Ammannia baccifera L.

Family: Lythraceae

Synonym:Ammannia apiculata Koehne, Ammannia indica Lam.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Dadmari, Janglimendi, Janglimehedi.

English name: Blistering ammannia, Monarch red stem, Tooth cup.

Description of the plant: An annual, hygrophilous herb, up to 60 cm tall. Stem erect or decumbent, usually much branched, branches ascending and shorter than the main axis. Leaves linear-lanceolate to oblanceolate, glabrous. Flowers small, greenish or purplish, borne in dense axillary clusters. Capsules nearly spherical, depressed; seeds black.

Plant parts used: Leaf.

Herbal uses: Leaf paste is used for wound, and burn body healing.

Decoction prepared from the plant is given for the treatment of fever.

Fresh bruised leavesof the plant are used as external remedy forskin diseases, ringworm, and parasitic skin infections.

Ashes of the plant, mixed with oil, are applied to treat herpetic eruptions.

The plant is used in the treatment of malaria, jaundice, and to eliminate blood clots.

Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is applied externally to treat swellings.

The plant is used to treat leprosy, psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff.

Distribution: The species is found throughout the country.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….