Family: Apocynaceae
Synonym: Apocynum frutescens L.
Bengali/Vernacular name: Shamlata, Samalata, Dodhilata, Dudhi, Paralia lata.
Tribal name: Dutta ludi (Chakma), Tabu chi (Marma), Ludi sarboa (Tanchangya).
English name: Black creeper.
Description of the Plant: A large, twining shrub, stem profusely branched, bark reddish-brown, rusty tomentose. Leaves rusty pubescent beneath, elliptic-oblong or lanceolate, cuneate or rounded at the base, acute or acuminate at the apex. Flowers small, greenish-white, fragrant, bract minute. Follicles solitary or in pairs, straight; seeds numerous.
Plant parts Used: Leaf, stem, root.
Traditional
Uses: A decoction of the stems and leaves is used in fever.
Paste made with leaves of the plant is applied to treat headache, wounds, and
sore between fingers.
Root powder is administered with milk as blood purifier.
Decoction prepared from the roots of the plant is advised to take for the
treatment of asthma, and inflammation.
Paste prepared from the roots of the plant is applied to treat snakebites.
Distribution: It is common throughout the country.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
