Scientific name: Thunbergia grandiflora (Roxb. ex Rottl.) Roxb.
Family: Acanthaceae
Synonym: Flemingia grandiflora Roxb. ex Rottl., Thunbergia cordifolia Nees
Bengali/Vernacular name: Nillata, Nol lata.
Tribal name: Jaunghilang (Bawm), Deldi pata (Chakma), Kaly-kholo-ajing (Khumi), Zawng-hawi-leng (Lushai).
English name: Bengal clock vine, Bengal trumpet vine, Blue sky flower, Blue sky vine, Blue trumpet vine.
Description of the plant: A large climber. Leaves opposite, 8-15 cm long, 4-10 cm wide, often angular, sometimes ovate, uppermost lanceolate or lanceolate ovate, acute to acuminate, base cordate, entire or toothed. The beautiful 3 inch wide pale blue or white flowers are cup-like with pale yellow to cream blue striped centers. Capsule 4-seeded, globular.
Plant parts used: Leaf, stem.
Ethnomedicinal uses: A decoction is made with the stems of the plant is taken (100 ml amount each time) after adding little amount of honey for seven days to treat blood dysentery.
Fresh juice is extracted from the stems of the plant is applied into the eye thrice a day (two drops each time) for three days to treat conjunctivitis.
Pea-sized pills are made with dried stems of the plant are taken twice a day (two pills each time) for 45 days to control diabetes.
A paste is made with the leaves of the plant is applied on the affected parts of the body twice a day until the gout is cured.
The stems of the plant are used for the treatment of hysteria, malaria, ophthalmia, spermatorrhoea, and stomachache.
Distribution: It is found throughout the country.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
