Blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)

Pecut kuda or horse whip or blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is a plant species in the Verbenaceae family, height of 1 meter to 3 meters, woody stems although small, tapered roots, the entire surface of the stem is dark green with the colors of leaves and blue flowers.

The leaves have a width of 1 inch to 4.5 inches and are up to 2.5 inches long, light green throughout the year in all seasons but become dark green when exposed to sunlight all day. The leaves are round or oval with small serrated edges that are arranged opposite on the main stem.

These plants bloom throughout the year, but have fewer numbers in December to February. Flowers are purple or bluish purple, the petals are located on a stalk green and scaly. Each one of the stalks consists of several flowers that collect along the lines.

Flowers have a width of approximately 0.3 inches, the average crown consists of petals which number five or odd. The uniqueness of pecut kuda is the bud along the scaly stalk, then begins to bloom sequentially from the bottom to the end of the stalk. Interest only lasts a day, then is replaced by another bud at the top.

S. jamaicensis can be found on the roadside, untreated gardens, grasslands, open areas that get sunlight and generally more thriving on sandy soil. This plant can also be found at an altitude of up to 700 meters above sea level.

Blue porterweed contains alkaloids and glycos to treat tonsillitis, sore throat, cough and Hepatitis A. Traditional treatments use this plant to treat infections, stone urine, rheumatism, irregular menstruation and vaginal discharge.

Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Stachytarpheta
Species: S. jamaicensis

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