Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl

 

Family: Verbenaceae

Synonym: Abena jamaicensis (L.) Hitchc. 

Vernacular name: Kattupunnuthu, Narivalan, Seemakongini

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Dry and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains

Distribution:  Native of Southeast U.S.A. to Tropical America; naturalised in parts of tropical Africa to Asia and Australia

Flowering and Fruiting: June-December

Key identification features: This plant is a subshrub with nearly four-sided branches and obovate leaves. It has long terminal spikes and small, bluish-violet funnel-shaped flowers with a curved tube. The enclosed style and oblong fruit complete its features.

Uses: Leaves are cooked and used as a vegetable. The roots are used to make an eyewash.The plant part is also laxative.



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