Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
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Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Maximum Height | 0.2 m to 1.2 m |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Tropical & Subtropical Africa and Asia |
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Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Disturbed Area / Open Ground) |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Local Conservation Status | Cryptogenic |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Perennial herb up to 1.2 m tall. |
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Foliage | Green, papery leaves (1.5-7 cm long, 0.4-4 cm wide) are broadly obovate (egg-shaped) or elliptic-oblong (oval-elongated). They are hairy on both sides. |
Stems | Stems are 4-sided and covered in short hairs. |
Flowers | Flowers are arranged in a 10-30 cm long spike inflorescence which is initially erect, but later bends backwards after the flowers bloom. |
Fruits | Dry, indehiscent fruit known as a utricle is bladder-like and covered by loose, papery tissue. Each egg-shaped fruit (2.5-3 mm long) contains 1 brown, egg-shaped seed (2 mm long). |
Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts (Edible Leaves, Edible Seeds) Food (Fruit & Vegetable : The leaves and seeds are eaten cooked.) Medicinal ( In folk medicine, the plant is used to treat asthma and cough. It is one of the most important medicinal herbs in Nepal. The whole plant is used medicinally, but the roots are generally considered to be more effective. A decoction of crushed plant material is taken to treat pneumonia. Infusion of the root is a mild astringent in bowel complaints. The flowering spikes or seeds are applied externally to treat snake bites. In India and Nepal, ashes from burning the plant are mixed with mustard oil and salt and used to clean teeth. The stem of the plant is stripped of thorns and then used as a toothbrush. The infusion of the twig is used as a gargle for toothaches. Roots are used to treat cancer and indigestion.) |
Landscaping Features
Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
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Landscape Uses | General, Flowerbed / Border |
Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
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Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
Young Flush Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
Foliar Margin | Entire |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower Colour(s) | Green |
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Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Location | Terminal |
Inflorescence Type | Spike |
References
References |
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Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 31568 |
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Species ID | 5967 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |