Guinea Hen Weed

A single species of perennial belongs to this genus, which occurs in tropical and warm parts of America and is naturalized in parts of tropical Asia and Africa. It is related to pokeweeds (Phytolacca, See, Indian Poke. Petiveria alliacea, is not in general cultivation but may occasionally be seen in botanic gardens. Being widely used as a ritual and magic plant in S and C America and the Caribbean, the plant has innumerable common names in many languages. The strong, garlic-like smell of P. alliacea is caused by the presence of a compound containing sulphur. This pungent odor may account for its popularity as a medicinal herb. No information is available on its efficacy; it is apparently always used in conjunction with other herbs.

Perennial, woody at the base, with a thick taproot, slender stems, and elliptic to obocate, pointed leaves, 10-15cm (4-6in) long. All parts exude a strong garlic odor when crushed. Tiny white to green-white, star-like flowers are borne in sparse, slender racemes, 15-40cm (6-16in) long, all year round, followed by hooked fruits.

Common Name:	Guinea Hen Weed
Other Names:	Conga Root, Strong Man's Weed
Botanical Name:	Petiveria alliacea
Genus:	Petiveria
Family:	Phytolaccaceae
Cultivation:	Rich, moist soil in partial shade.
Native Location:	S USA to Argentina and the West Indies
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; by semi-ripe cuttings during the growing season.
Harvest:	Whole plants, leaves, and roots are collected for use in decoctions. Fresh leaves are bound around the head for headaches or juiced for direct application for earache.
Height:	1m (3ft)
Width:	30-60cm (1-2ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 10°C (50°F)
Parts Used:	Whole plant, leaves, roots
Properties:	A pungent, diuretic, antiseptic herb the reputedly calms the nerves, controls diarrhea, lowers fever, stimulates the uterus, and relaxes spasms.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for nervous spasms, paralysis, hysteria, asthma, whooping cough, pneumonia, bronchitis, hoarseness, fevers, headaches, influenza, cystitis, venereal disease, and menstrual complaints; also to induce abortion. Combined with Eryngium foetidum (See, culantro) for fevers. Seeped in rum as an aphrodisiac (Carribean). Externally for earache, fever, skin eruptions, toothache, and headache.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 309-310