Vegetable Mercury

Some 40 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees belong to this tropical American genus. Brunfelsia uniflora is found in cloud forest and moist forest on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Several species are grown as ornamentals in warm regions, or under glass, for their large, often scented, five-lobed flowers, which in some species change color as they age, giving rise to such common names as "yesterday, today, and tommorow". The genus is named after Otto Brunfels (1489-1534), a monk and physician. Brunfelsias contain various alkaloids and a furocoumarin that is reputed to be anti-inflammatory. Several are used by native S Americans, both medicinally and as hallucinogens; they include B. chiricaspi and B. grandiflora, which characteristically produce a chilling, tingling sensation. Several species appear to have anti-rheumatic effects. Leaves of B. grandiflora subsp. schultesii (chiric sanango, chuchuwasha, moca pari) are used to relieve rheumatism and arthritis.

Shrub with pointed leaves, 8cm (3in) long, and blue-violet, yellow-throated flowers, usually solitary but sometimes paired, measuring 2-3cm (¾-1¼in) across.

Common Name:	Vegetable Mercury
Other Names:	Manaca, pohl
Botanical Name:	Brunfelsia uniflora syn. B. hopeana
Genus:	Brunfelsia
Family:	Solanaceae
Native Location:	Brazil, Venezuela
Cultivation:	Rich, well-drained soil in partial shade and high humidity. Pinch out shoot tips in the growing season to encourage branching. Whitefly and mealybug may damage plants under cover.
Propagation:	By softwood cuttings in spring and summer at 21°C (70°F).
Harvest:	Roots are collected and dried for use in decoctions and liquid extracts.
Height:	50cm (20in)
Width:	50cm (20in)
Hardiness:	Min. 13°C (55°F)
Parts Used:	Roots
Properties:	Sweet, slightly aromatic herb with alterative, diuretic, and anti-rheumatic effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for syphilis, fevers, rheumatism, arthritis, and snakebite.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 147