Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq.

 

Family – Convolvulaceae

Synonym – Ipomoea paniculata var. mauritiana (Jacq.) Kuntze 

Vernacular names –  Anchilatthali; Muthalakizhangu; Palmuthukku; Palthookkamkizhangu

Habit – Climber

Habitat – Moist deciduous forests, also in the plains

Distribution – Pantropical

Flowering and Fruiting – August-September

Key Identification Features – These shrubs have tuberous roots and palmately lobed leaves. The large, pink, campanulate corolla has a glabrous tube. Stamens are included, and the ovary is 4-locular. The ovoid capsule contains woolly black seeds.

Uses - It has traditional medicinal uses for treating fevers, bronchitis, spleen and liver conditions, and excessive menstrual bleeding. It is also used externally for tuberculosis and infections.