Herb's Introduction
Plumbago auriculata, commonly known as Cape leadwort or blue plumbago, is a species of flowering plant native to South Africa and Mozambique. It's an evergreen shrub that can be grown as a climbing vine, a sprawling groundcover, or a low hedge. The plant is prized for its year-round blooms of pale blue flowers. The scientific name, Plumbago auriculata, comes from the Latin words "plumbum" (lead) and "auriculata" (with ears), with the former referring to the plant's historical use in treating lead poisoning, and the latter to the distinctive ear-like appendages at the base of its leaves.
Name in Different Countries
English: Plumbago, Cape Leadwort, Blue Plumbago Hindi: Nila chitrak (नीला चित्रक) Manipuri: Telhidak Chinese: Lan Moli (蓝茉莉) Finnish: Sinilyijykukka French: Plumbago du Cap, Dentelaire du Cap German: Südafrikanische Bleiwurz, Kap-Bleiwurz Spanish: Azulina, Celestina, Jazmín Azul
Terminology
Family: Plumbaginaceae. This family, also known as the leadwort family, includes herbs, shrubs, and lianas. Many species in this family, including Plumbago auriculata, have characteristic salt-secreting glands on their leaves. Synonyms: Plumbago capensis Thunb., Plumbagidium auriculatum (Lam.) Spach. These are alternative scientific names that have been used to refer to the same plant. Plumbagin: This is the primary bioactive compound found in the plant, particularly in the root. It's a naphthoquinone derivative that is known to be toxic and can cause skin irritation or blistering. Its presence contributes to the plant's medicinal and poisonous properties. Scandent/Semi-climbing: This describes the plant's growth habit, indicating that it can sprawl and climb over other plants or structures but does not have the robust climbing mechanisms of a true vine.
Availability
Plumbago auriculata is widely available as an ornamental plant in nurseries and garden centers, especially in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions. It's often cultivated in Mediterranean climates and is hardy in a range of USDA zones. While it can tolerate some light frost, it's typically grown as a houseplant or in heated greenhouses in colder climates. The plant's popularity is due to its low-maintenance nature, drought tolerance, and long flowering season.
External Look
Growth Habit: A sprawling, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2-4 meters tall. It has slender, gracefully arching branches that can be trained as a climber or hedge. Leaves: The leaves are obovate or elliptic in shape, light green, and have a thin texture. They are typically 2.5–9 cm long with a distinctive "auriculate" or ear-like appendage at their base, which gives the plant its species name. Flowers: The flowers are the most striking feature. They are a delicate, pale to sky-blue color, though white and deep blue cultivars exist. The flowers are trumpet-shaped with five spreading lobes and are grouped in dense, rounded clusters called racemes at the tips of the branches. The calyx (the outer part of the flower) is sticky to the touch due to short, white hairs and glandular protuberances. Fruit: The plant produces small, brown capsules, approximately 8 mm long, which contain brown seeds.
Healing Properties
Plumbago auriculata has been a part of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Sidha, though caution is advised due to its toxic compound, plumbagin. Research has explored its potential pharmacological activities: Antimicrobial and Antifungal: Extracts from the plant, particularly the roots, have shown properties that inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi. Anticancer: Plumbagin has been studied for its potential to induce cell death in various cancer cell lines, suggesting a possible role in future cancer treatments. Hepatoprotective: Some studies indicate that plant extracts may have protective effects on the liver. Wound Healing: In some traditional practices, preparations from the plant are used topically for treating wounds, warts, and broken bones. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: The presence of steroids and terpenoids contributes to its potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Advantages
Low Maintenance: It's a resilient plant that tolerates drought and various soil types (as long as they are well-drained). Ornamental Value: The profusion of beautiful pale blue flowers makes it a popular choice for gardens, hedges, and containers. Wildlife Friendly: The plant attracts a wide variety of butterflies, bees, and birds, making it a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. Versatile: It can be used in multiple landscape applications, including as a shrub, a climbing vine, a groundcover, or a hedge.
Uses
Ornamental: This is its most common use today. It's widely planted in gardens, parks, and along walls for its aesthetic appeal. It can be used to create an informal hedge or a formal, clipped one. Traditional Medicine: Historically, various parts of the plant have been used to treat ailments. The root powder, for example, has been applied to warts, and decoctions have been used for conditions like blackwater fever and headaches. The powdered, roasted root has also been rubbed into scarifications over fractures to promote healing. Dye: In some parts of East Africa, the flowers and leaves are used to create natural dyes in various shades. The grey-blue sap of the roots has also been used for tattoos. Environmental: The plant is known to be able to grow in lead-polluted areas, showing potential for use in phytostabilization—a method of using plants to immobilize contaminants in the soil.
Using Way
Caution is crucial when using Plumbago auriculata for medicinal purposes due to the presence of the toxic compound, plumbagin. Direct skin contact with the roots can cause severe irritation or blistering. For medicinal uses, a qualified herbalist or Ayurvedic practitioner should be consulted. Historically, specific parts were prepared in certain ways: Topical Application: The powdered root or a paste made from the plant was applied directly to the skin for warts or to promote the healing of fractures. Decoctions and Infusions: In traditional medicine, a decoction (a concentrated liquid made by boiling down the plant parts) of the roots or aerial parts was consumed for internal ailments. Snuff: The powdered root was used as a snuff to relieve headaches.
Conclusion
Plumbago auriculata is a versatile and beautiful evergreen shrub. Its primary value in modern times is its use as a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ornamental plant that provides a long season of beautiful sky-blue flowers and attracts pollinators. While it has a long history of use in traditional medicine, this must be approached with extreme caution due to the presence of the potent and toxic compound, plumbagin. Future research is needed to fully understand the plant's bioactive compounds and their potential for safe and effective therapeutic applications.
