Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_42.gif)
Wednesday - December 03, 2008
From: Sarasota, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Medicinal Plants
Title: Tilo (Justicia pectoralis), a tropical American plant
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Re: keelo plant (Seminole, Fl. herb used to treat stomachache-St. Pete), try Tilo: Justicia pectoralisANSWER:
Thank you for this information. This does look like what the person in a previous question was asking about. Justicia pectoralis (tilo, piri piri or freshcut) is native to tropical America (occurring in Florida in the United States). It has been used medicinally for many ailments, but I could find only one reference to it being used for stomach problems and that was in Panama. It was traditionally added to mind-altering snuffs for its vanilla-like flavoring. The tilo itself apparently has no hallucenogenic effects, but is used only as a flavoring.
More Medicinal Plants Questions
Dumb question about prickly pear
December 23, 2005 - This is probably a really dumb question but I am interested in picking the prickly pear next year when it is in season, and was wondering the best way to get all of the little stickers off of the pear...
view the full question and answer
Growing fruits and vegetables from Holbrook NY
April 06, 2012 - I have been looking for information on what plants, vegetables and fruits can be grown on Long Island NY to provide a sustainable food source for a community in the event of food becoming scarce. Wha...
view the full question and answer
Herbalism and Native American EthnoBotany
June 25, 2007 - What plants cure diarrhea?
view the full question and answer
What gives the Creosote bush its characteristic smell?
August 09, 2011 - Good evening, Mr. Smarty Plants,
There is a question which I would please like to ask regarding a plant called "Creosote Bush" (Larrea tridentata)- does it actually smell like the creosote...
view the full question and answer
How to grow Blue Cohosh in Lewisville TX
May 05, 2010 - I bought Blue Cohosh seeds from an online website, but I do not know how or where to plant them and what will guarantee germination, and the instructions that came with the package are very vague. The...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |