Zodia is an endemic Indonesian plant that originates from Papua. However, it now grows widely on Java Island, and is often found planted in home yards or gardens as an ornamental plant, boundary marker plant, and sometimes even planted in cemeteries. This plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and fragrance/deodorizer. Traditionally, the people of Papua use this plant to repel insects, especially mosquitoes, by rubbing its leaves all over the body. In the Sentani area, Zodia is used to eliminate body odor and as a tonic to boost body stamina. The leaves are also sometimes used as a rubbing liniment to treat the common cold/mild flu (masuk angin) and relieve itching. The Zodia plant, especially the leaves and flowers, produces a fragrant aroma that can be used to perfume coconut oil.

Zodia plants can usually be found growing in scrubland, lowland forests, fallow forests, and tree clumps. This species grows well in places at an altitude of 400–2,000 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). In its growth, Zodia prefers open areas with full sun, but also thrives in partial shade. Moist and well-drained soil conditions are preferred by this plant, and its water requirement is in the moderate range.

• Root (Akar) Taproot.

• Stem (Batang) Woody, small.

• Leaves (Daun) Simple (single), opposite arrangement, lanceolate shape, flat but flexible, the leaf margin is wavy (undulate) and pointed at the tip and base. Color is greenish-yellow. The leaf surface is smooth and glossy, pinnate venation, has a fragrant aroma, and tastes bitter.

• Flower (Bunga) Hermaphroditic, compound, emerging from the tip of the stalk and the leaf axils. There are 4 petals (helai mahkota), ovate shape, yellowish-white color. The flower arrangement is a panicle (malai), with one panicle consisting of five to dozens of flower buds. It emits a fragrant aroma that mosquitoes hate.

• Fruit (Buah) Ovate shape, light green when young and brown when mature, containing four seeds.

• Seed (Biji) Ovate shape, small, shiny black color.

• Propagation is done generatively (seeds) or vegetatively (stem cuttings).

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• Treats toothache, canker sores (stomatitis), stomach ache, headache, earache, dysentery, pneumonia.

• Kills cancer cells.

• Treats testicular swelling, bruises.

• Relieves pain during childbirth.

• Relieves colds, reduces malaria fever.

• Treats diseases with symptoms of yellow eyes and yellow urine.

• Treats seizures in children.

• Acts as a tonic to increase body stamina.

• Eliminates itching due to mosquito bites.

• Eliminates bad breath.

• Used as a rubbing liniment to treat the common cold/mild flu (masuk angin).

• Possesses anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue (stimulates menstrual blood flow), antimalarial, mosquito-repellent, and laxative activities.

• Essential Oils: Evodiamine, rutaecarpine, linalool, α-pinene, caryophyllene, alpha-copaene, arcucumene.

• Other Compounds: Menthofuran, evodone, hortensol, berberine, furoquinoline, acridone alkaloids.