Plant · P-929

Suma

Hebanthe erianthos

Suma, also called Brazilian ginseng, is a fast-growing, rambling ground vine of Amazonian tropical forest, grown almost entirely for its deep, extensive root system, harvested and dried as an adaptogenic tonic root long used across its native range for fatigue, low immunity and general vitality. It needs full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil textures from light sand to heavy clay, including nutritionally poor ground, so long as it is well-drained. Its root contains saponins that are the subject of ongoing pharmacological study for anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity, alongside a broad profile of amino acids, minerals and vitamins.