Common Name: Sacapellote

General Information

Acourtia microcephala is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing 60 - 120cm tall[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - California and Baja California.

Habitat

Dry sunny slopes[]. Gravel and caliche soils in scrub oak, oak woodlands, and chaparral at elevations of 60 - 1300 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Acourtia microcephala is a plant of sub-arid areas of the temperate to subtropical zone of southwestern N. America. It can tolerate occasional temperatures down to about -10°c for short periods, so long as they are not too wet[].
Requires a freely draining gritty soil, preferably of fairly low fertility, and a position in full sun[]. Dislikes winter wet.
Excess moisture, especially in the winter, is the main cause of death.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the plant has been used to bring about a very quick passage of the bowels[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse in a gritty well-drained compost, and only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, being careful not to over-water. Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Division in the spring.