Family: Euphorbiaceae
Synonym: Cnemidostachys chamaelaea (L.) Spreng., Excoecaria chamelaea (L.) Baill.
Vernacular name: Kodiyavannakku, Njettavanakku
Habit: Herb
Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests and grasslands, also in the plains
Distribution: India, Sri Lanka to Australia, Pacific Islands, Malesia
Flowering and Fruiting: July-December
Key identification features: Erect or diffuse herbs. Leaves alternate, oblong-lanceolate, base obtuse, margin minutely dentate, apex obtuse or acute; Flowers in monoecious slender axillary spikes. Male flowers minute, in clusters of 3. Female flowers solitary at base of spike. Capsule 3-lobed each with two rows of soft prickles on the back. Seeds oblong, carunculate.
Uses: A decoction of the leafy stems is used as a bath to
relieve teething pain in babies. When
cooked together with meat and vegetables, whole young plants are used for
giving a speedy recovery to women after giving birth.
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