Damiana (Turnera diffusa, J.J.Roemer & J.A.Schultes, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 6: 679 (1820))

Family: Passifloraceae

Author: Willd. ex Schult.

Bibliography: J.J.Roemer & J.A.Schultes, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 6: 679 (1820)

Year: 1820

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Turnera

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Texas to C. America, Caribbean, E. Brazil

Description

Damiana: Turnera diffusa

Damiana, scientifically known as Turnera diffusa, is a small shrub native to the regions stretching from Southern Texas to Central America, including the Caribbean and parts of Eastern Brazil. Classified within the Passifloraceae family, Damiana has a rich history of traditional use and has been recognized since the early 19th century, as documented by botanists J.J. Roemer and J.A. Schultes in their 1820 publication.

The plant is renowned for its aromatic leaves, which have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in the Americas. Indigenous cultures have used Damiana for its reputed aphrodisiac properties, as well as for treating a variety of ailments ranging from digestive issues to mood disorders. The leaves of the plant are often dried and used to make teas, tinctures, and other herbal preparations.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Damiana has found its way into modern holistic practices and is sometimes included in natural supplements aimed at enhancing sexual health, improving mood, and providing mild euphoria due to its psychoactive compounds.

Ecologically, Damiana thrives in arid and subtropical climates, which explains its prevalence in its native range. The plant produces small, yellow flowers and yields a small, fig-like fruit. It is well-adapted to survive in dry, sandy soils, making it a resilient species in its natural habitat.

Damiana continues to be a subject of interest for both its historical uses and potential modern applications. Its versatility and the longstanding traditions surrounding its use underscore its importance in herbal medicine and cultural practices across its native regions.

Common Names

Eng: damiana
En: Damiana

Synonyms

• Triacis microphylla ((Desv.) Griseb.)
• Turnera aphrodisiaca (Ward)
• Bohadschia microphylla (Griseb.)
• Turnera pringlei (Rose)
• Bohadschia humifusa (C.Presl)
• Turnera microphylla (Desv.)
• Turnera humifusa (Endl. ex Walp.)
• Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca ((Ward) Urb.)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 8, 2020 by trx di (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Folkard Asch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2019 by c chelle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 2, 2014 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 14, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 2, 2014 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 5, 2008 by EOL − Alex V. Popovkin (cc-by)

Taken Oct 5, 2015 by EOL − Leticia Soriano Flores (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Sep 22, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Sep 29, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Kelsey S (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Liberty Sobredo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2021 by Maïté Niçoise (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2874847)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:836578-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth