Jarum Tujuh - Pereskia sacharosa/saecnarosa
When I was given this plant (or rather the cutting of it) by MIL, she told me that it is called Jarum Tujuh and has the medicinal benefit to cure cancer. Since I collected herbal plants, I decided to try and plant it.
It does has sharp thorns along its thin stems, thus the name of Jarum Tujuh. It is said that there are 7 thorns or spines along one stem (which I can’t vouch for since I never check and count it..heh). Some people eat the crunchy leaves or make tea out of it to cure colon, nose and other type of cancer. It is also known as Bintang Tujuh, Cancer Plant and Chat Sim Chan.
Further reading, I found out that Pereskia is a genus of about 25 tropical species and varieties of cacti that do not look much like other types of cacti. Pereskia is the only cactus genus that has persistent non-succulent leaves. It is believed that this is the origin of other cacti.
It propagates through cuttings and seeds. Since the leaves are non-succulent, they drop easily if they don’t get enough water or if it is too hot or dry but can grow back quickly once they get sufficient watering.
May 17th, 2009 at 1:25 am
Hi, can you send me the jarum bintang tujuh i would like to plant it. As i have a father who got stroke i would like to give to him. Please email me if you can send me i will give you my address. Many thanks in advance.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:48 am
I just recently knew about this plant. There is a plant growing in my school compund. Where do you live?
I’m from Malacca.
September 25th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Hi, i’m planning to do a research on this plant for my final year project. Do u know where i can get the supply for their leaves? I just need the leaves for extraction. Hope u can help. Thanks 4 ur help. Hope2 hear from u soon…