La fernaldia pandurata It is one of those plants that are very exotic outside of their place of origin, because we are not used to seeing them. In its case, it is also especially striking, because it has an aesthetic that does not go unnoticed.
If you still don't know this beautiful plant, it's time to learn more about it and discover a variety that will surely surprise you.
Origin and natural habitat of the fernaldia pandurata
Commonly known as loroco, This plant is native to Central America, more specifically from countries like The Savior, Honduras and Guatemala.
The loroco grows wild in areas that have a warm and humid climate. Thanks to its climbing character, It climbs the trunk of the trees and thus reaches the light it needs to grow.
Although its presence is common in forested areas with fertile and well-drained soils, It can also occur in more open areas such as river banks. and roadsides.
In its place of origin it is a highly appreciated plant, because it is used for cooking and also in traditional medicine, as we will see later in more detail.
Characteristics that identify the fernaldia pandurata
Its particular appearance makes us distinguish it quickly. To do this, we are going to look at these features:
- Leaves. The leaves of the loroco are opposite, simple, oval or lanceolate. It is a type of leaf that stands out for its bright green color and its soft texture.
- Stems and branches. Given its climbing habit, the stems are thin and flexible, and can reach a considerable length.
- Flowers. The most significant thing about Fernaldia pandurata are its flowers, small in size and tubular in shape, in white. Each flower is made up of five petals that join at the base forming a long, thin stem. They have a sweet and pleasant aroma, and have hairs that protect them and give them a cottony appearance.
- Fruits. After the flowers, fruits appear in the form of long, thin pods that turn dark brown as they mature. Within these fruits are the winged seeds, which are dispersed by the wind.
- Estate. This plant has fibrous roots that extend through the soil seeking support and nutrients. But it also has small adventitious roots that adhere to the surface of the tree or support on which it is climbing.
Fernaldia pandurata care
Let's see what care this plant needs to develop all its beauty:
growing season
The ideal time to grow this plant is spring or at the beginning of the rainy season. This allows Seeds can germinate in a warm environment and with a soil that provides them with the humidity they need.
Playback environment
We can grow fernaldia pandurata through its seeds and also through cuttings. Cut a piece from a healthy stem and It is planted directly in moist soil that has good drainage.
To be more successful in plant reproduction, It is advisable to keep the cutting in a warm and humid place until it has developed roots.
Light conditions
The loroco prefers a sunny location. It requires a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight each day to grow healthily and produce many flowers.
If you are inside the house, It is better that it receives light filtered through a curtain or blind, to prevent the heat that passes through the glass from burning the plant.
Irrigation
This plant requires regular watering, especially during the summer. But it is important to let the soil dry slightly between waterings so that Humidity does not cause problems in the roots or promote the generation of fungi.
Location
As it is a climbing plant, the perfect location for it is one where it has some support at its disposal on which to get tangled. It can be a tree, a fence, or a lattice. But It must be a support strong enough to support the weight of the plant once it has fully developed.
Planting medium
The most suitable soil for this variety is one that is fertile and has good drainage capacity. To offer you a good planting medium, You can mix garden soil with compost or organic matter.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to shape the plant and remove excessive growth that may obstruct air circulation or sunlight. It is carried out after flowering, cutting off the oldest and woodiest branches near the base.
Harvesting of the fernaldia pandurata
The most appreciated part of this plant are its buds and flowers, which are edible. These should be harvested when they are still tender and have not fully opened. To obtain the best quality, It is recommended to collect in the early hours of the morning.
These shoots and flowers can be used fresh or added to different stews. In El Salvador and Honduras, it is common to use them as a filling for pupusas, a traditional dish of the region.
Medicinal uses of loroco
This plant is very common in traditional Central American medicine, because different medicinal effects are attributed to it:
- Digestive properties. It is believed that consuming loroco flower infusions helps relieve mild stomach discomfort, such as indigestion and gas.
- Diuretic effect. Loroco infusions are attributed a diuretic effect that increases urine production and helps eliminate toxins from the body.
- Anti-inflammatory properties. Based on them, it is used to relieve headaches, muscle or joint pain, minor aches and pains, as well as other types of inflammation.
- Antispasmodic properties. In some cases, infusion of fernaldia pandurata is consumed to relax the muscles and end muscle spasms and cramps.
- Skin health benefits. The juice of crushed leaves and the infusion of flowers are used as a facial tonic to improve the appearance of the skin and relieve minor infections such as irritations or rashes.
In general terms, we can say that fernaldia pandurata is a plant with an aesthetic that stands out from the rest, but that also turns out to be very practical, because it can be used in the kitchen. Have you ever tried it?