Oldenlandia affinis
(Roem. & Schult.) DC.
Rubiaceae
Hedyotis is a very problematic genus or group of genera. Neither the overall identity and limits of this lineage, nor the evolutionary patterns within it, are at all understood or delineated. Widely differing treatments have long been used in different regions and floras. The situation is far from resolution or even general consensus and so many authors treat the genus very broadly[
266- Title
- Flora of China
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
- Publisher
- Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
- Year
- 1994
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
]. In line with several recent (up to 2013) molecular and phylogenic studies, the Kew ‘World Checklist of Selected Plant Families’ has recognised a number of distinct genera and this is the treatment we are adopting here[
K- Title
- Plants for a Future
- Author
- Ken Fern
- Description
- Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Hedyotis affinis Roem. & Schult.
Hedyotis decumbens Hochst.
Hedyotis dichotoma K.D.Koenig ex Roth
Hedyotis fugax Vatke
Kohautia decumbens (Hochst.) Roberty
Kohautia longiflora E.Mey. ex Sond. & Harv.
Oldenlandia decumbens (Hochst.) Hiern
Oldenlandia dichotoma (K.D.Koenig ex Roth) Hook.f.
Oldenlandia linearifolia Wight & Arn.
Oldenlandia prostrata Pires de Lima
Common Name:
Pot-grown plant
Photograph by: KalataB1
Public domain
Pot-grown plant
Photograph by: KalataB1
Public domain
Plant with prostrate habit, growing in natural habitat
Photograph by: Scamperdale
Close up of the leaves, flowers and developing seed capsules
Photograph by: Dinesh Valke
Close-up of a blue-flowered form in Africa
Photograph by: Ehoarn Bidault
General Information
Oldenlandia affinis is a slender, erect or prostrate, much-branched annual or perennial herb that can grow up to 50cm long, exceptionally to 120cm[
310- Title
- Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://proseanet.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
Range
Africa - Liberia to Sudan, south to S. Africa, Madagascar, the Comores; E. Asia - India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia.
Habitat
Found in Malaysia in dry, often sandy locations, usually near the sea; in India it is commonly found on the slopes of hills; at elevations up to 1,200 metres[
310- Title
- Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://proseanet.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
].
Properties
| Medicinal Rating |  |
| Habit | Annual/Perennial |
| Height | 0.30 m |
| Pollinators | Insects |
| Cultivation Status | Wild |
Cultivation Details
Not known
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
The plant is reported to be used medicinally in Peninsular Malaysia, without specification[
310- Title
- Plant Resources of Southeast Asia
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://proseanet.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
].
The plant is given to hasten childbirth in Africa. It contains the oxytocic phenolic amine serotonin and two oxytocic proteins. Practical modern usage is hampered by the toxicity of serotonin and at least one of the proteins, and both compounds are ineffective when administered orally to laboratory animals[
688- Title
- Journal of the Arnold Arboretum Vol. 68
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
- Publisher
- Harvard University.
- Year
- 1987
- ISBN
- 0004-2625
- Description
- Various articles on plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
Other Uses
None known
Propagation
Seed -
If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.
Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
