Andrachne

Scientific Name(S): Andrachne cordifolia Muell. and related species viz. A. aspera Spreng. and A. phyllanthoides (Nutt.) Muell. Arg. Family: Euphorbiaceae

Botany: The Andrachne genus has about 20 tropical American species and a few species in North Africa, Europe and elsewhere. These are generally seen as shrubs and undershrubs, possessing many ascending leafy branches, in tropical and warm regions. The leaves are oval or obovate, while the flowers are monoecious, pedicellate and usually solitary in the axils. The fruit is dry, splitting into three 2-valved carpels. A. phyllanthoides is found in the dry hills and rocky barrens from Montana to Texas in May through October. A. aspera is widely distributed throughout the Middle East.

Uses of Andrachne

One species has been used to treat eye inflammation in Yemen. Others act as pest controls.

Side Effects of Andrachne

No data available.

Toxicology:

No toxicological data have been recorded for this genus.

Summary: Andrachne species have marginal folkloric use for treating eye inflammation. Some are used for controlling pests.