Common Name:

General Information

Leptodesmia microphylla is a slender, much branched, erect or creeping undershrub, up to 150 cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
Leptodesmia microphylla is an extremely widespread species. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Australia.

Habitat

Wastelands, grasslands, thickets; at elevations from 100 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of subtropical and tropical areas, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,000 metres. It can grow in areas with seasonal or year-round rainfall[].

A very common weed in the Malesian region[]. Because of the abundant small uncinate hairs on most species, the seedpods cling most tenaciously to clothing, to any part of the human body, and also to the feathers and hair of various animals, thus ensuring a wide dispersal of the plants[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The whole plant is used in the treatment of eye problems and headache[].

The roots are used medicinally for reducing fever, relieving coughs, and dispelling phlegm[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed develops a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
The seed usually germinates within 1 - 4 months at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel.
Division. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on until they are rooting well.
Root cuttings.

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