Tachia guianensis

Tachia guianensis is a shrub that stays green year-round. It belongs to the gentian family, Gentianaceae. Kew places its native range in the Guianas. Useful Tropical Plants lists a wider range in South America. This spans Brazil, Peru and Colombia, plus the Guianas. It grows in rainforest at low to middle heights above sea level. The sources link it with a wet tropical climate.

It forms a shrub or small tree with slim stems. Reports put its height at about 10 to 13 feet [3–4 metres]. PFAF lists its spread as about 10 feet [3 metres]. Its stems are often hollow, with some woody parts. PFAF says it grows at a medium rate. The accounts give no details of its leaves or bark. Nor do they describe its flowers, fruit or bloom season.

PFAF calls for an open site with no shade. It says sand, loam and clay soils all suit it. Keep the soil moist, but let excess water drain. The listed pH range is from slightly acid to slightly alkaline. Both plant-use sources place it in the moist, lowland tropics. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12, which show a need for warmth. It says growers can raise this plant from seed. The sources give no more steps for growing young plants.

Its main known use is in folk medicine, not food. Local people gather wild plants for use as medicine. Records note uses for the whole plant, but focus on the root. The sources say it has a strong, bitter taste. People use it for gut problems, such as poor appetite. Other uses include stomach pain and parasites in the gut. Folk uses also include fevers and inflammation, or swelling. These records show local use, not proof that treatments work or are safe. Useful Tropical Plants also notes the use of powdered leaves in a coca mix.

PFAF says it draws wildlife, but names no animal groups. It lists no weed concern or other uses beyond medicine. Neither plant-use source lists a food use. Both list no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. The evidence names no specific pests or diseases. It gives no basis for judging safety for pets. For gardeners, the clearest needs are warmth and light. The plant also needs moist soil that drains well.