Carpenter Bush is a small herbaceous plant that displays a low, spreading growth habit, forming dense mats of lush green foliage close to the ground. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a distinct texture.

This plant is valued for its traditional medicinal uses. In various cultures, Carpenter Bush is employed for its purported respiratory benefits. It is believed to possess properties that may help alleviate conditions such as coughs, colds, and bronchial issues. The leaves are often used in herbal preparations, including teas and infusions, to harness these potential health advantages. Carpenter Bush also has a reputation in traditional medicine for its calming properties. It is said to have mild sedative effects, making it suitable for promoting relaxation and addressing mild stress or anxiety.

Cultivated in tropical regions, this unassuming herb holds cultural significance and continues to be utilised as a natural remedy in certain herbal practices.

Common Name: Carpenter Bush

Botanical Names:

Justicia Pectoralis
Dianthera Pectoralis
Dianthera Pectoralis
Ecbolium Pectorale
Justicia Stuebelii
Leptostachya Pectoralis
Psacadocalymma Pectorale
Rhytiglossa Pectoralis
Stethoma Pectoralis

Family: Acanthaceae

Other Names:

Anador
Bolek Hena
Carpintero
Cerebril
Chambá
Chapantye
Curia
Death-Angel
Fresh Cut
Garden Balsam
Linden
Masha-Hari
Piri Piri
Sèpantye
Té Criollo
Tilo
Toyeau
Trevo-Cumaru
Trevo-Do-Pará Ou Cachambá
Yacu Piri
Zeb Chapantyè

Origin: Central America (Panama To Mexico), South America (Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, The Guyanas, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela), Caribbean

Duration: Perennial

Habit: Low, spreading growth habit that typically forms dense mats of foliage near the ground that are suitable as a groundcover; Stems are prostrate with a creeping growth pattern; Oval-shaped leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and can vary in colour from green to red; Flowers are small and have a pale lavender to purple hue that are arranged in dense, elongated spikes that emerge from the leaf axils; Grows up to 15 centimetres to 200 centimetres

Hardiness: Hardy

Carpenter Bush

Name: Carpenter Bush
SKU: AVE-0002471
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TT$15.00

Quantity

Only 6 left in stock

Top Diameter: 4.875"

Height: 3.6875"
Light Conditions:

Indirect Sunlight:
Carpenter Bush prefers filtered or indirect sunlight. Provide ample natural light without direct sun exposure, especially in regions with intense sunlight, to prevent leaf burn and maintain the plant's optimal growth conditions. In indoor settings, place it near a window with filtered light or use sheer curtains to diffuse sunlight.

Partial Shade:
Carpenter Bush grows well with 3 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, primarily morning sun and afternoon shade but appreciates bright, dappled light.

Soil:

Moist, well-drained soil that is rich (fertile) in nutrients. The plant has been reported to thrive in sandy soil within seemingly untouched, seasonally dry lowland forests, occasionally found on rocky terrain alongside forested streams, and is frequently encountered as a common roadside and waste area weed, particularly at sea-level elevations.

Carpenter Bush is adaptable to various soil types but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

Mixing potting soil with perlite or sand works well.

Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.

Watering Frequency:

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two (2) to four (4) weeks during the growing season.

Pruning:

Prune (deadhead) flowers, stems and leaves when they appear to wilt or turn yellow or brown.

Prune regularly to encourage bushiness and remove leggy growth.

Pinch back the tips to promote lateral branching.
Carpenter Bush is recognised for its antiemetic qualities, effectively alleviating vomiting and nausea. With antibacterial, anti-inflammatory attributes, antioxidant and anxiolytic properties, it is known to promote health. In addition, it is often used for respiratory conditions, wound healing and its mild sedative effects.

Entire Plant -
Carpenter Bush can be used in a decoction to soothe upset stomachs. Carpenter Bush tea can address a range of respiratory ailments including asthma, whooping cough, fever, fits, flu, influenza and lung infections. The tea may also be beneficial for prostate issues and leg pain. The plant is commonly employed to induce relaxation and manage mild stress or anxiety, and in certain cultures treat epilepsy. In certain cultural traditions, Carpenter Bush has been utilised topically for wound healing and addressing skin conditions. An infusion can be crafted for relieving headaches resulting from head injuries, and also serve in the treatment of haemorrhages. Also, a decoction of the plant makes an effective febrifuge when used as an external bath.

Leaves -
Infusions or teas derived from Carpenter Bush leaves are traditionally thought to possess properties that could potentially ease symptoms associated with asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs and other respiratory issues. Plus, the leaves have been considered to be aphrodisiac. Traditionally, Carpenter Bush tea with the leaves and stems have been used for the treatment of diabetes and diseases of the prostate, and the decoction of the leaves is used for the treatment of menstrual pains. Macerated Carpenter Bush leaves can be applied externally as a vulnerary for treating hematomas. An infusion of the leaves can act as a hair rinse to address hair loss.

Stems -
Carpenter bush tea with the leaves and stems have been traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes and diseases of the prostate.

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Carpenter Bush

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