Family:
Menispermaceae
Synonym: Dioscorea peltata Burm.f.
Vernacular name: Padakkizhangu, Padathali, Padavalli, Pattichevian,
Habit: Climbing Shrub
Habitat: Semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, also in the plains
Distribution: India and Sri Lanka
Flowering
and Fruiting:
April-May
Key
identification features: The
leaves are ovate with an acute or acuminate apex. Inflorescence
is a panicles. The flowers are densely packed toward the branch tips, sessile, and covered in dense hair.
Male flowers are with hairy sepals and glabrous petals. Female flowers are
smaller, with a hairy sepal, hairy petal, and a densely hairy ovary. Fruit is a
drupe.
Uses: Roots are used for treating skin diseases, wounds and
snake bite. Root juice used as nasal drops for headache. Studies have shown
that it is good anti-inflammatory.
No comments:
Post a Comment