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Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca - (G.H. Ward) Urban.

Common Name Damiana
Family Turneraceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards Tetanus-like rigidity and genitourinary irritation in one patient. Possible hallucinations. May affect the control of blood sugar in diabetic patients [301]
Habitats Dry sandy or rocky places[238].
Range Southern N. America to Northern S. America.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Full sun
Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca Damiana


commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Llez
Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca Damiana
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:LlezSatureja montana

 

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Summary

UPDATE 12/03/2012: Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca (Ward) Urb. is a synonym of Turnera diffusa Willd. ex Schult.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Turnera diffusa

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

The leaves are used as a tea substitute and also as a flavouring in liqueurs[254]. They have a strongly aromatic slightly bitter taste[254].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Digestive  Infertility  Tonic  Urinary

Damiana was a traditional aphrodisiac of the Maya people in Central America. It continues to be considered valuable as an aphrodisiac and general tonic, and its stimulant tonic action makes it a valuable remedy for those suffering from mild depression[254]. The whole plant is a bitter, pungent, warming herb with a fig-like flavour[238]. Its use improves the digestion, lifts the spirits, calms the nerves, regulates hormonal activity, stimulates the genito-urinary tract and rejuvenates kidney energy[238]. It is used internally to treat nervous exhaustion, anxiety, depression, debility in convalescence, impotence, premature ejaculation, prostate complaints, urinary infections, frigidity, vaginal discharge, painful menstruation, menopausal problems, poor appetite and digestion, and atonic constipation[238]. The plants are harvested when in flower and are dried for later use[238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a dry soil in a warm sunny sheltered position[238]. One report says that this species is hardy to about -5°c[238], though this needs to be treated with some caution considering its native range is entirely tropical[K]. It is possible that, whilst the plant will be cut back to the ground by cold weather, the rootstock is hardier and will re-sprout in the spring[K]. It will certainly be worthwhile trying the plant outdoors and giving the roots a thick protective mulch in the autumn[K].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[238]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and give some protection from winter cold for at least their first winter outdoors. Division in spring or autumn[238]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse and plant them out in early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(G.H. Ward) Urban.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

LC KEE   Sun Feb 10 2008

Any help on how to purchase Damiana a. seeds?

somebody   Sun Oct 25 2009

damania is indeed all these things, and when combined with blue lotus in wine is an AMAZING aphrodisiac

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Subject : Turnera diffusa aphrodisiaca  
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