Pluchea Odorata

Description

Pluchea odorata, commonly known as Sambong, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to tropical Asia, including the Philippines, India, and Malaysia. Pluchea odorata has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is a popular herb in traditional medicine. It is also used in various cuisines.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Asterales
Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Pluchea

Appearance

Pluchea odorata is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 meters tall. It has a woody stem with branches that spread out horizontally. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong or lanceolate in shape. They are dark green, hairy, and have serrated edges. The flowers are small and white or pink, and are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is an achene that is small, brown, and has a feathery pappus.

Care Guide

Pluchea odorata is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall. However, regular watering is recommended for optimal growth. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be beneficial. Pluchea odorata can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Pluchea odorata is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. These can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Insects such as aphids and spider mites may also infest the plant, but can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Pluchea odorata is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It prefers areas with well-drained soil and can grow in both freshwater and brackish water. It is commonly found in tropical Asia, including the Philippines, India, and Malaysia.

Question and Answer

Q: What are the medicinal uses of Pluchea odorata?

A: Pluchea odorata has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and urinary tract infections. It is also used as a diuretic and to promote wound healing.

Q: Is Pluchea odorata edible?

A: Yes, Pluchea odorata is used in various cuisines and is edible. The leaves can be used to flavor soups and stews, while the flowers can be used in salads.

Q: How do you propagate Pluchea odorata?

A: Pluchea odorata can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil, while stem cuttings should be taken in the spring and rooted in moist soil.

Q: Can Pluchea odorata be grown indoors?

A: Pluchea odorata can be grown indoors in a sunny location. However, it is a large plant and may require frequent pruning to keep it from becoming too leggy.

Related Plants

• Pluchea camphorata
• Pluchea carolinensis
• Pluchea indica
• Pluchea purpurascens

References

• “Pluchea odorata (L.) Cass. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science”. Plants of the World Online. Kew Science. Retrieved 2021-03-09.
• “Sambong | Medicinal Plants of the Philippines”. Accessed 9 Mar. 2021, https://www.stuartxchange.org/Sambong.html.
• “Pluchea odorata – Useful Tropical Plants”. Accessed 9 Mar. 2021, https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Pluchea+odorata.