Tradescantia fluminensis Vell.

Telinga kera (Tradescantia fluminensis) is a creeping herb 30-60 cm long of the Commelinaceae family, a plant endemic to southeastern Brazilian rainforests now naturalized as far as New Zealand and Japan. Besides being an ornamental plant and erosion control, in Chinese medicine this plant is mixed with Chinese dates to address back and kidney pain. Telinga kera is also believed to be diuretic and help relieve fever.

Grows in lowlands as well as highlands, shaded from sunlight. Found growing wild in grasslands and rainforests. Prefers higher rainfall zones, generally more than 1,000 mm/year up to 1,800 mm/year. Can tolerate any shallow soil type although slightly acidic soil is preferred. Lives well at elevations up to 3,300 m above sea level, air temperature around 15-27 C, soil pH 6-7.8, sandy and dry soil types.

• Stem reddish-purple in color, white and soft hairy.
• Leaves oblong, finely hairy, 5 cm long, 2.5 cm wide, upper surface green, underside purple, edges reddish-purple and hairy.
• Flowers small, purplish-pink in color.

Propagated by cuttings. The stem is cut ± 7 cm long then planted halfway into the soil. After 1 week shoots will appear from the leaf node and take root.

Butenolide, 5-O-acetyl bracteanolide A, apocarotenoid, 2β-Hydroxyisololiolide, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols.

Diuretic, treats kidney pain, anti-inflammatory, relieves fever, improves blood circulation, remedy for eye inflammation, antidiabetic, antioxidant

• Select fresh, non-rotten leaves.
• Wash the leaves thoroughly with running water then drain.
• Dry the leaves in the sun until dry (crumbles easily when crushed).
• Grind into powder
• Pack the dried material in clean, airtight plastic away from sunlight or at room temperature.

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