Common Name:

General Information

Ludwigia erecta is an erect, much-branched, annual plant, sometimes becoming woody at the base, growing 40 - 300cm tall[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America - Panama to Mexico; Caribbean; SE North America.

Habitat

Ditches and wet places in Panama[]. In Africa it is found naturalized on river banks and in other wet localities, as well as on moist wasteland, at elevations up to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A widespread and locally common weed in Africa[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked]299]. They are cooked to make a sauce for maize and porridge[] Occasionally they are eaten as a cooked vegetable[].

Medicinal

A bath made with the boiled plants is given to relieve fever caused by malaria[].

An infusion of the leaves is used for treating weak but rapid heart rate, particularly when combined with the leaves of Annona muricata[]. The leaves are boiled, and the liquid used to make a porridge with oatmeal, plantain, flour or sago flour then used to treat thrush[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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