Pouzolzia zeylanica (L.) Benn. & R. Br.

 

Family: Urticaceae

 Synonym: Parietaria zeylanica L. 

Vernacular name: Bula,Kallurukki

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Moist and shaded places, often among bushes

Distribution:  Tropical Asia

Flowering and Fruiting: August-December

Key identification features: This plant has slender stems and simple leaves that are ovate-elliptic, with a rounded base and acute apex. The leaves are sparsely hairy and have 3-4 pairs of lateral nerves. Flowers are small, with male and female types, and the fruit is a two-winged achene.

Uses: The juice of the plant is used to treat boils, dysentery, fevers, toothaches and urinary problems.

Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm.

 

Family: Urticaceae

Synonym: Dubrueilia microphylla (L.) Gaudich. 

Vernacular name: Artillery Fern

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Grown as garden plant, often found as an escape

Distribution: South America; now introduced into other tropical regions

Flowering and Fruiting: August-November

Key identification features: Slender succulent herbs; branches and leaves bifarious; stem transparent. Flowers monoecious in small umbellate clusters,. Male flowers: tepals 4, free, concave, obtuse; Achene ellipsoid.

Uses: An infusion of the entire plant is used as a diuretic. The crushed leaves are applied commonly to sores and bruises to heal them.