View source for Guaco

{{distinguish|Guao}}
{{about|a plant reputed to have curative powers|the piece of ancient pottery|Huaco (pottery)|the Venezuelan band|Guaco (band)|the tribe of the Wichita people|Waco tribe}}
[[Image:Mikaniaglomerata-d.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Guaco (''[[Mikania]] glomerata'')]]
'''Guaco''', '''huaco''', '''vejuco''' and '''bejuco'''{{refn|group=nb|As its strong stems are also used for [[flagellation]], the word bejuco also means whip.}} are terms applied to various vine-like [[Central America]]n, [[South America]]n, and [[West Indian]] climbing plants, reputed to have curative powers. Several species in the genus ''[[Mikania]]'' are among those referred to as guaco. Even though it is not a vine ''guaco'' is also used to refer to ''[[Cleome serrulata]]'', the Rocky Mountain beeplant.<ref name="adams">{{cite journal|journal=Kiva|title=Pottery Paint and Other Uses of Rocky Mountain Beeweed (''Cleome serrulata'' Pursh) in the Southwestern United States: Ethnographic Data, Archæological Record, and Elemental Composition|last1=Adams|first1=Karen R.|last2=Stewart |first2=Joe D. |last3=Baldwin|first3=Stuart J.|year=2002|volume=67|issue=4|pages=339–362|publisher=Maney Publishing|location=Leeds, UK|doi=10.1080/00231940.2002.11758462|jstor=30246404|s2cid=132078645}}</ref>
[[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native Americans]] and [[Colombia]]ns believe that the guaco was named after a species of [[kite (bird)|kite]], in imitation of its cry, which they say it uses to attract the snakes which it feeds on.  Tradition says that the plant's powers as an antidote were discovered through watching the bird eat the leaves, and even spread the juice on its wings, before attacking the snakes.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=643}}
Any twining plant with a heart-shaped leaf, white and green above and purple beneath, is called a guaco by Native Americans,<ref>R. Spruce, "[[Cinchona succirubra]]," in Howard, ''Nueva Quinologia'', p. 22, note.</ref> which does not necessarily coincide with which plants are "true" guacos, as far as naturalists are concerned.
What is most commonly recognized in Colombia as guaco, or vejuco del guaco, would appear to be ''[[Mikania guaco]]'',<ref>Humboldt and Bonpland, ''Pl. equinox.'' '''ii'''. 84, pl. 105, 1809.</ref> a climbing [[Asteraceae|composite]] plant of the tribe [[Eupatorieae]], preferring moist and shady situations, and having a much-branched and deep-growing root, [[Variegation|variegated]], serrated, [[opposite leaves]] and dull white flowers, in axillary clusters. The whole plant emits a disagreeable odour.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=643}}
==Uses==
It was stated that the Central American natives, after taking guaco, catch with impunity the most dangerous snakes, which  writhe in their hands as though touched by a hot iron.<ref>B. Seeman, ''Hooker's Journ. of Bot.'' v. 76, 1853.</ref> The odour alone of guaco, has been said to cause, in snakes, a state of stupor; and [[Alexander von Humboldt|Humboldt]], who observed that proximity of a rod steeped in guaco-juice was obnoxious to the venomous ''[[Coluber corallinus]]'', was of opinion that inoculation with it gives perspiration an odour which makes reptiles unwilling to bite. The drug is not used in modern medicine.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|pp=643–644}}
In Brazil, guaco (''[[Mikania glomerata]]'') is commonly used as a medicinal tea as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory due to its compound [[coumarin]].{{cn|date=October 2023}}
== Notes ==
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==References==
{{reflist}}
* {{EB1911|wstitle=Guaco|volume=12|pages=643–644}}
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Flora of Colombia]]
[[Category:Natural history of Colombia]]
[[Category:Plant common names]]
[[Category:Mikania]]