magazine 10, 38 (Supplement 2) April-June 2014
Author
Rosa Martha Perez Gutierrez, Efren Garcia Baez
Website
http://10.4103/0973‑1296.133295
Publisher
 
Year
2014
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has merit for use in erosion control projects[
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
].
The flowers are a good source of nectar and are relished by bees[
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
].

Other Uses

A yellowish-brown dye is obtained from the wood. It is used to colour textiles[
331
Title
Flora of Guatemala
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
 
Year
1946 - 1976
ISBN
 
Description
A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/
,
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
].

The bark is a source of tannins[
1456
Title
Revisión del género Eysenhardtiaa (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae).
Publication
A postgraduate Thesis at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Author
Ramiro Cruz Durán
Publisher
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Year
2006
ISBN
 
Description
 
].

The heartwood is reddish-brown, streaked with black, The texture is rather fine, the grain moderately straight, texture is waxy. The wood is hard, heavy and durable, it takes a fine polish and finishes smoothly. Of rather good quality, but seldom available and then usually only in small pieces. It is used for making small items, particularly cups and other water containers, where it is believed to impart medicinal virtues to the water[
1309
Title
The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation
Publication
 
Author
Allen O.N.; Allen E.K.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin
Year
1981
ISBN
0-333-32221-5
Description
An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus.
].

Propagation

Seed -
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-10-04. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Eysenhardtia+polystachya>

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