Family: Mimosaceae
Synonym: Mimosa entada L.
Bengali/Vernacular name: Gila, Gilagachh, Pangra.
Tribal name: Koilang (Bawm), Pekoso (Chak), Akling (Khumi), Kawi-zan (Lushai), Gilanoi (Marma), Shing- cling (Murang), Pai (Pangkhoa), Kambui-sthei (Rakhaing).
English name: Sea bean, Matchbox bean, Snuffbox bean, Mackay bean, Sword bean, West Indian filbert, Giant rattle.
Description of the Plant: A vigorous woody climber, very long. Leaves pinnately compound, pinnae 2 pairs, leaflets 3-4 pairs, obovate to elliptic-lanceolate, apex more or less acuminate to obtuse, base rounded to broadly cuneate. Inflorescence axillary spike, 12-25 cm long, flowers sessile or subsessile, cream to pale yellow. Fruit a pod, up to 2 m long and 15 cm broad, straight or slightly curved, each segment 6-8 cm long, exocarp woody, endocarp rigid and woody, 2-4 mm thick. Seeds large 4 cm across, subcircular, flat with thick, smooth and dark reddish-brown testa.
Plant parts Used: Leaf, stem, bark, and seed.
Traditional
Uses: Pound the kernels of the seeds, mix with oil and apply as poultice
to affected area to treat abdominal pain and colic.
Paste prepared from the seed of the plant is applied to treat joint pain.
The bark is used as a treatment against pains, itch, and fever.
Decoction of dried vine materials is used for rheumatic lumbar and leg pains,
sprains, and contusions treatment.
Paste prepared from the seeds of the plant is applied to glandular swellings in
the axilla, joints, swollen hands, and feet.
Water added to pounded bark used as shampoo for dandruff or as bath soap.
The leaves are dried and smoked to induce vivid dreams.
A poultice made from the seed is used to cure colic in children.
Seeds of the plant are used for the treatment of fever.
Distribution: This species is found in Chittagong, Bandarban, and Panchagarh districts.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
