Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Rumph. ex A.Juss.

Puring api (Codiaeum variegatum) is a shrub up to 1-3 meters tall of the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Indonesia and Malaysia, with multicolored leaf patterns that make it a popular ornamental. Although its seeds are toxic, its leaves have been used as traditional medicine for generations. Puring api is believed to be anticancer and to help promote menstruation.

Grows well in open places in lowlands and highlands up to elevations of 1,500 m above sea level. Prefers full sunlight, but tolerant of shade. Ideal average temperature 18-20°C with moderate humidity of 30-60%. Suitable in moist soil conditions.

• Stem many-branched, woody, thin greenish bark when young and brownish when mature, rough surface.
• Leaves single, alternate, varying shape (lance-shaped, round, ovate, curly), glossy and smooth surface, varying color (white, yellowish, green, red or a mix thereof), varying pattern (colored spots or colored lines).
• Flowers star-shaped, male flowers white, 5 sepals, 20-30 stamens. Female flowers yellow, ovate-triangular sepals.
• Fruit a capsule, somewhat flat, brown.
• Seeds oval, smooth surface.

• Propagated by seed and stem cuttings.
• Stem cuttings by choosing mature (brown) stems, cut then plant.

Alkaloid, cardiac glycoside, saponin, tannin, cardinolides, steroid, phyllates, flavonoid (apigenin, vitexin, isovitexin, and vicenin-2), phlobatannin, phenol, anthraquinone, epicatechin.

Antiamoebic, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antioxidant, promotes menstruation, laxative, treats syphilis and sedative, treats stomach ulcers, remedy for eczema, treats stomach ache, and toothache.

• Collect puring api stems then wash and drain. Cut into thin matchstick-like rectangular pieces.
• Arrange the stem pieces on a tray then air-dry the material in the shade at room temperature for 1 week until evenly dry.
• Pack the dried result in a tightly sealed or airtight plastic bag.

Tarimas (Batak), Dahengara (Manado), Pudieng (Minang), Puring (Java), Keroton (Madura), Demung (Bali).