| Etymology | Genus | After Augustin Friedrich Walther, a 18th century German botanist |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Of Indian; relationship to plant unknown | |
| Family | Malvaceae | |
| Synonyms | Waltheria africana K. Schum., Waltheria americana L. | |
| Common Names | Sleepy Morning, Velvet Leaf | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Shrub | |
| Native Distribution | America | |
Diagnostics:
Waltheria indica is found in open scrublands. It starts as a single stemmed individual and then clusters together. The alternate arranged and serrated leaves are grey and very velvety because of the hairs on it. Each leaf axillary frequently branch out a yellow infloresence.
Interesting Facts:
The Sleepy Morning is now naturalised throughout the tropics and some subtropical regions. It is used in traditional medicine for various aliments (see Francis [2004]). This includes as a "febrifuge, purgative, emollient, analgesic, and astringent" in Africa, and to relieve sore throat by chewing on the roots in Hawaii.
Form of the Sleepy Morning.
Leaf arrangement.
The velvety leaf.
Inflorescence.
References
-Author: Jake
Posted: 2014-12-27 / Modified: 2017-12-25