Common Name:

General Information

Laportea decumana is a perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody and can persist for several years. It can grow up to 2 metres tall, the well-branched stems and leaves densely armed with irritant hairs[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is cultivated locally for medicinal purposes in the Moluccas and in New Guinea[].

Known Hazards

The plant is densely armed with irritant hairs[]. The leaves have stinging hairs, much like stinging nettles (Urtica species) to which they are related[].

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia from southern Borneo east to New Guinea

Habitat

Common in forest margins and as undergrowth in hedges at low elevations[]. It prefers shady places and is often found in wet but well-drained soils[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a shady position[]. Grows well in wet but well-drained soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Fresh young leaves are eaten with sweet potato or taro as a remedy for intestinal pains[]. (It can be assumed that, in common with other members of this plant family, the irritant hairs are neutralized by heat[])
The leaves are rubbed or gently stroked on various parts of the body in order to counteract fever, body pains, fatigue, stomach-ache and headaches[]. A leaf with its lower surface held towards the body is used - a stinging sensation is felt as the treatment commences, but numbness and anaesthesia develop as the treatment progresses[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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