Plumbago zeylanica (Leadwort, Chitrak, Plumbago, White leadwort)
Botanical Information
| Family | Plumbaginaceae |
| Genus | Plumbago |
| Species | zeylanica |
| Category | Perennials, Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | India and Malaysia. Widely naturalized in many areas of the Tropics, especially Africa and southeast Asia. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | The plant is commonly used medicinally - especially in India and Africa where it is a very popular treatment for skin problems. Chitrak is used in treating intestinal troubles, dysentery, leucoderma, inflammation, piles, bronchitis, itching, diseases of the liver, and consumption. The leaves of this herb work well for treating laryngitis, rheumatism, diseases of the spleen, ring worm, scabies, and it acts as an aphrodisiac. A tincture of the root bark is used as an anti-periodic. Chitrak root helps improve digestion and it stimulates the appetite. Chitrak root is also an acro-narcotic poison that can cause an abortion. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H2 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | 2 - 4 |
| Temperature (°F) | 35 - 40 |
| Height | 1.5 - 2.5 m |
| Growth | Fast |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | An evergreen perennial plant sometimes with more persistent, semi-woody stems. The stems, which are 1 - 2 metres long, have a somewhat lax habit and sometimes adopt a climbing habit. |
| ID Characteristic | Plants can flower throughout the year. |
| Shape | A climbing habit. |
| Propagation | By seed or stem cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Grow in a position in full sun or partial shade in a slightly acidic soil. |
| Notable Specimens | Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. |
| Habitat | Almost exclusively found in rather open, human-created habitats such as savannah, forest edges and fallow fields, at elevations up to 1,000 metres. |
| Leaf Description | Dark green leaves are ovate to 10 cm long by half as wide. |
| Flower Description | White in showy dense racemes and will flower all year long. Individual flowers are up 1 cm across. |
| Fruit Description | A small cocklebur with glue on the soft spines that will stick to anything. |
Photographs
Plumbago zeylanica, form, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Plumbago zeylanica, leaf, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Plumbago zeylanica, flower, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.