Tilo
(Dianthera pectoralis)
Tilo (Dianthera pectoralis)
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Bio.Mundi18
CC BY 4.0
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Bio.Mundi18
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bio.Mundi18 | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Bio.Mundi18 | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2022-01-20T00:57:19-08:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dianthera pectoralis, commonly known as Tilo, is a perennial herb in the Acanthaceae family. It is native to tropical rainforests and riverbanks in Latin America, where it thrives in the humid and shaded understory. This species typically exhibits a bushy growth form and can reach heights of up to 3 meters. The leaves are broad and green, and it produces small, inconspicuous white flowers. While not known for its ornamental value, its aromatic leaves are a notable feature.
Tilo is valued for its medicinal properties and is widely used in folk medicine as a relaxant and general tonic. It contains coumarin, which contributes to its therapeutic effects. In traditional practices, it is used in various forms, including teas and infusions. In cultivation, Tilo prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, mimicking its native rainforest habitat. It requires consistent watering and high humidity to thrive. Gardeners may grow Tilo for its ethnobotanical interest or as part of a medicinal herb garden. However, it is not commonly found in general horticultural trade.CC BY-SA 4.0
Tilo is valued for its medicinal properties and is widely used in folk medicine as a relaxant and general tonic. It contains coumarin, which contributes to its therapeutic effects. In traditional practices, it is used in various forms, including teas and infusions. In cultivation, Tilo prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade, mimicking its native rainforest habitat. It requires consistent watering and high humidity to thrive. Gardeners may grow Tilo for its ethnobotanical interest or as part of a medicinal herb garden. However, it is not commonly found in general horticultural trade.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical rainforests and riverbanks in Latin America
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Dianthera pectoralis, Dianthera pectoralis, Ecbolium pectorale, Ecbolium willdenowii, Justicia pectoralis, Justicia pectoralis var. latifolia, Justicia pectoralis var. macrophyllus, Justicia pectoralis var. ovata, Justicia pectoralis var. pectoralis
GBIF Accepted Name: