A plant record

Switch sorrel (Manglier petites feuilles)

Dodonaea viscosa · Sapindaceae

EnglishSwitch sorrel

KreyòlManglier petites feuilles

FrançaisBois de reinette

BotanicalDodonaea viscosa

FamilySapindaceae

Switch sorrel (Manglier petites feuilles) — Dodonaea viscosa, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

A hardy shrub of dry hillsides. A leaf decoction is gargled for sore throat and taken for fever, and the wilted leaf is bound on sprains and wounds — an astringent, all-purpose yard medicine. ⚠ Avoid the internal preparations (the drunk or gargled decoction) in pregnancy; external use on sprains and wounds stays safe.

In three languages

Kreyòl — kalme mal gòj (te fèy oswa ekòs); bese lafyèv, grip ak refwadisman; trete antòs ak blesi (fèy sou po); pwoteje sistèm dijestif kont malèz

Français — Arbuste robuste des collines sèches. Une décoction de feuilles se gargarise contre le mal de gorge et se prend contre la fièvre, et la feuille flétrie s'applique sur foulures et plaies — astringent, médecine de cour à tout faire. ⚠ Éviter les préparations internes (décoction bue ou en gargarisme) pendant la grossesse ; l'usage externe sur foulures et plaies reste sûr.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Sources & lineage

TRAMIL Caribbean pharmacopoeia; Caribbean ethnobotany

Kept alongside

Balloon vine

More on Haitian plant medicine