Practical
Plants

Acourtia microcephala

Sacapellote

a perennial member of the Acourtia genus in the family Compositae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
1.4 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A decoction of the plant has been used to bring about a very quick passage of the bowels[2].

Environment

Range
South-western N. America - California.
Habitat
Dry sunny slopes[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse in a gritty well-drained compost, and only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, being careful not to over-water. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in the spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a freely draining gritty soil, preferably of fairly low fertility, and a position in full sun[1]. Dislikes winter wet. Plants are not very hardy outdoors in Britain, though they should succeed in the milder areas of the country, especially if given the additional protection of a wall. They are hardy to about -10°c, so long as they are not too wet[2]. Excess moisture, especially in the winter, is the main cause of death.

References

  1. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  2. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

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