Horse Bush

Title

Horse Bush

Authors

Ethan H. Freid

Scientific Name

Gundlachia corymbosa (Urb.) Britton

Description

Common Names

Horse Bush

Asteraceae

Gundlachia corymbosa grows as a semi-woody herb/shrub to 2 meters in height (typically 1 meter). The leaves are arranged alternately to 9 cm in length, liner to oblanceolate, and rounded or mucronate leaf apex and an entire margin.

The actinomorphic and zygomorphic flowers are arranged in panicles of heads. The heads are subtended by an involucre made of 4-5 series of phyllaries. The actinomorphic flowers are in the center of the head with the zygomorphic flowers along the outer edge of the head

The actinomorphic flowers have a calyx modified into a pappus. The corolla has 5 white, fused petals. There are 5 stamens. The ovary is inferior with a single locule and seed. The fruit is an achene at maturity retaining the pappus to aid in dispersal.

The zygomorphic flowers have a calyx modified into a pappus. The corolla is fused into a single white structure open along one suture. There are no stamens. The ovary is inferior with a single locule and seed. The fruit is an achene at maturity retaining the pappus to aid in dispersal.

Gundlachia corymbosa grows in Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation – Shrublands/Dwarf Shrublands, commonly on a sand substrate. It also grows in human disturbed habitats (roadsides).

Gundlachia corymbosa occurs on all island groups within the Bahamian Archipelago as well as the Caribbean region. It is considered endemic to the Caribbean.

Gundlachia corymbosa is used in the Bahamas to treat pain, dermatological problems (blisters from Poison wood and Manchineel), as well as for colds and flu.