Struchium sparganophorum (L.) Kuntze

Kenop air (Struchium sparganophorum) is an annual herb up to 1 meter tall of the Asteraceae family, originating from tropical America and now spread across many tropical countries. In Nigeria, its nutritious leaves are eaten as a vegetable, while in various places it is also used as a soup seasoning and natural food preservative. Kenop air is traditionally believed to relieve headache, asthma, and wounds.

Able to live up to elevations of 700 m above sea level. It is a semi-aquatic plant that can be found in wet shrubland, forests, and plantations as a weed. Prefers alluvial and sandy soil types, moist and shaded locations.

• Stem branching, green and finely velvety hairy.
• Leaves single, oblong shaped, tapering base and smooth edges, arranged in alternating spirals, pinnate venation.
• Flowers single head, tube-shaped, located axillary, white and hairy petals.

Propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively through lower stem cuttings planted in prepared soil media. The stem cutting must have fine roots.

Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phlobatannin, anthraquinones, essential oils, beta caryophyllene, germacrene A, α-humulene, germacrene D, selinene.

Treats headache, colds, asthma, back pain, wounds, convulsions in children, canker sores, has antibacterial and antioxidant activity.

• Collect fresh, non-rotten leaves.
• Wash thoroughly with running water.
• Dry under shade for several days.
• Once dry, grind into a coarse powder.
• Store in a clean, airtight container.

Awa lanaru, Pacar hutang (Java).