Hippobroma longiflora

Taxobox


regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Asterales
familia = Campanulaceae
genus = "Hippobroma"
species = "H. longiflora"
binomial = "Hippobroma longiflora"
binomial_authority = G. Don
synonyms =
*"Isotoma longiflora" C. Presl
*"Laurentia longiflora" Endl.
*"Lobelia longiflora"

"Hippobroma longiflora" (also called "Star of Bethlehem", not to be confused with other species by that name) is a flowering plant in the Campanulaceae family. It is endemic to the West Indies, but has become naturalized across the American tropics and Oceania. [cite web
url = http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?19161
title = Hippobroma Longiflora information from GPRS/GRIN
accessdate = 2007-12-07
author = USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program
work = Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]
publisher = National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland.
language = English ]

It is notable for its concentrations of two pyridine alkaloids: lobeline and nicotine. The effects of nicotine and lobeline are quite similar, with psychoactive effects at small dosages and with unpleasant effects including vomiting, muscle paralysis, and trembling at higher dosages. [cite book
last = Baldwin
first = Roger E.
title = Hawaii's Poisonous Plants
origdate = 1979
accessyear = 2007
accessmonth = 12
edition = 1
date = 1979
publisher = The Petroglyph Press, Ltd.
location = Hilo, Hawaii
language = English
isbn = 0-912180-34-X
pages = 26-27 ] For this reason, "H. longiflora" (and its various synonyms) is often referenced for both its toxicity and its ethnobotanical uses.

When pulling this weed, it is important to wear gloves: the sap is an irritant which can be absorbed through the skin, and a small amount of sap in the eyes can cause blindness.

References