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RENEALMIA EXALTATA - MASUSA.
SynonymRenealmia alpinia. Common name Masusa, renealmia, mardi grass, misquipanga. Family Zingerberaceae (Ginger family). Overview Masusa is a robust tropical perennial, growing up to 18' tall, with a creeping rhizome. The green leaves are up to 3' long attached to a non-flowering stem. The inflorescence is about 2' tall and reddish. Masusa flowers in racemes, with pink to red bracts. The fruits are red when young and blackish-violet when ripe; the numerous seeds are brownish, surrounded by orange-yellow fibers and a fatty substance (arrillus). This is used to color (yellow) and flavor rice dishes. Fruits yield a red-purple dye. Medicinal applications Ongoing research has identified bio-active labdane diterpenoids, [pacovatinins A-C] and diarylheptanoids [renealtins A and B], from Renealmia alpinia. Masusa rhizome is used against snakebites (ethanol extract demonstrated in mice moderate - to full neutralizing effect of Bothrops atrox venom). The purple-red juice from the berries is used to treat eye diseases. Hardiness USDA zone 9B - 11. Propagation Seeds and rhizome. Culture Full sun / partial shade; regular watering, moist soil. Plant in frost free spots. Can be grown as a container plant in the cooler zones. |