Gillenia trifoliata – Indian Physic

Description

Gillenia trifoliata

(Porteranthus trifoliatus) Indian Physic, Bowman’s root, false ipecac, western dropwort, Indian hippo. A slender, somewhat willowy erect perennial with red stems which are clothed with almost sessile (stemless) trifoliate, ribbed leaves. It grows to almost 75-90cm tall. In June the graceful stems are topped with fluttery 5 petalled white flowers which contrast beautifully with the red buds and calyces. Lovely Autumn tints. Hates disturbance.

The roots are bitter, called Indian physic, and were popular with the American Indians who used it as an emetic. It was later adopted by the white settlers and used for the same purpose, even being listed as an official pharmaceutical product until 1880. Native to North America it grows in rich woodland soils in partial shade. It will crisp in the blazing heat of midday sun, so allow adequate shade to prevent the buds aborting.

American Ipecacuanha.

Ipecacuanha is the South American Vomiting root (Cephaelis). This was popular in the 17th Century onwards to treat dysentery, having been discovered in Brazil and then brought to Europe  It was used early on to treat members of the French Royal Court. Later in the 18th Century Thomas Dover incorporated it with opium in his celebrated powder. It was discovered to contain 2 powerful alkaloids, one of which had efficacy against amoebic  (and not bacillary) dysentery. It was later abandoned on account of its toxicity.