Loeselia mexicana aka Mexican False Calico

Loeselia mexicana is a shrub that keeps its leaves year-round. It belongs to the plant family Polemoniaceae. Kew lists Mexico as its native range. Useful Tropical Plants places it in southern Mexico. The RHS states it is not native to Britain or Ireland. It grows as a woody plant. The sources note plants in the wild and use for show.

Useful Tropical Plants gives two heights for this shrub. Its summary lists about 3.3 feet [1 metre]. The main text gives a top height of 4.9 feet [1.5 metres]. Neither figure sets a clear size range for garden plants. The text gives no width or details of its branches. It does not describe the bark or leaf shape. The flowers add to its value as a plant for show. The text does not state their colour or bloom season. It gives no details of the fruit.

Kew links this species to a tropical climate with dry seasons. Useful Tropical Plants records it at mid to high sites. The stated range is 3,200 to 9,186 feet [975–2,800 metres]. These records describe where it grows, not tested garden care. The sources give no guide to light, soil, or watering. They state no frost limits or hardiness zones. They list seed as a way to grow new plants. They give no sowing method or time for seeds to sprout. The evidence names no pests or diseases.

People sometimes gather wild plants for local use as medicine. These past uses focus on the leaves. The leaves contain loeseline, a substance classed as an alkaloid. The account lists uses to boost urine flow and sweating. It also notes uses to cause vomiting and bowel movements. People have used a boiled leaf mix for fever. These reports describe past practice, not proof of safe treatment. The evidence gives no tested dose or clinical findings.

The leaves have uses other than as medicine. People have tried a leaf wash to prevent hair loss. Crushing the plant in water makes suds for use instead of soap. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses. It also lists no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. The evidence does not assess risks to people or pets. The reported effects on vomiting and bowel movements call for care. These sources do not identify any plant part as safe to eat.