Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug.DC.

 

Family: Molluginaceae

Synonym: Glinus cambessedesii Fenzl

Vernacular name: Kaippujeerakam

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Terrestrial

Distribution:  Tropics and Subtropics of Old World

Flowering and Fruiting: November-April

Key identification features: It is an annual prostrate herb, diffuse and sub-succulent, highly branched with thin stems. The flowers are small, whitish in colour. The fruit is an ellipsoid capsule slightly shorter than the tepals.

Uses: Used to improve digestion. The extracts of this species have anthelmintic activities and antioxidants comparable to those of standard products

Trigastrotheca pentaphylla (L.) Thulin

 

Family: Molluginaceae

Synonym: Mollugo pentaphylla L.

Vernacular name: Parpadakapullu

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Open areas and along banks of streams, also in deciduous forests

Distribution: Pantropical

Flowering and Fruiting: July-September

Key identification features: Ascending herbs. Leaves in whorls of 2-6, unequal, obovate to oblong-lanceolate, Cymes axillary and terminal. Capsules ovoid, membranous. Seeds many, reniform, areolate, reddish brown.

Uses: The leaf paste is applied to heal wounds of cattle which have been caused by tiger or leopard attacks.