Anamu (Petiveria alliacea)
Medicinal Herb with Powerful Traditional Uses
Common Names: Anamu, Guinea Hen Weed, Garlic Weed, Apacin, Gully Root, Mucura, Guinea, Tipi, Mapurite, Zorrillo, Verba de Mucura
Family: Phytolaccaceae
Origin: Tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Central, and South America
Anamu (Petiveria alliacea) is a perennial herb native to tropical regions of the Americas, prized for its strong medicinal properties and long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. The plant is known for its strong garlic-like aroma, which has earned it the nickname "Garlic Weed" or "Gully Root." Anamu has been used for centuries in folk medicine for a wide range of ailments, including immune support, anti-inflammatory purposes, and to help reduce pain and inflammation. It is also believed to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, making it a highly valued plant in traditional healing systems.
Distinctive Features, Uses, and Medicinal Value
Leaves: Anamu has long, lance-shaped green leaves that emit a strong garlic-like odor when crushed, giving the plant its characteristic scent. The leaves are typically harvested and used to make teas, tinctures, or poultices in traditional medicine.
Flowers: The plant produces small, white flowers arranged in slender spikes. These flowers are subtle but contribute to the plant's overall appearance.
Roots: Anamu's roots also have medicinal value and are often used in traditional preparations. They are known for their strong smell and have been used in traditional remedies for their potential antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
Growth Habit: Anamu is a herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3 feet tall, with branching stems and glossy green leaves. The plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of tropical and subtropical climates.
Medicinal and Traditional Uses
Anamu is widely used in traditional herbal medicine throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The plant is commonly used to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and fight infections. Anamu is believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties. In folk medicine, it is often used to treat colds, respiratory issues, inflammation, and even more serious conditions like arthritis and certain types of infections. Its strong, pungent aroma is also used to repel insects and pests.
Plant Type:
Perennial Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen Herb, Shrub
Harvest Season:
Year-round
Mature Size:
Up to 4 ft tall and wide
Soil & Moisture:
Anamu is native to tropical rainforests and lobes moist, rich, well-draining soil. Loves moisture and humidity, but is also drought tolerant once established and grows amazingly in subtropical climates as well as in containers.
Light Requirements:
Part Shade, Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Can be grown as an annual in colder climates or over-wintered indoors.
Our Anamu is grown from seed or cutting and mature enough for harvest capabilities within 1-2 growing seasons.
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Commitment to Packaging and Shipping Sustainability
Important Shipping Information:
Sow Exotic ships nationwide year-round to the United States. We use plant-based, plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, AND compostable packaging materials. All of our plants ship ready-to-grow in plantable pots (with the exception of citrus) and range in size. See the size guide on each plant page to learn more about what to expect upon arrival.
Shipping & Handing Cost
Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your order weight and your distance from the nursery. Shipping is combined for multiple orders with plants, so the more you grow, the more you save!
Order Processing & Shipping Schedule
Live plant orders are processed at the beginning of each week and ship on Monday-Thursday via 1-3 Day USPS Priority Mail. Order processing time before shipment changes seasonally and averages from same day shipping to up to 14 days depending on season. (Spring is busiest!). Expected delivery date and lead time is shown at checkout.
Tracking Your Order
As soon as you place your order, you will receive order confirmation and a link to your Order Status Page. You can view and track your orders progress online any time via your Order Status Page!
When your order ships, we'll send you a shipping confirmation and tracking info to let you know it's on it's way! We'll also send you delivery confirmation as soon as your order has been dropped off!
You can sign up for additional order status/tracking alerts on your Order Status Page.
Heat Packs & Weather Holds:
Heat Packs
Shipping tropical plants to a cold climate in the middle of winter? We sell Heat Packs! If it's under 32 degrees in your area, we definitely recommend ordering a Heat Pack! Visit our Heat Packs page to learn more and purchase your heat pack.
Weather Holds
Waiting for the perfect time to plant? You can order now and request a custom weather hold until your preferred arrival date. Please email care@sowexotic.com to request a custom hold.
Local Pickup at the Nursery:
Available for all plants!
Shipping to Hawaii & Puerto Rico & Minor Outlying Islands:
We ship to Puerto Rico! Due to USDA restrictions, here's the list of a plants that we don't ship.
Plants that DO NOT ship to Puerto Rico: Coffee, Palm, Banana
Plants that DO NOT ship to Hawaii: Pineapple, Palm, Papaya, Coffee, Banana, Passion Fruit
