Herb's Introduction
Pentapetes phoenicea, commonly known as the midday flower or scarlet-flowered pentapetes, is a captivating annual herb that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This beautiful plant is widely recognized for its vibrant red flowers that exhibit a unique and fascinating characteristic: they typically open around noon and close just before dawn, giving it names like "midday flower" and "a las doce" (at twelve o'clock). Native to tropical Asia, Pentapetes phoenicea has a rich history of being used in traditional medicine across various cultures. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the plant is valued for its potential healing properties, with different parts of the plant—including the roots, flowers, and fruits—being utilized for a range of ailments. Its medicinal applications are rooted in its astringent, anti-bilious, and emollient properties, which have been documented in traditional pharmacopoeias from India to Southeast Asia.
Name in Different Countries
The name of this herb varies significantly across different regions, reflecting its widespread presence and cultural importance. English: The most common English names are "midday flower" and "scarlet-flowered pentapetes," which describe its flowering pattern and the color of its petals. Chinese: It is known as 午时花 (Wǔshíhuā), which literally translates to "midday flower," and 夜落金钱 (Yèluò jīnqián), meaning "night-fallen golden coins," a poetic name that likely refers to its withered flowers falling at night. Hindi: In India, it is called बनधुका (bandhuka) and बनधुलि (bandhuli). Other names include दोपाहािरया (dopahariya), which refers to the afternoon, and तमिरदुपारी (tamridupari), also related to the midday. Japanese: The herb is known as goji-ka in Japan. Philippines: It is widely recognized as a las doce or flores de las doce, both of which mean "at twelve o'clock" or "flowers of twelve o'clock," a direct reference to its flowering time. Sanskrit: In ancient Indian texts, it is called Bandhujiva and Arkavallabha, names that often carry symbolic or descriptive meanings related to its red flowers or medicinal properties. Sinhala: In Sri Lanka, it is known as Bandu-vada. Tamil: It is referred to as Nagappu.
Terminology
Scientific Name: Pentapetes phoenicea L. The name "Pentapetes" is derived from Greek, meaning "five-petaled," and "phoenicea" from Latin, meaning "phoenician red" or "crimson," which accurately describes the flower's appearance. Family: Malvaceae. This family includes many well-known plants like cotton, hibiscus, and mallow, which often share similar botanical characteristics such as mucilaginous properties. Synonyms: The herb has several historical synonyms, including Blattaria phoenicea Kuntze, Brotera phoenicea (L.) Cav., and Dombeya phoenicea Cav., reflecting its classification history. Habit: It is an annual herb, meaning it completes its life cycle within one growing season. Morphology: The plant is characterized by its linear-lanceolate leaves, a distinguishing feature, and its vibrant red petals. The term "stellate hairy" refers to the star-shaped hairs on its leaves and calyx, while "hispid" denotes the presence of stiff, bristly hairs. The capsule is the fruit of the plant, containing its seeds.
Availability
Pentapetes phoenicea is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It thrives in warm climates and is often found growing in fields, along roadsides, and in cultivated gardens. Due to its ornamental value and medicinal uses, it is also cultivated in other parts of the world with suitable climates. The plant is typically available during the summer and autumn months, which is its natural flowering season. For medicinal use, different parts of the plant—such as the roots, flowers, and fruits—can be harvested during this period when they are at their peak. It is a relatively easy plant to grow from seed, making it accessible to those who wish to cultivate it for personal use.
External Look
Pentapetes phoenicea is an elegant and slender herb, typically growing to a height of 0.5 to 1 meter. Stems and Leaves: The stems are upright and often sparsely covered with fine, star-shaped hairs. The leaves are a key identification feature, being linear-lanceolate in shape, measuring about 5-10 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. They have a serrated or crenate margin and a pointed tip (acuminate apex). The petiole, or leaf stalk, is relatively short. Flowers: The most striking feature of the plant is its flowers. They are a brilliant red color and are broadly ovate in shape, about 12 mm across. The flowers have a distinct flowering habit, opening at midday and closing at dawn. This unique behavior has led to many of its common names. The calyx, the green outer part of the flower, is persistent and often covered in star-shaped hairs. Fruits: The fruit is a nearly spherical capsule, approximately 1.2 cm in diameter. It is covered in a dense layer of star-shaped hairs and bristly hairs. The capsule contains the seeds and is shorter than the persistent calyx.
Healing Properties
Pentapetes phoenicea is valued in traditional medicine for a variety of healing properties derived from different parts of the plant. Antibilious: The roots are considered antibilious, meaning they can help to correct or prevent disorders of the bile, which are often associated with digestive issues. Antiphlegmonous: The roots are also used as an anti-phlegmonous agent, which indicates their potential to reduce inflammation or a localized infection (phlegmon). Astringent: The roots possess astringent properties, meaning they can cause the contraction of body tissues. This makes them useful for conditions like flatulence and stomachache by toning the digestive system. Emollient: The fruit and its decoction are noted for their emollient properties. An emollient is a substance that soothes and softens the skin and mucous membranes, which is why a decoction is used for diseases of the bowels. Mucilaginous: The capsules and fruits are mucilaginous, meaning they contain a gelatinous substance. This property is beneficial for soothing and protecting the lining of the digestive tract, making them useful for bowel-related diseases. Febrifuge: The roots are also considered a febrifuge, meaning they can help to reduce fever.
Advantages
The use of Pentapetes phoenicea in traditional medicine offers several advantages. Holistic Approach: The herb provides a holistic approach to treating certain ailments, addressing not only symptoms but also the underlying causes, such as inflammation and imbalances in the digestive system. Natural Remedies: As a natural plant, it offers a traditional alternative to synthetic drugs, which is often preferred by people seeking natural remedies. Multiple Uses: Different parts of the plant—including the roots, flowers, and fruits—can be used for a wide range of conditions, from digestive issues to inflammatory problems and fever. Cultural Significance: Its long history of use in various cultures, from India to Sri Lanka, supports its traditional efficacy and value. For example, the use of a flower paste to cure abnormally heavy periodic flow highlights a specific application based on local knowledge. Accessibility: As a relatively easy-to-grow annual herb, it is accessible for local and traditional communities to cultivate and use.
Uses
The different parts of the Pentapetes phoenicea plant are used for a variety of purposes: Roots: The roots are primarily used for their medicinal properties. They are prepared to treat flatulence, stomachache, and fever. Their antibilious and astringent properties make them effective for digestive system regulation. Flowers: A paste made from the flowers is traditionally used to address abnormally heavy periodic flow in some cultures, demonstrating a specific gynaecological application. Fruits and Capsules: The mucilaginous capsules and fruits are used to prepare decoctions. These are given to treat diseases of the bowels due to their emollient and soothing properties. Leaves: In some regions, such as Celebes, the leaves of the plant are used as a substitute for tea, suggesting a beverage or culinary use that may also have mild therapeutic effects.
Using way
The methods of using Pentapetes phoenicea are generally based on traditional practices: For Roots: The roots are typically processed by being dried and ground into a powder or boiled to create a decoction (a concentrated liquid extract). This decoction is then consumed orally to treat digestive issues and fever. The dose and preparation method may vary based on traditional knowledge. For Flowers: A fresh flower paste is created by crushing the petals. This paste is then administered to the person as a remedy for the specified gynaecological condition. For Fruits and Capsules: The capsules and fruits are boiled in water to make a decoction. This liquid is then ingested to soothe and heal the intestinal lining and treat bowel diseases. The mucilaginous nature of the decoction provides a protective coating. For Leaves: As a tea substitute, the leaves would be dried and then steeped in hot water, similar to how conventional tea is prepared.
Conclusion
Pentapetes phoenicea, with its striking red flowers and unique midday blooming habit, is more than just an ornamental plant. It holds a significant place in traditional medicine across Asia, where its various parts are utilized for their therapeutic properties. From the antibilious and astringent roots that aid in digestion to the emollient fruits that soothe the bowels, and the flower paste used for specific ailments, the plant showcases a rich history of medicinal application. Its common names, which often reflect its fascinating daily cycle, and its availability as an annual herb, make it a valuable and accessible natural resource. As documented in various traditional texts, the herb’s properties—astringent, antibilious, antiphlegmonous, and febrifuge—underscore its potential as a natural remedy. While its use is deeply embedded in traditional knowledge, further scientific research could help to validate and standardize its applications, ensuring its legacy as a powerful and beneficial herb continues.
