Common Name: Caricature Plant

General Information

Caricature plant is an erect, much branched shrub growing up to 3.5 metres tall[]
The plant has a range of traditional medicinal uses and is also used as a soap substitute. It is commonly grown as an ornamental and hedge plant in the tropics, and also as a pot plant in colder areas, being valued especially for its attractive, variegated leaves in which some people can see caricatures of the human face[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australasia - New Guinea.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in full sun to moderate shade, but also succeeds in almost full shade[]. Grows best in moist but well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter[].
Regular pruning stimulates new foliage growth and promotes bushiness[].
The best foliage colour occurs when the plant is grown in a sunny position[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are emollient and resolvent[, ]. They might also be diuretic[]. An infusion is taken as a remedy for constipation[].
They are used externally, often as a poultice, in the treatment of various conditions including cuts, ulcers, scorpion stings and swellings. A poultice of the leaves is applied to the breasts to relieve inflammatory obstruction to the flow of milk[, ]. The leaves are pounded in hot water and applied as paste for relieving headaches[]. The mottled-leafed variety is pounded with coconut milk and then used to reduce swellings[].

The juice of the plant is squeezed into the ear as a remedy for earaches[]. It is applied to the skin as a treatment for certain skin complaints[].

A decoction of the flowers is taken to promote menstruation[].

An ethanol extract of the plant has shown both anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Flavonoids found in one of the fractions was assumed to be partly responsibgle for the antiinflammatory effect[].
A study of the plant extract on the growth of plaque on an acrylic resin complete denture showed inhibition of plaque growth, with highest growth inhibition on 40% extract of the plant[].
The ethanol extract has shown oxytocic activity comparable to oxytocin, whilst the aqueous extract reduced the normal contraction of the uterine strip. The results support the use of the plant in traditional medicine as a delivery aid and also suggest a possible use as a contraceptive[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant responds well to trimming and is widely used as a hedge[].

Other Uses

The leaves contain saponins and can be used as a soap substitute[].

Propagation

Seed -

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