Common Name:

General Information

Calceolaria arachnoidea is a herbaceous, perennial plant forming a basal cluster of silvery leaves and flowering stems up to 40cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of a dye.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - central Chile.

Habitat

Moist areas such as marshes, bogs, water courses, lake and river shores; at elevations from 1,400 - 2,200 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Calceolaria arachnoidea is found at moderate to high elevations in the Andes of central Chile. Whilst one report says that the plant is not very cold tolerant but can be grown outdoors in the mildest egions of the temperate zone[], another says that the plant can survive temperatures falling as low as -15 - 20°c[]. The plant grows in humid areas, where there is almost constant rainfall., though short dry periods are possible[]. It requires abundant moisture in the summer and a dry winter[].
Requires a sunny or lightly shaded position and a moist soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root is astringent[].

Other Uses

A red dye is obtained from the root[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse.
Division in spring.