Medicinal Plant: "Rooster Crest"
Surely you know the famous Rooster Crest, but besides being what crowns the head of the Roosters, is also a plant used for decorative purposes and, most importantly, is a medicinal plant.
This is an annual or perennial ornamental plant; Whose leaves are edible. It is believed that its origin is in South Asia, where it is cultivated as a nutritious vegetable. However, you can also find it in other parts of the world such as Mexico, Spain or tropical Africa. Something very particular about it is that it changes its name according to the region where it is located:
Velvet Flower: It is known in certain parts of Mexico.
Soko Yokoto: So it is called in Nigeria (this means "make your husband fat and happy").
But it is in Spain (and some region of Mexico, Guatemala, among others) where it is known as the plant "crest of Rooster". The reason for this name is found by the appearance of the flower, it has the following characteristics:
1. Erect stems, sometimes smooth, and in others may appear with small hairs.
2. Its leaves do not follow an established order; present form of spear or ovada.
3. The colors of his flowers are flashy and vivid, he does not have an established color.
4. When you see the plant as a whole, the head of the flower is very short (almost no stem).
As I mentioned before, it is an ornamental plant, so ea quite common to find them in houses and gardens. But be careful to say, "I have a rooster's crest." You must be careful, since in Spain there is a disease that is given that name; "the roosters crests". This disease presents as symptoms a small warts that appear on the genitals and are sexually transmitted. So, if you want to talk about how colorful your garden is, I suggest you always talk about the "Rooster Crest Plant".
Care
The Rooster Crest is a plant that is not very difficult to maintain. Potted should be irrigated every 2 or 3 days and must be fertilized with ornamental plant fertilizers. The best thing is that the land you use in the pot is not compact. You can also cultivate it in the soil, for it must be in full sun and be watered every 3 or 4 days. You will only pay for the time that the flower is with natural fertilisers (unlike when potted). As before, it is recommended that you plant on non-compact soils or you will have problems developing.
Medicinal uses
Its main use is as a tonic for heart disease and as a laxative; It is the leaf of the plant that is used. It also has heart-toning substances, although its use in high doses can be dangerous (like everything) and has been used to fight diabetes and varicose veins. From its seeds an oil is extracted that is used against scurvy (lack of vitamin C that causes the impoverishment of the blood). In addition, this oil is also a good remedy against diarrhea and intestinal parasites.
It is definitely a very useful plant in each of its parts, for the decoration is used by the color of its flowers, and its leaves and seeds are used in the medicine. A plant that we can certainly take advantage of completely.
The photograph is my authorship, captured with a cell phone Moto E XT1528
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