''Malesherbia ardens'', a member of ''

Malesherbia ''Malesherbia'' is a genus of flowering plants consisting of 25 species in the Passifloraceae. This is a xerophytic group endemic to the Peruvian and Chilean deserts and adjacent Argentina. The genus is currently recognized by the APG III system ...

'' (

Passifloraceae The Passifloraceae are a family of flowering plants, containing about 750 species classified in around 27 genera. They include trees, shrubs, lianas, and climbing plants, and are mostly found in tropical regions. The family takes its name from t ...

), is a shrub with red flowers, native to the arid deserts of Southern

Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = Seal (emblem), National seal , national_motto = "Fi ...

, though it can be found in the northern regions of the country. It is colloquially called Lampaya. The oldest known record of ''M. ardens'' dates 1927 in the 4th volume of the Field Columbian Museums' Botanical series.

James Francis Macbride James Francis Macbride (19 May 1892 16 June 1976) was an American botanist who devoted most of his professional life to the study of the flora of Peru. Early life and education Born on 19 May 1892 in Rock Valley, Iowa, Macbride graduated from th ...

is accredited with its discovery. ''M. ardens'' has a green woody stem and red tubular flowers. It is used traditionally to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. The dried plant is boiled with Contilo, Arabisca and Huamanripa and drank three times a day. As of 2007, ''M. ardens'' is classified as endangered.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q15607470 ardens