Scientific name: Tagetes erecta L.
Family: Asteraceae
Synonym: Tagetes patula L.
Bengali/Vernacular name: Gendaphul, Gandhaphul, Genda, Gadaphul.
Tribal name: Khathpo (Murang), Darken (Pangkhoa), Assai-tara (Rakhaing).
English name: French marigold, African marigold.
Description of the plant: A ribbed, hairy, annual ornamental herb, growing up to 60 cm or more. Leaves pinnately divided, pinnae serrulate. Flowers in terminal heads, colour ranges from a light yellow to a deep orange.
Plant parts used: Leaf.
Ethnomedicinal uses: Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant, after adding little amount of honey it is taken thrice a day (two tea spoons amount each time) until the diabetes is cured.
Decoction prepared from the leaves of the plant is used for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea.
Decoction of flowers is used for colds, conjunctivitis, mumps, and sore eyes.
Fresh juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is taken thrice a day (10 ml amount each time) until the blood dysentery is cured.
Paste prepared from the leaves of the plant is used for the treatment of boils, eczema, rheumatism, and cutting wound.
Juice extracted from flowers of the plant is administered to treat piles.
Juice extracted from the leaves of the plant is advised for the treatment of earache.
Distribution: It occurs in cultivated condition throughout the country.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
