Rhatany
Encyclopedia
Krameria is the only genus in the Krameriaceae family, of which any of the approximately 17 species are commonly known as Rhatany, ratany or rattany. Rhatany is also the name given to krameria root, a botanical remedy consisting of the dried root of para rhatany (Krameria argentea) or Peruvian rhatany (Krameria lappacea
.
The biological action of rhatany is caused by the astringent
rhataniatannic acid, which is similar to tannic acid
. Infusions have been used as a gargle, a lozenge, especially when mixed with cocaine
, as a local hemostatic and remedy for diarrhea
. When finely powdered, the dried roots furnished a frequent constituent of tooth powders
. The powdered roots have also served, especially in Portugal
, to color wine
s ruby red. The root bark contains an almost insoluble free red substance called ratanhia red.
Krameria are found across the Americas
, with most native to the tropical regions. They are perennial shrubs which act as root parasites on other plants. The flowers have glands called elaiophores which produce a lipid which is collected by bees of the genus Centris
as they pollinate the flowers.
Krameria lappacea
Krameria lappacea, the para rhatany and Peruvian rhatany, is a plant species in the genus Krameria, in Peru.- Synonyms :* Krameria canescens Willd. ex Schultes* Krameria linearis Poiret...
.
The biological action of rhatany is caused by the astringent
Astringent
An astringent substance is a chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues, usually locally after topical medicinal application. The word "astringent" derives from Latin adstringere, meaning "to bind fast"...
rhataniatannic acid, which is similar to tannic acid
Tannic acid
Tannic acid is a specific commercial form of tannin, a type of polyphenol. Its weak acidity is due to the numerous phenol groups in the structure...
. Infusions have been used as a gargle, a lozenge, especially when mixed with cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
, as a local hemostatic and remedy for diarrhea
Diarrhea
Diarrhea , also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and...
. When finely powdered, the dried roots furnished a frequent constituent of tooth powders
Dentifrice
Dentifrice is a paste, liquid or powder used to help maintain oral hygiene. There have been many dentifrices produced over the years, many focusing on marketing strategies to sell products, such as offering whitening capabilities. The most essential dentifrice recommended by dentists is toothpaste...
. The powdered roots have also served, especially in Portugal
Portuguese wine
Portuguese wine is the result of traditions introduced to the region by ancient civilizations, such as the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, and mostly the Romans. Portugal started to export its wines to Rome during the Roman Empire. Modern exports developed with trade to England after the...
, to color wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
s ruby red. The root bark contains an almost insoluble free red substance called ratanhia red.
Krameria are found across the Americas
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
, with most native to the tropical regions. They are perennial shrubs which act as root parasites on other plants. The flowers have glands called elaiophores which produce a lipid which is collected by bees of the genus Centris
Centris
The genus Centris contains over 110 species of large apid bees occurring from Kansas to Argentina. A number of these bees possess adaptations for carrying floral oils rather than pollen or nectar....
as they pollinate the flowers.
Selected species
- Krameria argentea Mart. ex Spreng. – para rhatany
- Krameria bicolor S.Watson (=K. grayi) – white rhatany
- Krameria cistoideaKrameria cistoideaKrameria cistoidea is a perennial shrub in the plant family Krameriaceae. The biological action of genus members is caused by the astringent rhataniatannic acid, which is similar to tannic acid. Members of Krameria are found across the Americas, with most native to the tropical regions...
- Krameria erectaKrameria erectaKrameria erecta is a species of rhatany known by several common names, including Pima rhatany, purple heather, and littleleaf rhatany. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in dry areas such as desert flats and chaparral slopes...
Willd. ex Schult. & Schult. f. – Pima rhatany, purple heather, littleleaf rhatany - Krameria ixineKrameria ixineKrameria ixine is a perennial shrub of the family Krameriaceae, the Rhatanies. It is found in Puerto Rico, Haiti, Netherlands Antilles, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Central America, and in South America, in Guyana, Venezuela, and Colombia.-References:***;...
L. – abrojo colorado - Krameria lanceolata Torr. – trailing krameria
- Krameria lappaceaKrameria lappaceaKrameria lappacea, the para rhatany and Peruvian rhatany, is a plant species in the genus Krameria, in Peru.- Synonyms :* Krameria canescens Willd. ex Schultes* Krameria linearis Poiret...
(Dombey) Burdet & B.B.Simpson (=K. triandra, K. iluca) – Peruvian rhatany - Krameria ramosissima (A.Gray) S.Watson – manystem rhatany