Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum is a perennial flowering shrub belonging to the (Gesneriads) Gesneriaceae family. It is a member of the Rhytidophyllum genus and the Tomentosum ^[1] species. Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum is native to Jamaica ^[2].

Description

Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum has long slender lime-green to dark green hairy leaves that are between 6 and 8 inches long. The leaves are pointed at both ends and have jagged edges.

The plant blooms light yellow tubular flowers that have dark red spots in the center.

Habitat

Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum thrives in damp, shaded, rocky hillsides. Although the plant is endemic to Jamaica, it has been introduced to the Cayman Islands, Cuba, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Local Names

In Jamaica the vernacular names for Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum are Search mi heart ^[3], Search my heart or Heart bush.

Traditional Uses

• Rhytidophyllum Tomentosum fresh or dried leaves are used to make herbal tea for heart palpitations, coughs, chest congestion, sinus infections, and menstrual cramps.

• The plant's leaves and stems are combined with other ingredients to make Jamaican root tonic ^[4].

References