Alternate Names
Indian heliotrope, turnsole, alacrancillo
Uses
Heliotropium from helios (sun) and trope (turn) -- flowers turn toward the sun. Some species are considered poisonous (Heliotropium indicum), while others (Heliotropium torreyi) are considered fair browse for sheep and goats. Although apparently not preferred by waterfowl, some incidental use has been documented.
Status
Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).
Description
General: Borage Family (Boraginaceae).
Heliotropium indicum, one of the largest heliotropes found in Texas, is introduced, and is one of the few annuals within this genus (in Texas). India heliotrope grows upright (2-3 feet in height) and is very leafy, when compared to other heliotropes. The leaves are dark green, alternate, entire, and hispid (hairy). The stems are also hispid. Flowers are blue or violet (rarely white), and like all heliotropes, the younger flowers are located towards the tip of the inflorescence (flower cluster), while mature seed are lower on the flower stalk.