caapeba

A South American plant, Piper umbellatum (formerly Pothomorphe umbellata), with medicinal roots.

Noun

  1. A South American plant, Piper umbellatum (formerly Pothomorphe umbellata), with medicinal roots.
    • The pounded root of cissampelos, the caapeba of Plumier, applied externally, is said to be an antidote against the bites of venomous serpents. The plant being infused in water, quickly fills the liquor with a...
    • The root of the caapeba, another species of cissampelos, is said to be an antidote against the bite of venomous serpents: - 1822, James Jennings (of Huntspill), The Family Cyclopaedia, page 889, entry on "Pareira brava"
    • Pothomorpha peltata, the Caapeba of Brazil, is considered as a most effectual diuretic, and has been highly recommended in strangury. (Flor. Med. Antill., iv. 14.) P. umbellata, which is also known in Brazil under the...

Origin

Said by Century to be Tupian.