Heimia salicifolia
Family: Lythraceae
Woody perennial, half-hardy. Native to Southern and Central America
and Jamaica. This is an upright multi-stemmed bush with numerous small,
yellow flowers. Ethnobotanical sources describe smoking or making
a tea of the dried leaves of this plant to promote a sense of well-being.
Vision becomes tinted with yellow, hence the common name “sun opener.”
Nice landscaping plant, good for topiary. Cultivation:
Challenging. Grows best in hot climates. Very small seed must be
sprinkled on the surface of a flat and pressed in. Mist with water,
or bottom water. Transplant out to garden or landscape as soon as
the seedlings can be handled.
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