Origin
Jamaica
Folk medicinal uses
D. axillare and D. procumbens are to be included among the Desmodium spp. known as wild pinder and strong back. The former, used in the usual way for the treatment of back pains, is sometimes used with lresine paniculata and Borreria laevis to make a drink which is said to "flush out all poison from the kidneys". In Cuba a root decoction is thought to be of value in the treatment of ulcers and buboes: in Brazil it has been used as a remedy for acne. D. procumbens like other species makes a tea for back pains and weakness. "
Asprey, G.F; Phylis Thornton/ Medicinal plants of Jamaica. Parts III & IV. – p. 65.