Asclepias curassavica
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Tropical perennial, temperate annual. Native to the tropics worldwide.
The ornamental flowers are borne on loose umbels, blood-red and orange,
with yellow centers. This plant is easy to grow and rewarding, a
great butterfly attractor. The root was once used as an emetic (therefore
its alternate name), although it does not have the same alkaloids as Ipecac.
It has even been used to adulterate Ipecac root. The juice of the
leaves is taken in native cultures to dispel worms from the intestines.
Also used to cure dysentery and hemorrhoids. Cultivation:
Easy. Start in the spring in the greenhouse or directly in the garden,
and transplant or thin to 2 feet apart. Prefers full sun, average
garden soil and flowers to 4 feet tall.
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