User:Plantexpert3000/Boerhavia coccinea

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Boerhavia coccinea is a species of flowering plant in the four o'clock family which is known by many common names, including scarlet spiderling, red boerhavia, and in Spanish, hierba del cancer and hierba de la hormiga. The plant exists in many parts of the world and is an invasive species in most. Despite its expanded distribution and weed-like characteristics, the plant has historically been used for its medicinal properties.

Invasiveness
Outside of B. coccinea 's native habitat of tropical America, the plant is considered an invasive weed in many parts of the world. Perhaps the most well-known instance of the plant's naturalization is the southeastern United States. A few distant locations of invasion include Hawaii, Africa, Australia, and even a few Asian countries. In Asia, specifically in Taiwan, B. coccinea is found among other weeds on the sides of roads, in lawns, and along bodies of water. Globally, the plant tends to live near large bodies of water. In Africa, B. coccinea has been found in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Even in places where the plant is native, such as Sonora, Mexico, the weed is often found competing with important crops.

Uses (already in article)
In traditional Mexican medicine, B. coccinea has been used to treat conditions such as diarrhea and dysentery. The plant is usually used medicinally to treat pain and inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. The chemical explanation for these properties is an active topic of research.