Medicinal Plants of the High Andes

Common name: Slipper flower
Quechua name: Pucllu (means "bag")
Spanish name: Zapatito Holandés, Zapatito del Diablo
Scientific name: Calceolaria spp.

This shrub can reach six feet in height. It has yellow flowers, about 2.5 centimeters in diameter, which resemble slippers. Many different types of this plant grow in the shrublands close to our school. We use this plant to treat uterine problems and as a diuretic. It is normally combined with other medicinal plants to make an infusion.