Lampaya | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Passifloraceae |
Genus: | Malesherbia |
Species: | M. ardens
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Binomial name | |
Malesherbia ardens J.F.Macbr.
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Range of M. ardens as of 2023 |
Malesherbia ardens, a member of Malesherbia (Passifloraceae), is a shrub with red flowers, colloquially called Lampaya.[1]
M. ardens is a shrub that can reach heights of 0.5meters.[2] Its stems are covered in soft gray hairs.[2] Its leaves are small and form clusters.[2]
M. ardens has red tubular flowers.[3]
The oldest known record of M. ardens dates 1927 in the 4th volume of the Field Columbian Museums' Botanical series.[2] James Francis Macbride is accredited with its discovery.[2]
The specimen from which this species was described originated from a dry ravine in the hills southeast of Moquegua.[2]
M. ardens is used traditionally to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.[4] The dried plant is boiled with Contilo, Arabisca and Huamanripa and drank three times a day.[4]
M. ardens is native to the arid deserts[5] of Southern Peru,[6] though it can be found in the northern regions of the country.[7] It has been identified in the General Sánchez Cerro, Mariscal Nieto, and Jorge Basadre provinces.[3] It is found at altitudes of 1300 - 2800 meters.[3]
As of 2007, M. ardens is classified as endangered.[8]