Heliotropium curassavicum is an annual to perennial, prostrate to ascending, sub succulent herb with stems up to 50cm or longer.
The plant is sometimes used locally as a source of food and medicine.

Known Hazards

No specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, but many members of this plant family (Boraginaceae) are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids have a cumulative effect upon the body and, unless concentrations in a plant are high, occasional use is generally completely safe.
They are derived from amino acids including ornithine. Many pyrrolizidine alkaloids have pronounced hepatic toxicity, but the lungs and other organs may be affected as well. Mutagenic and carcinogenic activities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids have also been reported.

Habitat

Saline or alkaline flats, plains and meadows, usually along seashores, at elevations from sea level to 600 metres.

Cultivation Status

Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw in salads or cooked as a potherb.
A tea is made from the dried leaves.
The ashes of the plant are used as a salt substitute.

Medicinal

The dried roots are ground to powder and applied to sores and wounds.
A decoction of the plant is taken as a remedy for leucorrhoea, and as a substitute for Heliotropium indicum.

Agroforestry Uses

None Recorded

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed