Limnophila rugosa (Roth) Merr.

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Synonym: Herpestis rugosa Roth                           

Bengali/Vernacular name:  Bandha keshori.

English name: Wrinkled marsh weed.

Description of the Plant: An erect, semi-aquatic, perennial herb. Stem simple or branches, rooting at lower nodes. Leaves ovate-lanceolate to ovate-elliptic, tapering to base, subacute at the apex, entire to crenate-serrulate. Flowers solitary in leaf axils, purple-red to blue. Capsules pale brown, broadly ovoid.

Plant parts Used: Leaf.

Traditional Uses: A decoction of the leaves, combined with Ocimum basilicum, is drunk as a treatment for mild gonorrhea, and impotence.
The plant is used in the treatment of cough, and cold.
Juice extracted from leaves of the plant is rubbed over the body in pestilent fever.
The plant is used in elephantiasis with coconut oil.
Juice extracted from the plant is administered to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and dyspepsia.
Both a decoction and a steam-bath of the aromatic leaves are used to cure itching eyes.

Distribution: This species is found in Chittagong and Dinajpur districts.

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