Family: Malvaceae
Synonym: Furcaria surattensis Kostel.
Bengali/Vernacular name: Ram bhindi.
Tribal name: Sowa amela (Tanchangya), Sik-aangtho (Khumi), Thurmui (Lushai), Sureya (Murang).
English name: Wild sour, Shrub althea.
Description of the Plant: A weak-stemmed, prostrate or climbing plant covered with soft hairs and scattered prickles. Leaves rounded, up to 10 X 10 cm, and deeply and palmately 3- 5-lobed, the lobes being toothed. Flowers yellow, with a dark center, and occur singly in leaf axils; petals obovate, up to 6 cm long and 4 cm wide. Capsules hairy and ovoid; seeds brownish-black, downy.
Plant parts Used: Leaf, stem, root, and seed.
Traditional
Uses: The ash from the plant is applied to cuts,
and an infusion is used to treat itch caused by chickenpox.
The leaf sap is taken to prevent miscarriage and to treat vertigo.
A lotion of the leaf and stem is used for the treatment of penile irritation of
any sort, including venereal sores, and urethritis.
Infusion made from the leaves of the plant is used for injecting into the
urethra, and vagina to treat gonorrhea and other inflammations; an ointment
made from the leaves is sometimes applied for the same purposes.
The leaves are used in poultices to treat conditions such as boils.
Powder made with the dried leaves is used to cure wounds.
The seed has been used as a remedy for eye diseases.
Decoction prepared from the roots of the plant is given to treat dysentery.
Distribution: It occurs throughout the country.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
