While Pfaffia glomerata is the accepted scientific name for this herb, some sources refer to it by other botanical names, including Gomphrena paniculata, Hebanthe paniculata and Hebanthe eriantha.
In South America, the plant is known as Para Toda, which means “does all things,” a reference to the plant’s historical use as an adaptogen. Due to the herb’s qualities, suma is also known as Brazilian ginseng.