Origin
Tropical and subtropical America.

Occurrence
In Venezuela, the plant is amply distributed in arid and semi-arid regions, in xerophilous forests, savannas, in disturbed areas, and on calcareous soils.

Ethnobotanical and general use

Medical use
The used parts are leaves, bark, shoots, roots, entire plant, flowers, branches with flowers. Leaf. The triturated leaves taken with water cure vaginal haemorrhage and ulcer. Bark. The bark is said to have emollient effects. To cure wounds, the entire plant triturated is used locally. Root. The root is used against pruritus and aches of the gum. Flower. The flowers or branches with flowers are applied in infusion to cure flu and liver problems. In the form of drops, the infusion is applied against blindness. Entire plant. The plant has antiseptic and bacteriostatic properties. It contains phenolic derivatives (tannin), slime and zygosporin (a cytochalasin). Most of the Sterculiaceae contain tannins and slime. The tannins are probably responsible for the antiseptic effects. The drugs are sold at stands in Caracas and Maracaibo, where herbal medicine is offered.

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Origin

Jamaica

Folk medicinal uses

Used to make tea for colds.

1) South American medicinal plants : botany, remedial properties, and general use / I. Roth, H. Lindorf. Berlin ; New York : Springer, c2002. -- p. 492.

2) Asprey, G.F; Phylis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts I & II. – p. 27.