Mesosphaerum suaveolens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mesosphaerum suaveolens |
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| Mesosphaerum suaveolens (Vilayti Tulsi) in Hyderabad | |
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Mesosphaerum
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| Species: |
suaveolens
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Mesosphaerum suaveolens, also known as pignut or chan, is a plant that grows in warm, tropical areas. It is sometimes called Hyptis suaveolens. This plant is native to places like Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It has also spread to tropical parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia.
This plant usually grows about 1 to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet) tall. Sometimes it can even reach 3 meters (10 feet). Its stems are hairy and have a square shape. The leaves grow opposite each other and are about 2 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) long. If you crush the leaves, they smell strongly like mint! The flowers are pink or purple. They grow in small groups of 1 to 5 where the leaves meet the stem.
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What is Mesosphaerum suaveolens used for?
People use Mesosphaerum suaveolens for different things. Studies have shown it can work as a natural insecticide. This means it can help keep insects away.
Making drinks from Mesosphaerum suaveolens
The seeds of Mesosphaerum suaveolens can be used to make a cool, refreshing drink. You soak the seeds in water and then chill the mix. Some people add lemon or other citrus fruits to make it taste even better.
In Colima, Mexico, people make a special traditional drink called "Bate." They roast the Mesosphaerum suaveolens seeds and then grind them into a powder. This powder is then mixed with water to create the drink.
Traditional medicine uses
Mesosphaerum suaveolens has also been used in traditional medicine. It is a traditional treatment for diarrhea.
See also
In Spanish: Hyptis suaveolens para niños
