Chromolaena laevigata
StarChromolaena laevigata
Synonyms: Eupatorium laevigatum f. albiflorum, Eupatorium laevigatum f. flavidum, Eupatorium laevigatum var. genuinum, Eupatorium propinquum, Eupatorium laevigatum var. arenarium, Chromolaena laevigata var. submembranacea, Eupatorium laevigatum var. claussenii, Chromolaena laevigata var. arenaria, Osmia propinqua, Eupatorium laevigatum f. crenatifolium, Osmia laevigata, Eupatorium laevigatum f. serratifolium, Eupatorium australe, Osmia alternans, Eupatorium laevigatum f. lilacinum, Eupatorium alternans, Eupatorium laevigatum f. subcapillatum, Eupatorium laevigatum var. submembranacea, Eupatorium psiadiifolium, Eupatorium laevigatum var. psidiifolium, Eupatorium laevigatum var. squamulosum, Eupatorium psiadiifolium var. latifolium, Eupatorium psiadiifolium var. tereticaule, Eupatorium laevigatum var. tomentosum, Eupatorium laevigatum var. longepetiolatum, Eupatorium laevigatum var. microcephalum, Chrysocoma punctulata, Eupatorium resinosum, Chrysocoma punctata, Eupatorium osseanum, Eupatorium laevigatum
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Brazilian and other South American folk medicine, Chromolaena laevigata is among the Chromolaena species used by traditional healers for inflammation, wounds, and skin infections, with leaf extracts documented to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and analgesic activity (Chromolaena genus review, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2022).
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Botanical Description
Chromolaena laevigata is a robust perennial herb or subshrub of the daisy family, native to tropical and subtropical South America, where it grows in savanna, forest edges, roadsides, and disturbed ground. Closely related to the well-known Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata), it has erect, branching stems reaching one to two metres and opposite, lance-shaped to ovate leaves with three prominent veins, smooth (laevigate) surfaces, and toothed or entire margins. The small flower heads lack ray florets and contain only tubular disc florets in shades of pale lilac, mauve, or whitish; these are grouped into flat-topped to rounded terminal clusters. Each floret produces a small dark achene tipped with a pappus of fine bristles that aids wind dispersal. Flowering is followed by abundant seed, and the plant can form dense stands. Its foliage contains aromatic terpenoids and flavonoids characteristic of the genus.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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