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| Leaf of Life in Bloom, MRobb, 2016 |
Tillandsias, Mesembs, orchids, herbalism, art, pensive musings, and gardening on sand dunes.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Caribbean Leaf of Life in Bloom!
During my course in Herbalism, I was given one leaf of a Leaf of Life plant from Jamaica, which is a quasi-native of this region. The plant propagates by growing tiny miniatures of itself all along its leaf edges. So all you have to do is place a leaf in a protected area of your garden, right side up, sprinkle some dirt over it, and a few weeks later, you've got dozens of little ones! It's growing all over my garden now. Leaf of Life (Bryophyllum pinnatum) is a well known medicinal herb from the Caribbean islands; it was brought to the islands from Africa centuries ago. It's used for respiratory conditions such as colds, bronchitis, and asthma, and for hypertension. It's mainly taken in tea form. I use it in teas and tinctures and it has been quite helpful for my family. Now it's in bloom, in January. Well, it's been a really weird winter....
Hi Marla,
ReplyDeleteThe Leaf of Life looks very useful! I've seen it grown as a houseplant and offered for sale in some of our larger local nurseries and have always admired the small, bell shaped blooms! It can't tolerate being outdoors for long around here but I understand that Leaf of Life, like its Bryophyllum cousin Mother of Millions, is considered an invasive weed in many parts of the world.
Most people I know don't like Mother of Millions (Bryophyllum delagoense). I was always fascinated by her. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your perspective) it is too cold outdoors for her around here too and no one seems to grow her in local nurseries.
Loved this post!
Gail
Hi, Gail! Fortunately, the Leaf of Life is pretty easy to eradicate if you need to, unlike the Mother of Millions. It grows easily from leaves but not nearly as fast or as plentifully. I think it is strictly a Zone 10 plant, and it handles salt very well.
DeleteIf anyone wants B delagoense, I have more than enough to supply the demand - All from one tiny plantlet. Marla, your species looks nicer, but maybe that's just because I'm unfamiliar with it.
ReplyDeleteI think I will avoid B delagoense! I wonder if that one has any medicinal properties. The Bane of Florida, Melaleuca, is used for all kinds of things, but is so invasive and nasty down here, the pros don't balance the cons. Leaf of Life is a much more sedate grower, thankfully.
DeleteEllen,
DeleteI'll be happy to take one of your extra Mother of Millions!
Gail
Gail, you can have as many as you want!
Delete