Family: Asteraceae
Author: (L.) Pol.
Bibliography: Linnaea 41: 582 (1878)
Year: 1878
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Chaptalia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
Heal and draw, scientifically known as Chaptalia nutans, is a fascinating and valuable plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. This plant is indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, displaying a remarkable capacity to thrive in a range of environments.
Chaptalia nutans was first documented in a significant botanical publication, “Linnaea,” in the 41st volume on page 582 in 1878. The authority for the scientific classification of this plant is attributed to the botanist Pol. It is a species that has garnered attention both for its unique botanic characteristics and its potential practical applications.
Known colloquially as Heal and draw, this plant has been recognized for its healing properties, which are well-regarded in traditional herbal medicine. Many cultures within its native range have used Chaptalia nutans for a variety of medicinal purposes, exploiting its natural compounds to treat wounds, inflammations, and other ailments. The name “Heal and draw” itself reflects its reputed ability to aid in wound healing and to draw out infections, toxins, or other harmful substances.
The plant typically exhibits the characteristic traits of the Asteraceae family, often with an array of small flowers clustered into a flower head, giving the appearance of a single flower. This floral arrangement not only makes it visually appealing but also enhances its attractiveness to pollinators, which is essential for the ecosystem it inhabits.
The adaptability and resilience of Chaptalia nutans make it a plant of interest beyond its medicinal uses. Its ability to grow in diverse climatic conditions, spanning both tropical and subtropical regions, speaks to its hardy nature and ecological versatility.
In conclusion, Chaptalia nutans, or Heal and draw, is more than just a plant; it is a significant botanical entity with historical, medical, and ecological importance. Its legacy, captured in the annals of botanical literature, as well as its ongoing contributions to traditional medicine and natural ecosystems, underscores the enduring value of this remarkable species.
Common Names
En: Heal and draw, Silver-puff, White-back
Fr: Dos blanc
Pt: Chamama, Folha-de-grama, Fumo-do-mato, Erva-de-sangue, Sanguineira, Lingua-de-vaca, Lingua-de-vaca-miúda, Serralha, Arnica, Buglosa
Es: Lechuguilla
Synonyms
- Leria nutans f. lyrata (Less.)
- Sabbata polyphylla (Vell.)
- Tussilago vaccina (Vell.)
- Chaptalia erosa (Greene)
- Thyrsanthema ebracteata (Kuntze)
- Chaptalia majuscula (Greene)
- Chaptalia ebracteata ((Kuntze) K.Schum.)
- Thyrsanthema nutans ((L.) Kuntze)
- Leria lyrata (Cass.)
- Chaptalia diversifolia (Greene)
- Gerbera nutans ((L.) Sch.Bip.)
- Leria nutans ((L.) DC.)
- Gerbera nutans var. leiocarpa (M.Gómez)
- Tussilago nutans (L.)
- Chaptalia subcordata (Greene)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (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)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 23, 2020 by Re.ag Re.ag (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2020 by Re.ag Re.ag (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Samy Nycole Montero Mazanet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8255992)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:192653-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chaptalia nutans (L.) Polák)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8208628)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb