Drymonia semicordata

Photo by Ethan Russo
Growing in nature in Peru

Dr. Russo is a neurologist and ethno-botanist, with a particular interest in the medicinal uses of plants in aboriginal cultures.  He has identified this species as being used as a baby wash, for protection against the spirit of the woolly monkey.

Click here to see a photo including the stems and leaves of D. semicordata.  Another photo of the flower can be seen here, and of a flower and the vining plant here. 

Other photos of Drymonias with interesting bracts or calyces can be seen here, here and here.