''Krameria'' is the only genus in the Krameriaceae family, of which any of the approximately 18 species are commonly known as rhatany, ratany or rattany. Rhatany is also the name given to krameria root, a botanical remedy consisting of the dried root of para rhatany ('' Krameria argentea'') or Peruvian rhatany ('' Krameria lappacea''). The biological action of rhatany is caused by the

astringent An astringent (sometimes called adstringent) is a chemical that shrinks or constricts body tissues. The word derives from the Latin ''adstringere'', which means "to bind fast". Calamine lotion, witch hazel, and yerba mansa, a Californian pla ...

rhataniatannic acid, which is similar to

tannic acid Tannic acid is a specific form of tannin, a type of polyphenol. Its weak acidity ( pKa around 6) is due to the numerous phenol groups in the structure. The chemical formula for commercial tannic acid is often given as C76H52O46, which corresp ...

. Infusions have been used as a gargle, a lozenge, especially when mixed with

cocaine Cocaine (from , from , ultimately from Quechua: ''kúka'') is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant mainly used recreationally for its euphoric effects. It is primarily obtained from the leaves of two Coca species native to South Ameri ...

, as a local

hemostatic An antihemorrhagic (antihæmorrhagic) agent is a substance that promotes hemostasis (stops bleeding). It may also be known as a hemostatic (also spelled haemostatic) agent. Antihemorrhagic agents used in medicine have various mechanisms of action: ...

and remedy for

diarrhea Diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea, is the condition of having at least three loose, liquid, or watery bowel movements each day. It often lasts for a few days and can result in dehydration due to fluid loss. Signs of dehydration often begin w ...

. When finely powdered, the dried roots furnished a frequent constituent of tooth powders. The powdered roots have also served, especially in

Portugal Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic ( pt, República Portuguesa, links=yes ), is a country whose mainland is located on the Iberian Peninsula of Southwestern Europe, and whose territory also includes the Atlantic archipelagos of ...

, to color

wine Wine is an alcoholic drink typically made from fermented grapes. Yeast consumes the sugar in the grapes and converts it to ethanol and carbon dioxide, releasing heat in the process. Different varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts are m ...

s ruby red. The root bark contains an almost insoluble free red substance called ratanhia red. ''Krameria'' are found across the

Americas The Americas, which are sometimes collectively called America, are a landmass comprising the totality of North and South America. The Americas make up most of the land in Earth's Western Hemisphere and comprise the New World. Along with th ...

, with most native to the tropical regions. They are perennial shrubs which act as root parasites on other plants. The flowers have glands called elaiophores which produce a lipid which is collected by bees of the genus ''

Centris The genus ''Centris'' contains circa 250 species of large apid bees occurring in the Neotropical and Nearctic realms, from Kansas to Argentina. Most females of these bees possess adaptations for carrying floral oils rather than (or in addition ...

'' as they pollinate the flowers.

Selected species

*'' Krameria argentea'' Mart. ex Spreng. – para rhatany *'' Krameria bicolor'' S.Watson (=''K. grayi'') – white rhatany *'' Krameria cistoidea'' *'' Krameria erecta'' Willd. ex Schult. & Schult. f. – Pima rhatany, purple heather, littleleaf rhatany *'' Krameria ixine'' L. – abrojo Colorado *'' Krameria lanceolata'' Torr. – trailing krameria *'' Krameria lappacea'' (Dombey) Burdet & B.B.Simpson (=''K. triandra'', ''K. iluca'') – Peruvian rhatany *'' Krameria ramosissima'' (A.Gray) S.Watson – manystem rhatany

References

*Simpson, B. B. (1982). ''Krameria'' (Krameriaceae) flowers: Orientation and elaiophore morphology. ''Taxon'' 31:3 517–528 *

External links

Jepson Manual TreatmentUSDA Plants Profile
{{Taxonbar, from=Q290473 Rosid genera