Luehea divaricata

Luehea divaricata is a species of tree native to the cerrado area of Brazil, particularly the states of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul. It is known by various local names including "açoita-cavalo", "açoita-cavalo miúdo", "ibatingui", "ivatingui", "pau-de-canga", and "caiboti".^[1]

Luehea divaricata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Malvaceae
Genus:	Luehea
Species:	L. divaricata
Binomial name
Luehea divaricata Mart
Synonyms
Alegria divaricata Brotera mediterranea Thespesia brasiliensis

Luehea divaricata leaves, Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Traditional uses

Luehea divaricata is regarded as a medicinal plant in traditional Brazilian medicine.^[2] The stems are used to relieve inflammation,^[2] the leaves are used as a diuretic^[2] while a bark decoction is used in the treatment of arthritis.^[1] The wood can also be fashioned into whips.^[1]