Family: Scrophulariaceae

Synonym: Lindernia hirta (Cham. & Schltdl.) Pennell                      

Bengali/Vernacular name: Pussi chapra.

Tribal name: Gakhirotibon (Manipuri).

English name: Tiny slitwort. 

Description of the Plant: A small annual herb. Stem prostrate, branches often widely spreading from the rootstock, or prostrate at the base, then ascending up to 25 cm, with long internodes, hispidulous. Leaves ovate to orbicular-ovate, truncate at the base, obtuse at the apex, crenate-serrate, with prominent nerves beneath, scabrid on both surfaces. Flowers solitary, axillary or 2-3 in each axil, white or pale blue.Capsules globose; seeds oblong-cuneiform.

Plant parts Used: Leaf, aerial parts.

Traditional Uses: Traditionally the aerial parts are widely used in poultices for relieving boils, sores, and itches.
Decoction prepared from the aerial parts of the plant is given to women after childbirth to promote milk.
The juice of the aerial parts, mixed with turmeric (Curcuma longa) and heated with a little water, is applied to infected finger nails.
Decoction made from leaves of the plant is given to treat dysentery, and other intestinal problems.

Distribution: This species is commonly found in Chittagong, Dhaka, Gazipur, Mymensingh, Narayanganj, Sylhet, and Tangail districts.

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

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