Zebapique is a perennial flowering plant found across Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. It thrives in a variety of habitats including riverbanks, open fields, and oak forests, ranging from sea level to 1,400 metres in elevation. This versatile herb grows one (1) to four (4) metres tall, with slender leaves that develop three points as they mature. Its small yellow flowers cluster at the end of stems, adding to its ornamental appeal.
 
In folk medicine, Zebapique holds significant importance, particularly in Maya medicine, where it is extensively used. Traditional applications include wound healing, combating parasitic infections like malaria and ringworm, reducing inflammation, and serving as an insect repellent. The leaves contain valuable compounds such as flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, contributing to its medicinal efficacy.
 
Local communities often rely on Zebapique as a remedy for malaria, with the plant being harvested from the wild for this purpose. The leaves are utilised in various forms, including crushed for treating carate (white spots on the skin) and decocted for fevers, hypertension, intestinal parasites and skin ailments. Additionally, the plant's juice, when applied to the skin, is believed to repel ticks.
 
Overall, Zebapique's robust growth habit and medicinal benefits make it a valuable asset in traditional healing practices and local pharmacopeias, addressing a range of health concerns and providing relief to communities across its native range.

Common Name: Zebapique

Botanical Names:
Neurolaena Lobata
Calea Lobata
Calea Suriani
Conyza Lobata
Conyza Symphytifolia
Critonia Chrysocephala
Eupatorium Chrysocephalum
Eupatorium Valverdeanum
Neurolaena Fulva
Neurolaena Integrifolia
Neurolaena Suriani
Pluchea Symphytifolia

Family: Asteraceae / Compositae

Other Names:
Alligator’s Foot
Capitana
Cocolicka
Contragavilana
Cow-Gall Bitter
Gavilana
Golden Bitters
Herbe-A-Pique
Inaciabi
Jackass Bitters
Kayabim
Mano De Lagarto
Tres Puntas
Zeb-A-Pique

Origin: Tropical America - South America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, The Guyanas, Venezuela), Central America (Panama To Mexico), The Caribbean (Trinidad To Cuba And The Bahamas)

Duration: Perennial

Habit: Herbaceous, Shrubby