Origin
Jamaica
Folk medicinal uses
According to MacFadyen this species, which is mucilaginous, was at one time used in the West Indies in cases of irritation of the bladder, in Peru for dysentery and in Brazil for eye complaints. Beckwith says it is used in Jamaica for a weak back, a little tea being taken daily.
Asprey, G.F; Phylis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts I & II. – p. 20.