Family
– Rubiaceae
Synonym
– Carinta repens (L.) L.B.Sm. &
Downs; Geocardia repens (L.)
Bakh.f.; Psychotria
repens (L.) L.; Rondeletia
repens L.
Vernacular
names – Karimutthil; Karinkudungal
Habit
– Herb
Habitat
– Semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests, also in sacred
groves
Distribution
– Pantropical
Flowering
and Fruiting – October-April
Key Identification Features – This
prostrate herb has simple, papery leaves with rounded or ovate shapes. Its
white, funnel-shaped flowers have recurved lobes, and the scarlet berries
contain plano-convex seeds. The plant’s stolon-like stems root at nodes, and
its peduncles support solitary or few-flowered umbels. The calyx has short,
persistent lobes, and the ovary is two-locular with one ovule per locule.
Uses – It has medicinal uses such
as treating coughs and skin fungi. It can also be grown as a ground cover plant
in shady areas.
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