Waltheria communis
StarWaltheria communis
Synonyms: Waltheria communis var. platyphylla, Waltheria douradinha, Waltheria gracilis, Waltheria communis var. lanata, Waltheria lanata, Waltheria glabriuscula, Waltheria boliviensis, Waltheria communis var. hirta, Waltheria communis var. henningsii, Waltheria communis var. erosa, Waltheria communis var. vulgaris, Waltheria communis var. dietrichii, Waltheria communis var. velutina, Waltheria communis var. gracilis, Waltheria communis var. tomentella, Waltheria communis var. glabriuscula
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Within the pantropical Waltheria indica complex to which this taxon belongs (malva blanca), the roots, leaves and aerial parts are widely employed in Latin American and other folk medicine: a decoction or maceration is taken for coughs, sore throat, asthma and inflammatory complaints and used as a soothing demulcent for irritated mucous membranes (Zongo et al., 2013, reviewing W. indica). These uses are attributed to the closely allied aggregate species and are applied here as proxy data, noted in the record metadata.
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Botanical Description
Waltheria communis is a low, woody-based perennial herb or subshrub in the family Malvaceae belonging to the widespread Waltheria indica species complex, the pantropical group known in Spanish-speaking regions as malva blanca. Plants are erect to spreading, typically reaching 0.3 to 1 metre tall, with stems and foliage densely clothed in soft greyish stellate hairs. The alternate leaves are ovate to oblong with crenate to serrate margins, prominent venation and a velvety texture. The small, five-petalled flowers are yellow and crowded into dense, sessile axillary or terminal cymose clusters, producing tiny one- to two-seeded capsules. It thrives in open, sunny, often disturbed and seasonally dry habitats on sandy or rocky soils across tropical and subtropical America and other warm regions, behaving as a pioneer or weedy colonist. The combination of soft tomentose herbage and compact heads of yellow flowers is 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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