Characteristics:
Habit: The size varies and can be from 2 cm to 65 cm long. It is erect at first then more or less lies along the ground.
Root: NA
Stem: The stem is simple/branched from the base. It is square with rounded corners and tapers towards the top.
Leaves: It has long narrow 3 nerved leaves.
Flower: It flowers throughout most of the year. The calyx of 5 sepals is united at the base. It has a corolla of 5 white petals, united below to form a tube but are free above. There are five stamens on the corolla but the stigma is not visible.
Fruit: NA
Seed: Small seeds.
Pollinators: NA
Seed Dispersal: NA
Where they grow: It grows in India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
In India, it is found in grasslands, sandy slopes, side of roads and along rivers at elevations from sea level to 450 meters.
Uses:
Medicinal: The bitter-tasting plant contains bitter glycoside and ophelic acid. It is used as a laxative, for stomach aches and as a tonic.
It is dried, powdered and mixed with honey, then used as a blood purifier and in the treatment of dropsy, rheumatism, abdominal ulcers, hernia, swellings, itches and insect poisoning
The locals in Udaipur use it as a decoction to reduce temperature.
Agroforestry: NA
Food: NA
