KFRI Research Report 42

STUDIES ON THE MEDICINAL OF FORESTS

V.P.Krishnan Nambiar N.Sasidharan C.Renuka M.Balagopalan

KERALA FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE PEECHI, THRISSUR

December 19 85 Pages: 200

CONTENTS Page File

Index to botanical names 181 r. 42.6

Index to names 192 r. 42.7

Index to Sanskrit names 199 r. 42.8 1 Introduction 1 r.42.2 2 Medicinal plants 1 r.42.3

3 Bibliography 173 r. 42.4 4 Glossary of medicinal terms 178 r.42.5

Introduction

The origins of herbal medicine predate all existing records. Ancient Indian knowledge on medicinal plants was wide and comprehensive. Vedic literature stands to the proof of their vast knowledge on herbal medicines. Al- though the ancient systems of herbal medicine was prevalent throughout the country, it suffered a severe set back with the introduction of Allopathy. But currentty there is a reawakening which has resulted in a more scientific appro- ach to the Vedic days store of knowledge of medicinal plants.

A good number of medicinal plants are found mentioned in the ancient classical Ayurvedic texts 'Charaka Samhita'. 'Susruta Samhita' and 'Astanga Hrdaya Samhita'. But many of them still remain to be properly identified. During the process of urbanization the contact with plants in their natural habitat was lost, creating confusion in the correct identity of many plants. The indiscriminate use of Sanskrit names and synonyms in later publications which are not given in the ancient treatises, added to this problem. Moreover many irregularities have crept in, in the identity ofraw material due to wrong interpretations of the Sanskrit names of medicinal plants. Therefore, medicinal plants differ according to the practitioners. Moreover the preference for the use of traditional plants by them has also led to the use of different plants in various regions under the same Sanskrit name.

The descriptions provided in the ancient treatises are hardly sufficient to confirm the identity of various drug plants, For the common drug 'Kuruntotti' three names, viz. bala. athibala and nagabala can be found. All of them are species of Sida. When there are 11 species of sida in South . only with the help of an excellent key based on floral characters or with the aid of authentic specimens these species can be correctly identified. When used as a raw drug it is quite difficult to identify the roots of these species based on the morphological characters. No conclusive phytochemical study has been carried out to establish which species of Sida has the most beneficial alkaloid. In the absence of such a study, it is arbitrary if an Ayurvedic practit- ioner prefers a particular species as the source of 'Kuruntotti'. Apart from the species of Sida, species of Pavonia are also used as Kuruntotti. Thus the first and foremost task in Ayurveda is to establish the correct identity of drug plants. The destruction and degradation of natural habitats of medicinal plants have led to diminished supply of these valuable raw materials. The poor avai- lability has also resulted in adulteration of raw drug. An example is that of Kuvalam (Aegle marmelos) which is of very rare occurrence in Kerala forests. The roots of Toddalia asiatica and species of Limonia are collected in large quantities and sold as Kuvalam. One of the effective ways to check the use of adulterants is to cultivate the much needed drug plants.

Forests of Kerala are endowed with a large number of medicinal plants. An authentic publication on this integral component of forest resources is still lacking and therefore very little information is available on the medicinal properties of many species. The shrinking habitat of the medicinal plants and the ever increasing demand for the raw drugs pose great threats to some spe- cies that are in the verge of extinction. Intensive studies on indigenous medici- nal plants and germplasm collection of the various species are therefore very effective.

With all these background information, and having realised that the habitat of medicinal plants is and will continue to be the forests, this project was initi- ated, This report relates to the fulfilment of the objectives of providing correct botanical identity, resolving nomenclatural confusion and compiling information on the medicinal uses.

A checklist of the medicinal plants of Kerala forests was prepared from Ayurvedic texts and Floras. The checklist also included some exotics naturalized in the state and are frequent in forest plantations and forest clearings. Field trips were conducted to various forest areas for the collection of medicinal plants with the help of people engaged in the collection of medicinal plants. Collection of herbarium specimens. raw materials and live 'plants for the medicinal plant garden in the Institute were made. Comparative studies were also made with raw drugs materials collected from various pharmaceutical agencies. The habitat and field characters were studied and these information were also documented. The materials collected were identified with pertinent literature and authentic specimens. The local names of the medicinal plants were obtained from the pecple engaged in the collection of drug plants and from literature. The Sanskrit'names were obtained from published literature and by consulting Sanskrit scholars. The medicinal properties and uses were com- pi led from ayurvedic texts. These were supplemented with information collected from Ayurvedic practitioner- and Tribals.

The species are arranged in alphabetic sequence under respective plant families. The families are arranged according to the system of classification of flowering plants by Bentham and Hooker. The correct appears in bold face followed by important synonyms, if any, in italics. The local ii name (s) and Sanskrit name(s) are given whenever known. The distribution of the plants in Kerala is given by forest types according to the system of classi- fication of forest types by Champion and Seth (1968). Whenever a species is confined only to a particular area; it is specified; otherwise it indicates occurre- nce throughout Kerala in the type of forests mentioned. A brief description of the plant is provided to facilitate identification in the natural habitat. Photo- graphs have been provided for some species. the height of the described as small, medium and large are indicative of the size range: trees below 10 m high as small, 11-25 m as medium and above 25 m as large. The medicinal pro- perties and uses are given under separate heads. A glossary of medicinal terms used in the text has been provided. Separate index for Botanical names, Mala- yalam names and Sanskrit names have been appended for easy reference.

About 250 species of plants collected for the project as well as the medici- nal plants obtained from other sources are maintained in the Medicinal plant garden of the Institute. The raw materials collectad for comparative studies were identified and kept as a reference collection in the Institute. The herba- rium specimens of the medicinal plants prepared were incorporated in the Insti- tute herbarium.

In order to ascertain the views and problems of Ayurvedic practice and research, a state level seminar on Medicinal plants was organized in the Institute during December 1981. Nearly 100 delegates including leading Ayurvedic .- practitioners and academicians participated in the Seminar. The papers present- ed stressed mainly on two aspects, one on the shortage of raw drugs and the other the need for standardization of the drug plants. The proceedings of the seminar was published in 1982. Medicinal Plants

Ranunoulaceae tary. about 10 cm in diameter. globose, subtended by the thickened gouriana Roxb. , about 8 cm in diameter. Mal : Nikida Kodi Properties : Bark and are Distribution : West coast semi- astringent. Fruit is said to possess evergreen and Southern moist mixed tonic and laxative properties. deciduous forests above 400 m ele- Uses : Bark is reported to be vations. useful in the treatment of arthrites Soil requirements : Rich and (Van Reede. 1678). It is also used deep loamy soil with good drainage. as an expectorant. A cooling bever- Description : A climbing shrub age prepared from is admini- reaching to the top of trees, stem stered for fevers. vertically grooved. Leaves opposite bipinnate or tripinnate; leaflets ovate Tetracera akara (Burm.f.) Merr. or oblong, acuminate, entire or re- Syn. T. laevis auct. non Vahl motely Toothed, rounded or cordate Mal : Nennelvalli at the base, 2.5-10 x 1.5-3.5 cm. Distribution : West coast tropical Flowers yellowish or greenish white. evergreen forests. in much branched panicles. Fruit a head of ovoid achenes with long Description : A climbing shrub feathery tails. with angular branches. Leavas sim- Uses : Bruised stem and leaves ple, alternate, oblong or lanceolste. when applied to the skin cause desi- entire or remotely toothed, 7-12 cm cation. The root is with pungent long. Ftowers white, in few to many aromatic smell. The fresh root is flowered terminal panicles. Fruit an crushed and inhaled to get relief aggregate of several coriaceous folli- from cold by the Tribals of Attappady. cles with 1-2 arillate . Uses : Oecoction of leaves mixed Dilleniaceae with rice-gruel is given in the treat- ment of aphthae. Dillenia indica Linn. Syn. D. speciosa T hunb. Magnoliaceae Mal : Syalitha Michelia champaca Linn. Distribution: Reported to occur Mal : Champakam in Southern moist mixed deciduous San : Champaka forests in North Kerala. Occasionally Distribution : Occasional in West planted in temple compounds and in coast tropical evergreen furests. households as an ornamental . Soil reqirements : Deep moist Description : Small to medium loamy, medium acidic sized tree; bark reddish grey, smooth. soil. Leaves simple, fascicled at the ends Description : Large evergreen of branchlets, oblong-lanceolate. tree; bark grey, smooth. Leaves sim- acute, serrate, 15-30 x 7-10 cm; ple, alternate, ovate-lanceolate, acu- winged. flowers white, soli- minate. 15-22 x 5-8 cm. Flowers

1 solitary, axillary, yellow, about 5 cm sized tree: bark brown with shallow in diameter. Fruit an aggregate of fissures. Leaves simple. alternate. follicle; seeds 1-10. pendulous. elliptic, acuminate. Flowers white, Properties : Bark of the tree is axillary, solitary. Fruit of many folli- considered as a stimulant, febrifuge, cles, each about 1.5 cm in diameter expectorant, astringent, anthelmintic, with 1-2 scarlet seeds. diuretic, diaphoretic and aphrodisiac, Property : Bark and Leaves are Flowers and fruits are stimulant, considered as febrifuge. antispasmodic. stomachic, carmi- Annonaceae native, diuretic, bitter and cooling. Dried root and root bark are used as Sageraea dalzellii Bedd. purgatives and emmenagogue. Syn. Bocagea dalzellii Hook. f. & Uses : Bark in decoction is given Thoms. with much benefit in low intermittent Mal : Manjaniara, Kanakaitha fevers and mild cases of chronic gas- Distribution : West cost tropical tritis. It is used in the treatment of evergreen and West coast semiever- bile and blood afflictions also. green forests. juice is used in colic. Flowers are use- Soil requirements : Sandy loam ful in the treatment of rheumatism soils with good drainage. medium and oil from flowers provide an use- acidic. ful application in cephalalgia, oph- Description : A large tree with thalmic and gout. Both flowers and straight trunk: bark blackish, smooth, fruits are used in the treatment of dyspepsia, nausea, fever and vertigo. Leaves simple. alternate, narrowly Seeds and fruits are used for healing elliptic, glossy, 10-30 x 4-10 cm. Flowers yellowish, axillary or fasci- cracks in feet. Oil of the seeds rubb- ed over the abdomen relieves flatu- cled on woody tubercles. Fruit of lence. Decoction or powder of root 3-5 globose, green carpels. and bark with sugar is given as a Properties : Leaves are bitter, remedy in phlegm, biliousness, astringent and pungent. leprosy. ulcers, and bladder stones. Uses : Leaves are used for fo- A decoction of the root is used in mentation. cases of unconscious micturition (Mooss. 1978). Root and root bark Uvaria narum (Dunal) Wall. ex Wight mixed with curdled milk is applied & Arn. to cure abcesses. Mal : Narumpanal San : Neelalalli Michelia nilagirica Zenk Description : Occasional in the Mal : Kattuchampakam Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. Distribution : Confined to Sou- Also common in the forests associ- thern montane wet temporate forests ated with temples or 'kavu' at Munnar. Soil requirements : Sandy loam Soil requirements : Strongly aci- soil with loose structure, good drai- dic soil. clay loam, high in organic nage. carbon. Description : A large woody Description : A small to medium climber. Leaves simple, alternate,

2 oblong-lanceoIate.acute or acumi- Juice of fresh fruit is appiied to foul nate, 7-12 x 2-3cm Flowers reddish, ulcers and scabies. The active prin- solitary. Fruit of numerous carpels. ciple. picrotoxin. from seeds is usdd Uses : Leaves are recommended to a limited extent to control night- in rheumatic swellings, jaundice, sweats in phthisis. It IS also useful billiousness and fevers. Root is used in the convulsion treatment of schizo- in the treatment of jaundice, fever, phrenia (Martindale, 1941 -43). billiousness and typhoid. Adecoction of the root bark is given to women to Cissampelos pateira Linn. control fits at the time of delivery. Mal : Malathangi It is also used in rheumatism. bowel Distribution : Southern moist complaints of Children and for mixed deciduous forests. Occasional eczema. Oil Bxtracted from the root. in scrub jungles. reduces burning sensation of the Iivet Soil requirements : Loamy soiIs (Van Reede, 1678)., with good drainage medium acidic, low in potash and phosphate and Menispermaceae high in organic carbon. Description : A slender climbing Anamirta cocculus (Linn.) Wight & shrub. Leaves simple. alternate. Arn. orbicular or reniform. cordate at base, Syn. A. paniculata Colebr. pubescent below, 2.5-8 cm in dia- Mal : Polla, Karantakam, Nan- meter. Flowers small. greenish, in chuvalli. axillary racemes. Fruit globose. about Distribution : West coast tropical 0.5 cm in diameter. scarlet. (Plate II evergreeh and West coast semiever- Fig 1) green forests. Properties : Root is bitter. anti- Soil requirements : Loamy soils periodic, diuretic. purgative and sto- with good drainage, medium acidic, machic. Root with bark exercise low in potash. very low in phosphate astringent and sedative action on the and high in organic carbon. mucous membranes of genito-urinary Description : A large climbing organs. shrub. Leaves simple, alternate, bro- Uses : Leaves are used in the adly ovate-cordate. 12-20 x 8-12 treatment of venereal diseases and cm. Flowers small, creamy white, in heart complaints. Root is given for large panicles drooping from nodes cough, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, cystitis. of mature stem. Fruit a drupe. obli- dropsy, and prolapsus uterus. quely ovoid, about 1-2 cm in dia- meter, white. Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels Properties : Leaves are antipyre- Syn. C. villosus (Lamk.) DC. tic. Fruit is considered to be an ex- Mal : Pathalagarudakkodi pectorant. San : Pathalagarudi. Mahamoo- Uses : Fruit is used in the treat- lam ment of rheumatism. Dried fruit is a Distribution : Southern dty mix- powerful narcotic and an antidote ed deciduous forests. Also seen gro- for morphine and chloral poison. wing among the bushes in villages.

3 Description : A straggling shrub substitute for cinchona, is given in with villous branchlets. Leaves sim- case of intermittent fevers, debility ple, alternate. ovate. obtuse at base. and dyspepsia. Root is used in the softly pubescent, 4-7 x 2-4.5 cm. treatment of diabetes and excessive Flowers small, pale yellow; male bleeding. flowers in axillary cymose panicles; female in axillary fascicles. Fruit (Lamk. ) Hook. f. & black purple; seeds tubercled. Thoms. Properties : Root is refrigerant- Mal : Padakizhangu, Padathali blood purifier. laxative, sudorific and San: Pada alterative. It is also used as a tonic, Distribution : Southern moist Uses : Leaf juice is taken inter- mixed deciduous, Southern dry mix- nally for gonorrhoea and is used ex- ed deciduous forests and occasionally ternally for eczema, prurigo and in scrub jungles. impetigo, Root is used in the treat- Soil requirements : Sandy loam ment of chronic rheumatism and soils with good drainage slightly venereal diseases. acidic. Description : A slender, climb- ing. pubescent shrub. Leaves simple, Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) alternate, ovate-peltate, 6-12 x 4-9 Colebr. cm. pubescent. Flowers small, gree- Mal : Maramanjal nish, in axillary panicles. Fruit white, San : Daruhareedra globose, about 0.5 cm in diameter. Distribution : West coast tropical Uses : Crushed leaves are app- evergreen and Southern hill-top tro- lied to wounds to stop bleeding. Root pical evergreen forests. is a good nervine tonic. It is used for Soil requirements : Variety of a variety of ailments like dysentery, soils with good drainage medium piles. flatulence, jaundice, stomach- slightly acidic ache, fever, leprosy, liver complaints, Description : A climbing shrub: poisoning, asthma and clotting of bark yellow, with shallow fissures. blood in the abdomen. branches pubescent. Leaves simple. alternate, suborbicular, subpeltate. Diploclisia glaucescens (BI.) Diels 12-17 x 10-15 cm, pubescent below. Syn. Cocculus macrocarpus Flowers small, green, in globular Wight & Arn. heads Fruit subglobose, villous. Mal : Vatoli abcut 1 cm in diameter. (Plate II, Distribution : West coast semi- Fig. 3) evergreen and Southern moist mixed Properties : A tincture of wood deciduous forests. is said to possess antiseptic proper- Description : A large woody ties. Root is aphrodisiac. antipyretic. climber. Leaves simple, rounded, us- antiseptic and stomachic. ually broader than long, 5-10 x 6-11 Uses : Tincture of wood is used cm, margins thickened, glabrous. for dressing wounds and ulcers. De- Flowers small, yellow, in panicles. coction of bark, which is used as a arising from mature stem. Fruits

4 obovate oblong, about 2 cm long. the stem is used as a tonic and is (Plate II Fig.2) given in several diseases causing de- Uses : Powdered leaf with milk bility. Fruit is given for jaundice and is given for biliousness, syphilis and rheumatism. gonorrhaea. Tinospora sinensis (Lour..) Merr. Syn. T. malabarica (Lamk.) Miers Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers Cocculus malabaricus D C . ex Hook. f. &Thoms. Mal : Kattamrthu, Pottamrthu. S y n. M enisperrnum cordifolium Peyamrthu Willd. Distribution : Southern moist Cocculus cordifolius ( Willd. ) D C . mixed deciduous and West coast Mal : Chittamrthu. Amrthu semievergreen forests, mostly con- San : Amrtha, Guluchi fined to central and northern Kerala. Distribution : West coast semi- Description : A climbing shrub, evergreen and Southern moist mixed young branches covered with white deciduous forests. hairs. Leaves simple, ovate-acumi- Soil requirements : Loam to sandy nate, cordate; palmately 7-nerved, loam soils with good drainage. slig- 10-15 x 7.5-12cm, ‘pubescent on htly acidic and medium in organic carbon. both sides. Flowers greenish. in Description : A climbing shrub; dense racemes. Uses : Plant is considered to be bark papery at first, becomes corky and deeply spirally cleft when old, a tonic. In fresh leaves and grey or creamy white. Leaves simple, stems are used in the treatment of chronic rheumatism. In Kerala this is alternate. orbicular - cordate, 5-7.5 cm in diameter, glabrous. Flowers not commonly used as it is consider- smalt. greenish - yellow, in dense ed therapeutically nferior (Mooss. 1977). racemes. Properties : Juice of fresh plant Capparidaceae is diuretic. Stern is astringenf to the bowels, stomachic, anti periodic, Capparis grandis Linn. f. antipyretic. expectorant, alterative Distribulion : Southern dry mixed and aphrodisiac, deciduous and Dry teak bearing Uses : The plant is used against forests. general debility, dyspepsia, fevers Soil requirements : Sandy soils, and urinary diseases. A preparation very slightly acidic. medium in potash frcm the plant is used by the tribals and very high in phosphate. in to treat fractures. Plant juice Description : A small tree, young is recommended for gonorrhoea. The shoots tomentose. Leaves simple. stem is used in the treatment of alternate, elliptic -ovate. obtuse. vel- giddiness. piles, anaemia, diabetes, vety an both sides. Flowers creamy vaginal and urethral discharges and white, in many flowered terminal enlarged spleen. A kind of starch corymbs. Fruit Purple. subglobose. prepared from the aquous extract of about 4 cm in diameter, 2-6 seeded

5 Uses : Infusion, of bark and Distribution : Southern moits leaves is used internally for swellings mixed deciduous forests. Also seen and eruptions. in forest plantations. Description : A small herb. Crateva nurvala Buch. - Ham. Leaves simple, alternate, linear or Syn. religiosa Hook. f. & Thoms. (anceolate, 3.5 x 0.3-0.8 cm. Flowers Mal : Neermathalam red, solitary, axillary. Fruit subglo- San : Varana bose, 0.5 cm in diameter. Distribution : Occasional in Sou- Properties : Plant is reported to thern moist mixed deciduous and possess tonic. diuretic, and demul- West coast semievergreen forests, cent properties. mostly confined to banks of streams. Uses : Plant is used In the treat- Soil requirements : Loamy soils ment of urethral discharges, diseases slightly acidic, medium in potash of blood, vomiting and epileptic fits. and low in phosphate. In Africa the plant is added to the Description : A small to medium food of pregnant and parturient wd- sized tree; bark grey, with longitudi- men (Dalziel, 1948). With oil, the nal wrinkles. Leaves trifoliolate; Eaves and tender stalks are used In leaflets long acuminate, elliptic, preparing a cooling liniment for the 5-15 x 3-6.5 cm. Flowers white, in head. Root is given in cases of bowel terminal showy racemes. Fruit a complaints of children. It is also berry, globose or ovate, 2.5-4.5 cm administered as an infusion in gono- in diameter. rrhoea and urinary afflictions. Properties : Bark is demuicent, stomachic, laxative, diuretic. anti- Viola betonicifolia J. E. Sm. pyretic and alterative. It has a stimu- Syn. V. patrinii auct. non Ging lating action on the liver. Flowers Distribution : Southern mohtane are astringent and cholagogue. Fruit wet scrub and Southern montane wet is laxative. Root increases the secre- grasslands. tion of bile. Soil requirements : Clay loam Uses : Bark of the tree is useful soils loose, strongly acidic high in in the treatment of calculus affections organic carbon. and disorders of urinary organs. It is Description : A slender herb. reported to be a contraceptive. (Jain. Leaves radical, simple, triangular- 1965) Decoction of the bark is used ovate, serrate, 7-12 x 1.5-4 cm, for relaxation and flatulence. petiole long. Flowers lilac, about 1 cm in diameter on slender pedicels. Violaceae Uses : Plant juice is applied to ulcers and foul sores. It is also re- Hybanthus enneaspermus (Linn.) F. v. commended against syphilis and bili- Muell. ousness. The Chinese and Malayans Syn. lonidium suffruticosurth use the flowers for purification of (Linn.) Ging blood. In Chinese medicine it is re- Mal : Orilathamara, Kalthamara commended against Cancer. The dried flowers are used as a purgative. leathery capsule, 3-8 cm long, con- Mixed with tea they are used against taining numerous seeds surrounded cold and cough. Large quantities of by pale brown cottony hairs. floweres are used in Unani medicines. Properties: The gum obtained from the tree is cooling and sedative. Viola pilosa BI. Leaves and flowers are stimulant. Syn. V. serpens Wall, ex Roxb. Uses : Gum is used in the trea- Distribution : Southern montane tment of eye diseases. It is also wet scrub and Southern montane wet recommended for softening the skin. grassland. Soil requirements : Clay loam Flacourtiaceae soils, loose, strongly acidic. Description : A stoloniferous herb. Leaves simple, ovate, cordate. Casearia elliptica Willd. crenate. 2.5-5 cm in diameter, long Syn. C. tomentosa Roxb. petioled. Flowers pale blue, axillary, Distribution : West coast semi - long pedicelled. evergreen and West coast tropical Properties : Plant is antipyretic, evergreen forests. diaphoretic and febrifuge. Flowers Soil requirements : Variety of are demulcent and emolient. Root is soils. well drained medium to slightly emetic. acidic. Uses : Flowers are used in the Description : A small deciduous treatment of biliousness and lung tree with horizontal branches; bark trouble. dark brown. peels off in rectangular flakes in old trees. Leavas simple, Cochlospermaceae alternate. oblong or lanceolate. serr- ate, sometimes entire. gland dotted. Cochlospermum religiosum (Linn .) 6-17 x 3.5-4.5cm. Flowers small, in Alston axillary clusters. Fruit fleshy, oblong, Syn. C. gossypium DC. yellow, about 2 cm long. Mal : Appakudukka. Seema- Properties : Bark is bitter. Pulp panjimaram of the fruit is diuretic. San: Girisanmalika Uses : Bark is used for external Distribution Southern dry mixed . application in dropsy. deciduous and Southern moist mixed deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Red loamy Casearia esculenta Roxb. slightly acidic soil. Mal : Malampavatta Description : A small deciduous San: Bhuthagandhii tree with stout spreading branches; Distribution : Southern moist bark grey, thick. Leaves palmately mixed deciduous and West coast 5-lobed, greyish-white tomentose semieveigrean forests. beneath. Flowers yellow, 8-1 2 cm Soil requirements : Variety of in diameter, in terminal panicles. soils, loam to sandy loam, slightly Fruit a large brown pear-shaped, acidic, medium in organic carbon.

7 Description : A small tree; bark Distribution : West coast tropi- green, mottled with white, smooth. cal evergreen. West coast semiever- Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic- green and southern moist mixed oblong or tanceolate. acute or acumi- deciduous forests, nate, entire or distantly serrate, Soil requirements : Variety of 7.5-15 x 3.5-7.5 cm. Flowers small. soils with good drainage medium to in axillary clusters. Fruit a capsule, slightly acidic. about 1.2 cm long, orange-yellow. Description : A targe tree, stem Properties : Root is astringent, often fluted; bark pale brown with cathartic. antipyretic and alexiteric. white or grey patches. Leaves simple. Uses : Root is used against leu- alternate, oblong, acuminate crenu- coderma, diseases of blood, bronchi- fate, 12-25 x 3.5-7 cm. Fruit globose. tis, asthma and halucinations. woody with tubercles, 5-10 cm in diameter. Hydnocarpus macrocarpus (Bedd.) Uses: Oil from seeds is used in Warb. the treatment of leprosy and other Syn. Asteriastigma macrocarpa Bedd. cutaneous diseases. It is also given Mal : Malankummatti for ophthalmia and dysentry. This oil Distribution : West coast tropical is considered to be therapeutically evergreen and West coast semiever- superior among the chaulmoogra oils green forests of Central and Southern (Oil of Hydnocarpus and some other Kerala. Flacourtiaceae are commonly known Soil requirements : Clay loam as chaulmoogra oils): soil with good drainage, slightly acidic, medium in potash and low in Pittosporaceae phosphate. Description : A large evergreen Pittosporum nepalensis (DC.) Rehedr & tree. Leaves simple, alternate, Wilson oblong, acute, entire, very glossy and Syn. P. floribundum Wight & dark green above, pale beneath, Arn. 15-20 x 6-10 cm. Flowers white, Mal : Kachapatta. about 2.5 cm in diameter. Fruit Distribution : Southern montane woody, globose, dark brown, 12-15 wet scrub and Southern montane cm in diameter. wet temperate forests. Uses : Oil from seeds is believed Soil requirements : Clay loam to be a valuble medicine for skin soil loose, strongly acidic and high diseases. in organic carbon. Description : A small evergreen Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch.- Ham.) tree with short spreading branches; Oken bark thin, light greenish-grey, lenti- Syn. H. laurifolia (Dennst.) cellate. Leaves simple. crowded to- Sleumer wards the tips of branches, elliptic- H. wightiana BI. oblong, acute or acuminate, 7-12 x Mal : Marotti 3-5 cm. Flowers yellowish in race-

8 mose or short panicles. Fruit woody, wet grasslands and Southern montane 0.5-1.2 cm in diameter. 6-seeded. wet scrub jungles, Properties: Bark when freshly Soil requirements : Grows in dry cut, emits a ginger like smell. It is rocky and gravelly areas and dry reported to possess expectorant. woods at higher altitudes. febrifuge and narcotic properties. The Description : A small herb, roots extract of the stem bark has anti- aromatic. Leaves simple, alternate, bacterial and antifungal properties. linear-oblong, 1-2 cm long. Flowers Oil from the seeds is alterative. tonic yellowish or pinkish, in short few and stimulant. flowered axiltary racemes. Uses : Bark of the tree is used Uses: Leaves are used against against chronic bronchitis. Oil from spermatorrhoea. A decoction of the seeds is specific for certain skin dis- root is given as an expectorant in eases. It is used as a local applica- cold and cough and bronchitis. It is tion in rheumatism. ophthalmia, also used for amnesia. impotency sprains and bruises, sciatica, leprosy and seminal losses. and secondary syphilis. Bark is used as an antidot to snake poison. Cary ophyllaceae Polygalaceae Drymaria cordata (Linn.) Willd. ex

Roem. &Schult. Polygala arvensis Willd. Distribution : Southern hill-top Syn. P, chinensis auct. non Linn. tropical evergreen forests, mostly Distribution : Southern dry mix- seen in shady places. Also seen in ed deciduous forests and scrub jun- tea plantations as a weed. gles. Soil requirements : Strongly aci- Soil requirements : Sandy loam dic loamy soils with high moisture medium acidic soil with good drai- retentivity. nage medium in potash. low in phos- Description: A slender diffuse, phate and organic carbon. glabrous herb. Leaves simple, orbi- Description : A small herb, roots cular-cordate. 1-2 cm long. Flowers aromatic. Leaves simple, alternate, small, greenish. in terminal and axi- obovate to linear-oblong, glabrous llary panicles. or pubescent. 1-3 cm long. Flowers Properties : Plant juice is laxa- yellowish. in few flowered axillary tive and antifebrile. racemes. Uses : An infusion of the leaves is prescribed for asthma, chronic Polycarpea corymbosa (Linn.) Lamk. bronchitis and catarrhal afflictions. Mal : Akkaramkolli The root is recommended for fever Distribution : In Scrub jungles and dizziness. They are reported to and in Forest plantations. possess antiseptic properties . Description : A small erect herb 12-40 cm high. Leaves linear. verti- Polygala sibirica Linn. cillate. 1-2 cm x 2-3 mm. Flowers Distribution : Southern montane small, in terminal corymbose cymes.

9 Uses : Plant is administered Distribution : Southern montane both internally and externally as a wet scrub and Southern montane remedy for sneke bites, Pounded wet temperate forests. leaves are used as a poultice over Soil requirements : Clay loam boils and inflammatory swellings. soil with plenty of humus, slightly It is given with molasses in jaundice. acidic low in potash and very low in In Malaya, the flowering head along phosphate. with the portion of stem and leaves Description : Annual herbs, stem is used as demulcent and astringent 4-angled. Leaves simple, elliptic or (Dalziel. 1948). ovate, auricled at base, 3 - nerved, sessile 6-10 x 3-5 mm Flowers Stellaria media (Linn.) Vill. yellow, about 0.6 cm in diameter, in Distribution : Southern montane terminal cymes. wet scrub forests. Also in open areas Uses: In China and Indo-China at higher elevations. the plant is used as an alterative. Soil requirements : Sandy clay and astringent. (Kirtikar & Basu, loamy soil, medium acidic high in 1935) In Madagascar. it is used potash. medium in phosphate and against asthma and dysentery. high in organic carbon. (Burkill, 1935). Description : A small heib. Leaves Clusiaceae simple, opposite, elliptic or lanceo- late, 1-2.5 cm long. Flowers small, Calophyllum apetalum WilId. white. many in terminal dichotomous Syn. C. wightianum Wall. ex cymes. Planch. & Triana Properties : The plant is cooling C. decipiens Wight and binding. In Spain it is used as Mal: Cherupunna vulnerary. astringent and resolvent. Distribution : West coast tropical Uses: The plant is used to pla- evergreen forests. ster broken bones and swellings. The Soil requirements : Loamy soils. plant is said to be very useful in medium acidic. medium in potash. inflammations of tho digestive, low in phosphate end organic carbon. renal. respiratory and reproductive Description : A moderate sized tracts as it has a strengthening and tree; bark yellowish brown, with soothing action on mucus and der- vertical fissures. Leaves simple. moid surfaces. It is also useful in opposite, ovate-oblong glossy. with severe inflammations of skin and numerous parallel lateral veins 5-9 x eyes. The leaves are reported to be 3-5 cm. Flowers in axillary racemes. rich in vitamin A and C. (Wealth of Fruit about 2 cm long, ellipsoid. api- India. 1976). culate, red when ripe. Properties : Oil from is Hypericaceae antiphlegmatic and anodyne. Uses: Oil from seeds is used Hypericum japonicum Thunb. ex to treat leprosy, cutaneous afflictions, Murr. scabies and rheumatism. Calophyllum polyanthum Wall. ex the tree possesses purgative proper- Choisy ties (Chandrasena. 1935) Syn. C. elatum Bedd. Uses : A decoction of the fruit C. tomentosum auct. non Wight rind is useful in the treatment of Mal : Kattupunna rheumatism. bowel complaints, piles San : Vanapunnaga and disorders in the womb. Distribution : West coast tropi - Garcinia indica Choisy cal evergreen. Southern hill-top Mal :Marappuli, Pinarpuli tropical evergreen and West coast Distribution: West coast tropi - semievergreen forests. cal evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Sandy loam Soil requirements : Loam and soils. sandy loam, strongly acidic and high Description : A lofty tree, un- in organic carbon branched for a great height; bark Description :A siender tree with deeply fissured, yellowish brown. drooping branches Leaves simple, thick. Young twigs tomentose leaves opposite oblon laceolate. FIowers simple, opposite oblong-lancedate. yellowish axillary or terminal, soli- acuminate; lateral nerves numerous tary or in spreading fascicles. Fruit and parallel, 7-12 x 3.5 cm. Flowers globose entire 2.5-3 cm in diameter in panicles. terminal or from the axils purplish. of upper leaves. Fruit obliquely Properties : Barkof the tree is ovoid. 2cm long. astringent. Fruit is antiscorbutic. Properties : Gum is reported to cooling, cholagogue emollient, de- be feebly astringent. mulcent, anthelmintic and cardioto- nic The seeds yield a valuable edi- Garcinia gummi-gutta (Linn.) Robs . ble fat known as 'Kokam butter'. This Syn. G. cambogia (Gaertn. ) Desr is demulcent astringent and Mal : Pinampuli, Kodampuli emollient. Distribution : West coast tropical Uses: Young leaves are given in evergreen forests . cases of dysentery Fruit is used to Soil requirements : Loamy soils, treat bleeding piles. dysentery and strongly acidic with high organic heart diseases. Fat extracted from carbon,. the seeds is used as a local applicant Description : A moderate sized to ulcerations and fissures of lips evergreen tree; bark surface black. hands etc. rough, when cut exudes a yellow exudation. Leaves simple, opposite, Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Desr. lanceolate to ovate 5-12 x 1.5-3.5 Mal : Pinarpuli cm. Flowers yellowish, axillary or Distribution : West coast tropi- from the axils of fallen leaves. Fruit cal evergreen and southern moist globose. with vertical furrows. 5.7 mixed deciduous forests. cm in diameter, reddish or yellow. Description : A medium sized Properties : The fruit possesses evergreen tree. bark brown. smooth antiseptic properties. The resin from exudes an orange-yellow gum when

11 cut. Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic- Syn. Ochrocarpus longifolius obovate to ovate-lanceolate, acute, (Wight) Benth. ex T. Anders. narrowed at the base. 6-8 cm long. Mal : Shooram punna Flowers yellowish, in axillary clusters. Distribution : West coast tropi- Fruit subglobose. about 2 cm in dia- cal evergreen forests, confined to meter, subtended by the persistent North Kerala. sepals. Description : A large evergreen Properties :The resin obtained tree; bark reddish brown. exudes a from the tree is hydragogue, cathartic, red gum when cut. Leaves oblong. purgative, anthelmintic and vermi- acute or obtuse, thick, coriaceous. fuge. lateral veins not visible, 13-20 x Uses : The resin is recommend- 4.5-6 cm. Flowers white, with ed for dropsical afflictions, amenorr- red streaks, fascicled in the axils of hoea and obstinate constipation. fallen leaves. Fruit is obliquely ovoid. Juice obtained from the stem is used mucronate, about 2.5 cm long. to remove pimples and boils. Properties : Flower buds are as- tringent and aromatic. Flowers are Garcinia xathochymus Hook. f. ex stimulant. carminative, analgesic. T. Anders. and aphrodisiac. Syn. G. rinctoria (DC.) Dunn. Uses : Flowers are used to treat Mal : Vairappuli some forms of dyspepsia, haemorr- Distribution : West coast tropical hoids and leprosy. evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Variety of Mesua nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kost- soils, loam to clay loam, poorly dr- erm. ained and strongly acidic. Syn. M. ferrea auct. non Linn. Description :A medium sized tree Mal : Nagapoovumaram, Churu- with drooping branches. Branchlets li, Nangu. and young twigs 4-angled; bark San : Nagapushpa brown. thin. Leaves simple, opp- Distribution : West coast tropical osite, linear-oblong or oblanceolate. evergreen, Southern hill-top tropical acute or acuminate 20-40 x 5-10 cm. evergreen and West Coast semiever- flowers white in clusters of 4-8 in green forests. the axils of fallen leaves. fruit glo- Soil requirements : Sandy loam bose , slightly pointed at the apex, soils with good drainage in the slo- yellow, 7-12 cm in diameter. pes of hills and undulating ground Properties : Fruit is antiscorbu- along streams. tic, cooling, cholagogue. emollient Description : A medium sized to and demulcent. large tree: bark reddish brown, ex- Uses: Fruit is used to treat heart foliating in thin flakes, when cut ex- complaints. udes an yellow gummy exudation. Leaves simple. opposite, oblong, Mammea suriga (Buch. - Ham. ex lanceolate or linear: young leaves Roxb.) Kosterm. bright red. Flowers white, solitary or

12 in pairs. axillary or terminal, Fruit Uses : Oleo-resin from the tree ovate. acute. 2-3 cm long, subtended is used in the treatment of rheu- by the enlarged sepals. mat ism. Properties : Plant is digestive and alexipharmic. Flowers are astri- Vateria indica Linn. ngent and stomachic. Unripe fruit is Mal : Vellapayin aromatic and sudorific. Distribution: West coast tropical uses : Plant is used to cure bil- evergreen. West cost semievergreen iousness. scabies, small tumours, and West coast secondary evergreen headache. blood and heart troubles, dipterocarp forests. sore throat, vomiting, dysentery, piles Soil requirements : Soils having and asthma. Leaves are used in the thick humous layer with high moist- form of poultice which is applied to ure content and good drainage. head in severe cold. Flowers are pre- Mostly found in areas having under- scribed for cough. bleeding piles and lying rocks of gneissic complex, often burning of the feet. Powdered flow- covered with laterites in varying degrees of disintegration from hard ers mixed with rancid butter which rock to fine ,gravel. has been washed a hundred times in Description : A large evergreen water are said to be an effectual app- tree; bark smooth, blotched with lication against bnrning of the feet. green and white. peelingoff in round. Oil from seeds is applied for cutane- thick flakes. Leaves simple, alternate, ous afflictiona, sores, boils. ulcers elliptic-oblong, acute, cordate or and rheumatic pains. rounded at base 12-25x6-7.5 cm. Flowers white, in large, terminal Dipterocarpaceae panicles. Fruit oblong, about 5-7 cm Dipterocarpus indicus Bedd, long; subtended by the basal calyx Mal : Kalpayin. Vellaaini lobes. San : Garjanam Properties : Bark is alexipharmic. Distribution : West coast tropi- Resin obtained from the tree is credi- cal evergreen and West coast semi- ted with tonic. carminative and ex- evergreen forests. pectorant properties. The essential Soil requirements : Sandy clay oit obtained-from the oleoresin has loam soil with good drainage strongly marked antibacterial property against acidic. medium in potash and low in gram-ve and gram + ve microor- phosphate. ganisms (Howes. 1949). Description : A lofty evergreen Uses : Bark is used in the treat- tree with a clean unbranched trunk ment of cough, anaemia, ear diseases for a considerable height; bark urinary discharges, skin eruptions and smooth. pale grey. Young twigs clo- teprosy. Resin is used against diarr- thed with stellate pubescence. Leaves hoea. piles rheumatism, tubercular simple, alternate, ovate,Acute 12-25x glands, gonorrhoea and other veneral 5-15 cm. Flowers in 3-8 flowered infections. The essential oil forms a axi llary racemes. Fruit with two en- good emollient for plasters and oint- larged wing like calyx lobes. ment bases, and a good stimulant 13 dressing for carbuncles and other Description : A prickly trailing ulcerations. shrub. Leaves palmately lobed, cor- date at base, spinescent on the nerves Malvaceae beneath. 5-7.5 cm long. Flowers yellow with purplish centres, solitary.. Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet axillary. Fruit ovoid. pointed, 1.5-2 Mal : Urakam. Venkurunthotti cm long, subtended by the enlarged San : Athibala calyx. Distribution : Southern moist Properties : Leaves are said to mixed deciduous and Southern dry improve digestion and are considered mixed deciduous forests. Also seen anthefmintic. in forest plantations. Uses : Infusion of roots in water Soil requirements : Sandy slightly is a cooling drink. The juice of leaves alkaline soil. medium in potash and with honey is used for eye diseases. very high in phosphate. Description : An erect tomentose Kydia calycina Roxb. shrub. Leaves simple, alternate. ovate- Mal : Kattavanakku, Vellacha - cordate. acuminate. hairy. 4-7.5 x tachi 2.5-5 cm. Flowers yellow or orange. Distribution : West coast semi- Carpels 15-20. separating at maturity. evergreen, Moist teak bearing and Properteis : Bark is astringent. Southern moist mixed deciduous diuretic, febrifuge, anthelmintic and forests. alexiteric. Seeds are laxative. aphro- Soil requirements : Soils with disiac and demulcent abundant moisture. slightly acidic, Uses : Leaves are used in the medium in potash, low in phosphate treatment of gonorrhoea, inflamma- and high in organic carbon. tion of the bladder and bleeding piles. Description: A small to medium A decoction is recommended for sized tree; bark grey, rough. flaking branchites and catarrhal bilious off in irregular thin flakes. Leaves diarrhoea. It is prescribed as a mouth ovate-cordate, 3-7 lobed, 7-1 5 cm wash in cases of tooth ache and long. Flowers white or pink in many tender gums. Infusion of roots is con- flowered terminal panicles Fruit a sidered useful in the treatment of 3-valved capsule, about 0.5 cm in strangury. haematuria and leprosy. diameter, subtended by the accres- cent bracteoles. Hibiscus furcatus Roxb. Uses : Leaves are used in the Mal : Naranampuli, Pachapuli treatment of rheumatism and lumbago Distribution : Southern Moist and chewed when there is a defici- mixed deciduous and Southern dry ency of saliva. mixed deciduous forests. Also seen in forest plantations. Pavonia odorata Willd. Soil requirements : Variety of Distribution : Southern dry mixed soils, loamy sand to loam and slightly deciduous forests and also in scrub acidic to slightly alkaline. jungles. Soil requirements : Sandy loam ration The leaf pice is boiled with soil with good drainage, slightly aci- oil and applied in elephantiasis In dic, medium in potash. very low in Bengal the Ieaf juice is used in the phosphate and high in organic car- form of an electuary in the treatment bon. of intestinal worms. A decoction, of Description : A herb, stem and leaves and roots is given In haemorr- branches covered with viscous pube- hoids and impotence Root is pres- scence. Leaves simple, alternate, cribed in case of nervous and urinary Ovate. cordate, slightly 3-5 lobed or diseases. chronic bowel complaints angled. 2.5-5 cm long. Flowers and disorders of the blood and bile. pink, solitary. axillary. Fruit with 5 mericarps. Sida cordata (Burm f.) Borss. S. veronicaefolia Lamk Properties : The herb possesses Syn. . S. humilis Cav. a musk like odour. Root is astring- S. pilosa Retz. ent, demulcent, carminative and fe- Mal: Vallikkurunthotti brifuge. Distribution : Moist teak bearing, Uses : Plant is used in the treat- Southern moist mixed deciduous and ment of rheumatism. Root is prescri- West coast semievergreen forests. bed in the treatment of dysentery. Soil requirements : Variety of Sida acuta Burm. f. soils. Mal : Cheruparuva Description : A small trailing un- Distribution : Moist teak bearing. dershrub with slender branches. Lea- Southern moist mixed deciduous and ves simple. alternate. cordate, serrate, Southern dry mixed deciduous fore- sparingly hispid on both surface, 1-5 sts. Also in forest plantations. cm long. Flowers yellow, axillary . Soil requirements : Sandy loam solitary. long pedicelled. Fruit gia- brous . 5 -car pe I Ied , car pels slightly soil with good drainage, slightty aci- two lipped. (Plate II Fig. 2) dic, medium in potash, low in phos- Uses : Leaves are used in the tre- phate and high in organic carbon. atment of diarrhoea during pregnancv Description : An undershrub. and used as a local applicant to cuts Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic. and bruises. Flowers and unripe frui- acute. 2.5-6 x 1-1. 5 cm. Flowers ts are recommended for burning sen- yellow, axillary, solitary or paired. sation in micturition. Fruit about 0.5 cm in diameter. car-. pels 5-9. each with two awns. (Plate Sida cordifolia Linn II Fig. 1) Syn S. herbacea Cav. Properties : Leaves are consider- S. rotundifolia Cav ed to possess demulcent and diuretic S .althaefolia Swartz properties. Root is astringent. bitter. Mal ' Katturam, Velluram. valia- cooling, febrifuge, stomachic and kurunthotti aphrodisiac. Distribution : Southern dry mixed Uses : Leaves are used in rheu - deciduous forests , mostly confined to matic afflictions and to hasten suppu- South Kerala.

15 Soil requirements : Loamy soil wers yellow, solitary or in clusters of with good drainage, strongly, acidic 3-5. axillary. Fruit globose, carpels medium in potash, low in phosphate 9-10, each with 2 short awns. and high in organic carbon. (Plate II. Fig. 3) Description : An undershrub. yo- Properties : Stem is demulcent ung parts and leaves velvety pubes- and emollient. Both leaves and roots cent. Leaves simple, alternate, cord- are aphrodisiac and are used as tonic. ate, crenate, 2.5-5 cm long. Flowers Uses : A decoction of the roots yellow, axillary, solitary or in clust- in milk is beneficial in rheumatism, ers. Fruit globose, carpels 7-10, each arthritis and allied complaints. The with 2 awns which are as long as decoction of roots is administered to carpels. faci I itate child birth. Properties : Decoction of leaves is emollient, diuretic. Seeds are Sida spinosa Linn. aphrodisiac. Decoction of root is a Mal : Mayirmanikkarn febrifuge. Distribution : Southern dry mix- Uses: Juice of the whole plant ed deciduous and Southern moist is recommended for spermatorrhoea. mixed deciduous forests. Also seen in Along with the juice of Borassus forest plantations. f/abel/ifer it is used in elephantiasis. Description : An undershrub. Leaves are reported to be used Leaves simple, alternate. eiliptic. against dysentery and for poulticing serrate, up to 5 cm long, often with Sores. Seeds are administered in 1-3 small recurved spines beneath gonorrhoea, colic and tetanus. Root the petiole. Flowers yellowish. soli- juice is used for healing wounds and tary or in axillary clusters of 2-4 administered- in fever accompanied Fruit with 3 (rarely 6) carpels, each by shivering. Root bark is effective with 2 awns about half the length of in curing cases of facial paralysis, the carpels. Sciatica. frequent micturition and Properties : Leaves are refriger- leucorrhoea. ent and demulcent. Fruit is credited with astringent and cooling proper- Sida rhombifolia Linn. ssp. retusa ties. Root is diaphoretic (Mudaliar & (Linn.) Borss. Rao, 1955). Syn. S. retusa Linn. Uses : Leaves are useful in cases Mal : Kurunthotti of gonorrhoea, gleet and scalding San : Bala urine. Root is used against debility Distribution : Moist teak bearing. and fever. Root with bark in decoct- Southern moist mixed deciduous and ion is used as a demulcent in irri- Southern dry mixed deciduous for- tability of the bladder and in gono- ests. Also seen in forest plantations. rrhoea (Mudaliar & Rao. 1955; Description : A shrub, stern Williamsan, 1955). minutely stellately hairy. Leaves simple. alternate, ovate to oblong, Thespesia lampas (Cav.) Dalz. & rhomboid. very variable in size. Flo- Gibs.

16 Syn. Hibiscus lampas Cav. external application in rheumatism. Mal : Kattuparathi. Kattupoo- (Mudaliar &Rao. 1955). varasu San : Parisa Bombacaceae Distribution : West coast semi- evergreen, Southern moist mixed de- Bombax ceiba Linn. ciduous and Moist teak bearing for- Syn. B. malabaricum DC. ests . Also found in forest plantations. Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schott Soil requirements : Sandy loam & Endl . : Elavu. Muililavu soil, well drained, medium acidic. Mal Poola. Description : A shrub. Leaves San: Sanmali Distribution : West coast semi- simple, alternate, ovate, cordate, about 8 cm in diameter. Flowers evergreen, Southern moist mixed deciduous Moist teak beaiing yellow with purplish centre, solitary, and forests. axillary. Fruit oblong, acuminate, Soil requirements : Sandy loam 2.5-3.5 cm long. soils with gpod drainage slightly Uses : Fruits and roots are used acidic, low in potash, phosphate and in the treatment of gonorrhoea and organic carbon. syphilis. Description : A very large dec- iduous tree, often buttressed; bark Urena lobata Linn. ssp. lobata grey, often covered with sharp, coni- Mal : Vatturam, Uthiram cal prickles. Leaves digitate; leaflets Distribution : Moist teak bearing, 7-9, ovate, lanceolate, 8-17 cm long. Southern moist mixed deciduous and Flowers bright red, large. Fruit oblo- West coast semievergreen forests. ng, 8-12 cm long; seeds numerous, Also found in forests plantations. embeded in white cotton. Soil requirements : Sandy clay Properties : Gum of the tree is loam soil with good drainage, slightly astringent, aphrodisiac. . alterative, acidic. medium in potash and organic demulcent and haemostatic. Young carbon and very low in phosphate. fruits are expectorant, stimulant and Description : A Shrub. Leaves diuretic. Root is considered as tonic. simple, altercate, ovate-cordate. serr- stimulant, aphrodisiac, diuretic and ate or toothed, pubescent on both emetic. surfaces, basally 5-7 nerved, 3-7 cm Uses : Powdered bark with lime in diameter. Flowers axillary, soli- juice checks inflammation. Gum is tary or in groups of 2-3. Fruit a used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery capsuie. covered with glochidiate menorrhagia and influenza. Dry flow- spines. ers are prescribed in case of haemo- Properties : Flowers are expect- rrhoids and used externally in the orant and root is a diuretic. treatment of boils, sores and itches. Uses : Flowers are given in dry Young fruits are reported to be bene- and inveterate coughs. A decoction ficial in calculous afflictions and of the stem and root is used in Brazil chronic inflammations and ulcerations for severe colic. Root is used as an of the bladder and kidney. Seeds are used in the treatment of chronic thick. Leaves simple, ovate-cordate, cystitis and catarrhal afflictions. entire, 9-25 x 7-17 cm. Flowers rusty brown, in short panicles from the Sterculiaceae axils of fallen leaves. Fruit of 5 sub- globose, woody follicles. Helicteres isora Linn. Uses: Plant is used in Sylhet as Mal : laampiri. Vaiampiri a substitute for opium. Distribution : Moist teak bearing, West coast semievergreen and Sou- Sterculia foetida Linn. thern moist mixed deciduous forests. Mal : Pottakavalam. Soil requirements : Sandy med- Distribution : Occasional in Sou- ium acid soils with good drainage. thern dry mixed deciduous forests. Description : A large shrub or a Description : A large, deciduous small tree. Leaves obovate, obliquely tree; bark smooth, grey or whitish. coidate, serrate, 7-12 x 5-9 cm. Leaves digitate; leaflets 5-9, oblong. Flowers red at first, changes to pale lanceolate, at both ends. 7-17 x blue, axillary or from the axils of 3.5-5 cm, petiole 15-23 cm Iong. fallen leaves. Fruit spirally twisted, Flowers orange red. in erect. racemed 4-6 cm long, (Plate II Fig, 4) panicles. Fruit of 1-5 woody folli- Properties : Bark and fruit are cles, bright red when ripe: seeds considered be demulcent and to ast- ovoid-oblong, 2 cm long with a small ringent. Root with bark is expector- yellow caruncle. ant, demuicenr. astringent and anti- Properties : Bark and leaves are galactagogue. repellent. aperient, diaphcretic, and Uses :Bark is prescribed in diuretic. A decoction of fruit is muc- cases of dysentry and diarrhoea. Fruit ilaginous and astringent. Oil from and bark lessen the griping of bowels seeds is laxative and carminative. and flatulence in children Root Uses : The chief use of rhe plant juice is used in the treatment of dia- is as a fumigant. In itches and other betes emphyema. Hoot with bark is skin diseases it is given internally used as a cure for scabies. arid its paste is applied externally. In Java the fruit is used in the treat- Pterygota alata (Roxb ) R. Br. ment of gonorrhoea. Syn. Sterculia alata Roxb. Ma1 : Kavalam, Anathonti Distribution : West coast tropi- Sterculia urens Roxb cal evergreen and West coast semi- Mal: Thonti evergreen forests. San: Balika Soil requirements :Sandy clay Distribution: Moist teak bearing. loam soils, usually in the depressions Southern moist mixed deciduous medium acidic and high in organic and Southern dry mixed deciduous carbon. forests Description : A large evergreen Soil requirement s :Loose soil tree; bark paie grey about 2.5 cm with good dralndge medium acidic.

18 Description : A small to moderate Soil requirements : Loose. friable sized tree: bark very smooth, white medium acidic soils with good drai- or greenish grey, flaking off in large nage and high amount of humus. thin papery flakes. Leaves paimate, Description : An erect shrub. 15-20 cm in diameter, 5-7 lobed. Leaves simple. alternate. ovate or lobes entire. velvety pubescent below. obovate-lanceolate, acuminate: entire Flowers yellow in terminal panicles. or slightly toothed. 9-15 x 3.5-5 cm. Fruit of 4-6 follicles. ovoid-oblong. Flowers white. in terminal panicles densely pubescenr. Fruit slightly ovoid. purplish when Uses : Gum is used to treat ripe, 0.6-1 cm long. throat afflictions, Uses : Plant is made use of in the treatment of typhoid. dysentery, Waltheria indica Linn. indigestion, ulcerration of the mouth. Distribution : Southern dry mixed small pox and eczema. deciduous and Laterite thorn forests. Soil requirements : Sandy loam, Grewia tiliifolia Vahl slightly acidic soils. Mal : Chatachi. Unnam Description : An undershrub, Distribution : Southern moist Leaves simple, alternate, ovate, mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing serrate, pubescent, 2.5-5 x 2-3.5 cm. and West coast semievergreen Flowers yellow in dense axillary forests. heads. Fruit enclosed by the calyx; Description : A moderate sized seed solitary. black, smooth. tree; bark greyish black or brown. Properties : Plant is considered thick. Leaves large. broadly ovate. to be febrifugal, purgative and oblique at base. serrate 7-15 x emollient. 4.5-7.5 cm. Flowers yellow, in few Uses : Plant is used as a powder flowered axillary umbels. Fruit a to heal wounds and against cough. globose or 2-lobed berry; seeds 1-2. A decoction of aerial parts is used Properties : Bark is aphrodisiac. for cleansing the wounds. The root Wood is emetic is cliewed to control the internal Uses : Bark is used externally to haemorrhages. The root is said to remove the irritation from cow-itch. have effect similar to aspirin (Watt & It is used to treat throat complaints. Brandwijk. 1962). biliousness, cough and diseases of the blood. It is an antidote to opium Tiliaceae poison.

Grewia microcos Linn Grewia villosa Willd. Syn. Microcos paniculata Linn Distribution: Southern dry mix Mal. Kottam ed deciduous and Laterite thorn San: Paphana forests Distribution : Southern moist Soil requirements: Variety of mixed deciduous and Moist teak soils, favours sandy loam soils with beating forests adequate supply of moisture

19 Description : A shrub. Leaves delayed. Roots are also given in simple, alternate. orbicular-cordate, cases of tuberculosis (Watt & Bayer serrate, ciliate at the margin; 5-ribb- Brand-wijk, 1962) ed, velvety pubescent below, 3.5-7 cm in diameter. Flowers pale yellow in axillary or leaf opposed cymes. Fruit yellow, globose, stellately hairy, serratus Linn. 1.2 cm in diameter. Mal : Karamavu, Nalla - Kaia, Uses : Juice of fresh bark is Valiakara made use of in the Treatment of uri- Distribution : West coast tropi- nary complaints with irritability of cal evergreen and Southern hill-top the bladder. Root is given against tropical evergreen forests. diarrhoea. Soil requirements : Variety of soils. favours clayey soils , strongly Triumfetta rhomboidea N. Jacq. acidic and high in crganic carbon. Distribution : Southern moist Description : A small to medium mixed deciduous and Southern dry sized tree; bark smooth, grey. Leaves mixed deciducus forests. Also in simpie, elliptic, ovate, serrate. gla- forest plantations. brous, 4.5-10 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers Soil requirements : Sandy clay creamy white, in axillarv and extra loam soil slightly acidic. medium in axillary racemes. Fruit 2.5-3cm long, potash and organic carbon and very oblong, narrowed to the base; seed low in phosphate. one, o b Io ng , pointed , tu berc I e d Description : An undershrub. (Plate III Fig. 1) Leaves simple, 3-5 iobed. tomentose Properties : Leaf is an antidote beneath. Flowers small. yellow, in to poison. Uses : Bark and leaves are re- terminal and leaf-opposed dense ported to be used against rheuma- cymes. Fruit about 0.4 cm in dia- tism. Fruit is given in cases of dysen- meter. covered with hooked bristles. tery and diarrhoea. Properties : Leaves, flowers and fruits are mucilaginous. demulcent and astringent. Root is Sitter and Elaeocarpus tectorius (Lour.) Poiret diuretic. Syn. E. oblongus sensu J. E. Uses : A decoction of the plant Sm. non Gaertn. is used in the treatment of skin Mal : Kattukara, Kara diseases. Bark and fresh leaves Distribution : West coast tropical are recornmended for diarrhoea evergreen forests. and dysentery. Leaves and flowers Description : A medium sized to are used against leprosy. while these large tree. Leaves sirnpte. broadly two, along with fruits are used to elliptic, glabrous, glandular beneath, , treat inveterate cases of gonorrhoea. becomes red when old, 7-10 x 4-5 A hot infusion of roots is taken to cm. Flowers creamy white in race- facilitate child birth and to hasten the mes. axillary or from the axils of inception of parturition when it is fallen leaves. Fruit oblong. narrowed

20 at both ends; stone 2-seeded (Plate upper leaves. Fruit globose, 0.8 cm Ill, Fig. 2). in diameter, surrounded by the sepals . Properties : Fruit is emetic. (Plate Ill, Fig. 4) Uses ; Fruit is administered in Properties : Root is febrrfugal the treatment of rheumatism, pneu- and anthelmintic, monia, ulcers, leprosy. dropsy and Uses : Root is used externally piles. in reducing inflammatory swellings.

Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Roxb Erythroxylaceae Mal : Navathi, Kara Distribution : West coast tropical Erythroxylum moonii Hochr. evergreen and West coast semiever- Syn. E. acuminatum (Arn.) green forests. Walp. Soil requirements : Loam to clay Distribution : Southern dry mixed loam medium acidic soils. deciduous and Laterite thorn forests. Description : A large tree; bark Soil requirements : Sandy loam grey mottled with white. Leaves soils, loose, slightly acidic, medium simple, obovate. obtuse at apex, dis- in potash, low in phosphate and high tantly serrate, pubescent beneath, in organic carbon. 10-25 x 5-10 cm. Flowers creamy Description A shrub. Leaves yellow, in rusty pubescent racemes. simple, alternate, lanceolate. caudate. Fruit 3.5-4.5 cm long; stone com- acuminate, mernbraneous. 2.5-3.5 x pressed tubercled. (Plate III Fig. 3) 1-2 cm. Flowers small, axillary. Uses : A decoction of bark is white. Fruits scarlet. oblong, about used in the treatment of haemate- 1 cm long. mesis, indigestion and biliousness. Uses : Leaf juice is used as an Seeds are used as a remedy for rheu- anthelmintic in . matism, typhoid and epilepsy. Erythroxylum monogynum Roxb. Linaceae Mal : Velutha Devatharam Distribution : Southern dry mi- Hugonia mystax Linn xed deciduous, West coast semiever- Ma I : Mothira kkanni green and laterite thorn forests. San : Yamsamara Soil requirements : Loose loamy Distribution : Southern dry mi- sand, slightly acidic soil medium in xed deciduous and Laterite thorn ootash and organic carbon and very forests low in phosphate. Description : A straggling shrub. Description : A shrub. Leaves young twigs tomentose Leaves elli- simple, alternate, ovate. obtusely ptic-obovate, glabrous 3-5 x 2.5-3.5 acuminate, coriaceous . Flowers smal, cm Lower branches oi the inflore- axillary, whitish. Fruit an oblong scence modified into spiral hooks drupe, obscu rely 3-sided . which are very conspicuous Flowers Properties : Infusion of Wood yellow, terminal and in the axils of and bark is stomachic, diaphoretic.

21 stimulant and diuretic. Leaves are opposite, sometimes alternate. pin- refrigerant. nate. leaflets 5-7 pairs, oblong, 0.5-1 Uses : Infusion of wood and cm long Flowers yellow axillary, bark is used to treat dyspepsia and solitary. Fruit woody, globose. with fever. prickles. (Plate IV, Fig. 1) Properties: Leaves posses sto- Malpighiaceae machic properties. Fruits are cooling, diuretic, and aphrodisiac. They are Hiptage benghalensis (Linn.) Kurz also used as a tonic. Root is Syn. H. madabolta Gaertn. aperient. Mal : Madhavi Uses : A paste prepared from San: Madhavi the leaves is given for the treatment Distribution : Southern moist of bladder stones. The fruits form a mixed deciduous forests above 500m constituent of the well known 'Dasa- alti tude. moolarishta'. Fruit is recommended Soil requirements : Variety of in the treatment of painful micturit- soils; favour sandy loam with good ion, CaIcuIus affections, urinary dis- drainage, slightly acidic. charges. impotence, gout and kidney Description : A large climbing troubles. shrub; bark brown. peels off in thin scales. Leaves simple. opposite. Oxalidaceae oblong or ovate-lanceolate. scumi- nate, coriaceous, 10-22 cm long. Biophytum sensitivum (Linn.) DC. Flowers yellowish in terminal and Mal : Mukkutti. Thintanazhi axillary panicles. Fruit with three San : Anjalikari. Vipareetha- unequal wings. lajjalu; Properties : Leaf juice has inse- Distribution : Southern moist cticidal property. mixed deciduous and Moist teak : Leaves are used in the Uses bearing forests. treatment of chronic rheumatism, skin Soil requirements : Medium diseases and asthma. acidic soils with poor drainage and permeability Zygophy llaceae Description : A small herb. Tribulus terestris Linn Leaves pinnate, crowded at the tip of Mal : Njerinjil stem: leaflets 8-25 pairs, about 1 cm San : Gokshura long, the terminal pair the largest. Distribution : Southern dry mixed oblong, obliquely rounded and api- deciduous forests culate at apex. glabrous. Flowers Soil requirements : Loose soil yellow. in long pepuncled umbels. with good drainage favours slightly Properties : Leaves are diuretic. acidic condition very low in potash Leaves and roots are astringent. anti- and very high in phosphate. pyretic and antiseptic. Description : A small. prostrate. Uses : Powdered leaves and pubescent herb. Leaves usually seeds are applied to wounds. Deco-

22 ction of roots is given against Uses : Plant is used to treat lithiasis. gonorrhoea. It is used externally for burns. Oxalis corniculata Linn. Mal : Puliyarila Rutaceae San : Charngeri Distribution : Common in exp- Acronychia pedunculata (Linn.) Miq. osed areas in forests and also in for- Syn. A. laurifolia Bl est plantations. Mal : Muttanari Soil requirements : variety of Distribution : West coast semi- soils with good drainage and permea- evergreen forests. bility. Soil requirements : Loamy soils . Description : A small herb. medium acidic. Leaves alternate. digitately 3-foli- Description : A small tree; bark olate; leaflets obcordate. 1.5.2.5 cm grey. Leaves alternate, 1-3 foliolate; long. Flowers yellow, small, in leaflets elliptic-oblong or obovate, umbels. Fruit a linear-oblong, five acute or obtusely acuminate, gland- angled capsule, about 2 cm long. dotted. 7-12 x 3-5 cm. Flowers Properties : Plant is astringent. small, white, in axillary corymbose antiseptic and vermifuge. Leaves cymes. Fruit a drupe. 0.8 cm in dia- contain vitamin C and carotene. meter. slightly lobed; seeds black. Uses : Plant is beneficial in dy- Uses : Bark is used as an appli- spepsia and piles. The leaves boiled cation to sores and ulcers. in butter milk is commonly used against indigestion and diarrhoea Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Corr. and prolapse of the rectum. An in- Mal : Koovalam fusion ot leaves is used to remove San . Vilva opacities of the cornea. Leaf juice is Distribution : Occasional in Sou- also given to counteract the effects thern dry mixed deciduous forests. produced by the seeds of Datura. Grown in homesteads and temple compounds. Balsaminaceae Soil requirements : Loamy soils with good drainage slightly acidic. Impatiens chinensis Linn. high in potash, phosphate and orga- Distribution : Southern montane nic carbon. wet scrub and Southern montane wet Description : A small to medium grasslands. sized spinescent tree; bark grey, Description : A small, succulent corky. Leaves 3-5 foliolate; leaflets herb. Leaves simple. opposite, linear- lanceolate or elliptic-lanceolate 2.5 -7 oblong. serrate. very variable in size. x 2-3.5 cm, gland dotted. Flowers Flowers pink, solitary or fascicled in white, in axillary panicles. Fruit glo- the axils of leaves. Fruit ellipsoid, bose . 5-12 cm in diameter, rind 1-2 cm long; seeds numerous, smoo- woody. 8-15 celled; seeds embeded th, black. in orange coloured pulp.

23 Properties: Pulp of the ripe fruit acidic. high in potash. phosphate is aromatic, cooling and laxative. and organic carbon. Unripe fruit is astringent, digestive Description : A small to medium and stomachic. sized tree; bark greyish yellow, corky. Uses : Leaves are recommended Leaves pinnate; leaflets 10-20 pairs. in cases of asthma. Ripe fruit when oblong. obtuse. 2-3 x 1 cm. gland taken fresh, is useful in habitual con- dotted. Flowers small, yellowish, in stipation. chronic dysentery and dy- axillary and terminal panicles. Fruit spepsia. Root bark IS used to treat an oblong capsule. (Plate IV. Fig. 3) intermittent fevers Root is one of Propetries : Bark is astringent. the 'Dasamula' A decoction of bark Uses : Leaves are applied to and small roots curt's hypochondriac wounds. They are also useful in melancholy and palpitation of the rheumatism. heart. Citrus medica Linn. Atalantia malabarica (Rafin.) Tanaka Mal : Ganapathi narakarn, Syn. A monophylla Corr. San : Mathujamga Mal : Kattunarakam Distribution : West coast semi- Distribution : West coast tropical evergreen forests in Central Kerala. evergreen and West coast semiever- Soil requirements : Variety of green forests. soils: favours loamy strongly acidic Soil requirements : Variety of to slightly alkaline soils with good soils. strongly acidic. dr a in age, Description : A small thorny tree. Description : A smalltree with Leaves simple. alternate. ovate. Stout axillary spines: bark thin, gree- obtuse or retuse. coriaceous. gland nish grey, smooth. Leaves simple. dotted 2.5-7 x 1 3.5 cm. Flowers elliptic or ovate lanccolate. entire or white. in small axillry cymes. Fruit crenuiata, gland dotted,7-15 cm long; a berry, globose. about 2.5 cm in dia- petiole winged. Flowers white. meter, 2-4 celled, cells 1 -seeded. frayrant, solitary or in axillary cymes. Properties : Roots are considered Fruit ovoid, oblong or globose. 5-10 to be antiseptic and stimulant. cm in diameter. Uses : Leaf juice is an ingredient Properties : Flowers and buds in a compound liniment used in hemi- are stiniuiant and astringent. Ripe plegia. Oil obtained from berries is fruit is stimulant. Fruit juice is ref- used externally in chronic rheu- rigerant and astringent. Root is matism arid paralysis. anthelmintic. Uses : Powdered rind of the Chloroxylon swietenia DC. fruit is ususally a remedy for dysentry. Mal : Varimaram Root Is used to treat constipation. Distribution : Southern dry mix- vomiting and urinary calculus ed deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Clay loom Euodia Iunu-ankenda (Gaertn .) Merr. soils with good drainage, slightly Syn E roxburghiana Benth

24 Mal : Kampili, Kanala, Nasakam used in the treatment of drarrhoea Distribution : West coast tropi- and dysentery. The pulp of the fruit cal evergreen, West coast semiever- is used lor afflictions of the gum and green and Moist tear; bearing forests. throat. Soil requirements : Sandy loam soil with good drainage, medium Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz ) DC acidic. medium in potash and phos- Syn. G. cochinchinensis auct phate and high in organic carbon. non Pierre ex Engl. Description : A small to medium Mal: Panal sized tree, bark smooth, grey, lenti- San : Kupilu cellate. Leaves opposite, trifoliolate, Distribution : Southern moist leaflets obovate. or oblong lanceo- mixed deciduous and Moist teak late. acuminate, 5-12 x 3-6 cm. bearing forests. Flowers small, gieenish. in axillary Description :A shrub Leaves paniculate cymes, seeds black. alternate. 1-5- foliolate. leaflets ovate Properties : infusion of leaves or obovate, very variable. Flowers and flowers is a tonic. and emmenag- white in axillary short panicles. Fruit ogue. white, about 0 5 - 0 8 cm long Uses : Leaf juice is recomme- Properties: Root is antipyretic. nded is cases of fever. Decoction of Uses :Juice of the whole plant root with bark is given to improve is given in cases of fits in pregnant complexion. women. A decoction of root is given against diarrhoea and rheumatism. Feronia limonia (Linn.) Swingle Syn. F. elephantum Corr. Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng

Mal : Vilamararn Mal : Kariveppu Distribution : Southern dry mixed San : Kalasakah deciduous forests. Distribution : Occasional in West Description : A small to medium coast tropical evergreen forests. sized tree with sharp spines. Leaves Soil requirements : Loamy soil alternate. pinnate; leaflets 3-9. cune- with gaod drainage medium acidic. are or obovate, often crenulate at low in potash and phosphate and apex, 2-5 x 1-2.5 cm; petiole and high in organic carbon. rachis narrowly winged. Flowers Description : A small tree . Leaves small. in lateral and terminal pubes- pinnate; leaflets cuneate at base. cent panicles. Fruit globose , woody, entire. with aromatic smell. Flowers 5-6 cm in diameter; seeds embeded small. creamy , white. in terminal in pulp . corymbs . Fruit a berry. ovoid. black. Properties : Leaves are aromatic Properties : Plant juice is used and carminative. Fruit is astringent. as a tonic stomachic and laxative. stomachic, stimulant and antiscor- Bark and roots are stimulants. butic. Uses : Green leaves are eaten Uses : Bark of the tree is pres- raw against dysentery and vomiting. cribed for biliousness. Unripe fruit is They are applied externally to cure eruptions. A decoction of leaves and rounded at base. 4-9 x 2-5 cm. Flo- petiole is given against rheumatism, wers white, axillary. Fruit subglobose. leprosy, internal poison, piles, diarr- 2.5 cm long; seeds numerous. hoea and fever. Leaves and roots are Properties : Root is alterative used in the treatment of leucoderma and diuretic. and blood disorders. In the juice of the root is used against pain Toddalia asiatica (Linn.) Lamk. associted with kidney. Syn. T. aculeata Pers. Mal : Karamullu, Kakkathutali. Murraya paniculata (Linn.) Jack. Thutali Syn. M. exotica Linn. San : Thikshnaksha Distribution : Occasional in West Distribution : West coast semi - coast. tropical evergreen and West evergreen, Sourhern moist mixed de- coast semievergreen forests. ciduous and Southern dry mixed dec- Soil requirements: Variaty of iduous forests. soils, favours loamy soils with good Description : A thorny. climbing drainage. medium acidic. low in pot- shrub, stem with corky protuberances ash and phosphate and high In orga- bearing curved spines. Leaves 3-fo- nic carbon. liolate; leaflets sessile, obovate, Description :A small tree; bark gland-dotted, 3.5-8 x 2-3.5 cm. thin, corky. grey. Leaves alternate, Flowers small, in axillary and terminaf leaflets obliquely rhomboid, acumi- cymes, Fruit globose, orange colo- nate. Flowers white. fragrant, axill- ured. about 0.5 in diameter, 3-5 groo- ary. solitary or in clusters. Fruit ellip- ved; seeds reniform. (Plate IV, Fig. 2) soidal. red, 5 mm long. Properties : Plant is a febrifuge. Properties : Stem and roots are Root bark is bitter, aromatic. stimul- antidiarrhoeal, Leavas are stimulant and astringent. ant, antiperiodic. Uses : Powdered leaves are Uses : Flower juice is applied applied to cuts arid administered in to stings of wasps which is said to diarrhoea and dysentery. A decoction give immediate relief, Unripe fruit of leaves is taken against dropsy, and root are used to make a Leaves and root bark are sometimes stiumlant liniment for rheumatism. used against rheumatism, coughs Root bark is given as a weak infusion and hysteria. in casesof constitutional debility and in convalescence. In Africa. the Paramigyna monophylla Wight macerated root bark is used for the Distribution : Southern moist treatment of cough and influenza. mixed deciduous and West coast semievergreen forests. Vepris bilocularis (Wight &Arn.)Engl. Description : A thorny climbing Mal : Karakil. Muthassari shrub: older branches armed with Distribution : West coast tropi- recurved spines. Leaves ovate- cal evergreen and West coast semi- oblong or elliptic. obtuse at apex, evergreen forests.

26 Soil requirements : Loamy soil Si ma roubaceae with impeded drainage.. slightly acidic. Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Description : Alarge tree. Leaves Ma1 : Matti, Pongiliyam 3-foliolate; lanceolate or ovate. sub- Distribution : Southern dry mixed sessile, 7.5-16 x 3.5-7 cm. Flowers deciduous forests. greenish yellow in terminal panicles. Soil requirements : Sandy loam Fruit globose, 1.5 cm in diameter. soils with good drainage,very slightly Uses : A decoction of wood. acidic, medium in potash and high in boiled in oil, is used for eye and ear phosphate and organic carbon. diseases, rheumatism and asthma. Description : A targe tree; bark Decoction of the root is given light greyish brown, rough . Leaves against biliousness. 25-30 (60) cm long. pinnate. leaflets 8-14 pairs. subopposite. unequal Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC. at base, coarsely toothed, glandular Syn . Z. budrunga Wall pubescent beneath. Flowers small. Mal. Karimurukku, Mullilam yellow. in terminal and axillary pan- icles. Fruit winged. about 5 x 1.3 cm. Distribution : West coast semi- reddish. evergreen. Moist teak bearing and Properties : Bark is a tonic. febri- Southern moist mixed deciduos fuge , expectorant, antispasmodic and forests. astri ngent . Soil requirements . Sandy loam Uses: Bark is used in the treat- soils with good drainage medium menr of chronic bronchitis. asthma acidic. low in potash and phosphate and dyspeptic complaints. and high in organic carbon. Description : A medium sited tree; Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston stem with stout conical prickles. Syn . A . mlabarica DC. Leaves pinnate, crowded at the ends Mal : Matti, Pongiliyam, Per-. of branches; leaflets 8-20 pairs, ovate- umaram oblong, acuminate, 7-12 x 4-5 cm. San : Katvanga Flowars greenish yellow in terminal Distribution : West coast semi- paniculate cymes. Fruit tubercled. evergreen and Southern moist mixed with aromatic smell: seeds globose deciduous forests. bluish black, smooth. Soil requirements : Variety of Properties : Fruit is astringent. soils. favours sandy loam soil with stimulant and stomachic. Root bark good drainage. medium acidic. is a purgative. Description : A large deciduous Uses: Fruit is prescribed in dy- tree, bark grey, thick, exudes a brow- spepsia, diarrhoea. rheumatism. nish resin when cut. Leaves 40-60 asthma, bronchitis. piles and heart cm long, pinnate; leaflets 10-24. diseases. The essential oil obtained ovate-oblong or oblong-lanceolate. from seeds is used for the treatment entire, glabrous. Flowers small, of cholera. yellow. in terminal and axillary pani-

27 cles. Fruit with large membraneous Soil requirements : Loamy soils wings, 5-7 x 1-2 cm. with good drainage, medium acidic. Properties : Bark is carminative, Description: A small tree, bark ionic and febrifuge. thin. brown. Leaves simple. lanceo- Uses : Leaves are recommended late to oblong-ovate, finely serrate. against cephalalgia and gastralgia. 5-12 cm long. Flowers yellow, fra- Resin obtained from the bark is used grant. in short panicles or umbels. in the treatment of dysentery. Fruit ovoid, black, subtended by the persistent sepals. Quassia indica (Gaertn.) Nooteb. Properties : Bark is considered Syn. Samedera indica Gaertn. to be a tonic. Leaves are emollient. Mal : Njota, Karinjotta Uses : Leaves are used as an Distribution: West coast tropical emollient in cataplasm. A decoction evergreen and West coast semiever- of root is given in menstrual compla- green forests. ints. tuberculosis and asthma. Soil requirements : Variety of soils. favours loamy soils, medium Gomphia serrata (Gaertn.) Kanis Syn G. angustifolia Vahl Description : A small evergreen Ouratea angustifolia Gilg tree. Leaves simple. elliptic lanceo- Mal : Valarmani late or oblong. up to 25 x 7 cm, with Distribution : West coast tropical two glands at the base. Flowers evergreen, Southern hill-top tropical yellowish red, in dense umbels on evergreen and Southern moist mixed long pendulous peduncles. Fruit deciduous forests. flattered, red, 5-6 cm in diameter Soil requirements : Variety of with narrow wings. 1- seeded. soils from coarse to fine textured, Properties : Bark is a febrifuge. slightly acidic, medium in organic Infusion of wood is tonic. stomachic carbon. and emmenagogue. Infusion of leaves Distribution : A large evergreen has insecticidal properties. tree; bark grey or white, rough and Uses : An infusion of leaves is flaky;exude a resin when cut, turning used to kill lice. fleas, and white black on drying. Leaves large. pin- ants. Seeds are used against bilious nate, leaflets entire or serrate. fever and are used as a purgative and pubescent beneath. Flowers yellow. emetic. Oil from seeds is used as an in axillary panicles. Fruit an elli- external application in rheumatism. psoidal drupe, 2.5-5 cm long. Uses : Gum is used in the treat- ment of rheumatism and chronic skin Ochnaceae diseases. Burs raceae Ochna obtusata DC. Garuga pinnata Roxb. Syn. 0. squarrosa auct. non Mal : Annakkara Linn. San : Krishnamlika Distribution : West coast semi- Distribution : Southern moist evergreen forests in South Kerala. mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing

28 and Southern dry mixed deciduous Uses : Fruit is recommended in forests. cases of inflammation and leprosy. Soil requirements : Sandy loam soil, medium acidic and high in orga- Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) nic carbon. Parker Description : A medium sized to Syn. Amoora rohituka (Roxb.) I arge deciduous tree; bark thick, grey Wight &Arn. or brown, flaking off in large irregu- Mal : Chemmaram lar thin flakes. Leaves 15-40 cm San : Rohithaka long, crowded at the ends of bran- Distribution : West coast tropical ches, pinnate, pubescent; leaflets evergreen and West coast semiever- 6-10 pairs, ovate-lanceolate, acumi- green forests. nate , crenate. Flowers yellow in ter- Soil requirements Variety of minal panicles. Fruit globose, fleshy. soils; favours loamy soils with impe- 1.5-2 cm in diameter. ded drainage, medium acidic. Properties : Bark is astringent. Description: A middle sized Fruit is stomachic. evergreen tree with large spreading Uses : Juice of the stem cures crown; bark thin, grey. Leaves pinn- opacities of the conjuctivitis. Leaf ate. 30-70 cm long; leaflets 9-17, juice along with honey is given for elliptic oblong, entire. Flowers yello- asthma . A decoction of the root is wish; male in long panicles; female used in for pulmonary in short spikes. Fruit pale yellow or afflictions. reddish, 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter. (Plate IV, Fig. 4) Meliaceae Properties: Bark is astringent. Seeds are refrigerant. laxative and anthelmintic. Seed extract shows Aglaia elaeagnoidea (Juss.) Benth. significant antibacterial activity Syn. A. roxburghiana Miq. (Bhatt & Saxena. 1980). Mal : Punyava Uses : Bark is used to treat en- Distribution : West coast tropical larged liver and spleen, tumours and evergreen forests. abdominal complaints. Seed oil is Soil requirements : Loamy moist used as liniment in rheumatism and soils. strongly acidic. also to treat ulcers and diseases of Description : A moderate sized the ear and eyes. evergreen tree; bark thin, smooth, greenish or grey brown. Leaves Azadirachta indica A. Juss. pinnate; leaflets 5-7, elliptic or obla- Melia azadirachta Linn. nceolate, entire, glabrous, 5-10 x Mal : Ariveppu, Veppu 2.5-5 cm. Flowers small, orange- San : Nimba yellow, in axillary and terminal short Distribution : Occasional in panicles. Fruit a berry, 1-2 cm long, Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. pyr iform . Often grown in homesteads. Properties : Fruit is cooling and Soil requirements : Loamy sand, a stringent. slightly acidic soil with good drain-

29 age, low in potash and phosphate and Leaves pinnate, 25.45 cm long; leaf- medium in organic carbon. lets 10-24, obliquely ovate-acumi- Description : A medium sized to nate. pubescent beneath. Flowers large tree; bark dark brown. rough, yeliowish white, in Terminal panicles. exudes gummy exudation when cut. Fruit an ovoid 3-valved capsule. Leaves pinnate. 15-30 cm long; leaf- brown, 3.5 cm long. lets 9-1 5, lanceolate, often falcate. Properties : Bark is astringent. serrate, glabrous. Flowers white. in axillary panicles. Fruit oblong, 1-2 Dysoxylum malabaricum Bedd. ex cm long; 1 seeded. Hiern Properties : Bark of the tree Mal : Vella akil which is more than hundred years old Distribution : West coast tropical is found to have more medicinal evergreen and Southern hill-top tro- value (Narayana Aiyar et. al., 1957). pical evergreen forests. It is antiperiodic. alterative and tonic. Soil requirements : Variety of An aquous extract of the bark causes soils usually in moist areas. loam to immobilization of human spermatozoa. clay loam. medium to slightly acidic. Gum acts as a tonic and demulcent. Decription : A large evergreen A decoction of leaves is antiseptic. tree; bark dark grey with white warts. insect repellent and insecticidal. Dry Leaves pinnate. rachis angular. 20-45 flowers are tonic and stomachic. cm long; leaflets 7-11, elliptic- Fruit is purgative, emollisnt. anthelm- oblong, acuminate 8-20 cm long. intic. Oil from seeds is stimulant. entire. Flowers greenish yellow, fra- antiseptic and alterative. grant, in axillary panicles. Fruit an Uses : Plant is used in the trea- yellow pear-shaped capsule, 5-7 5cm tment of leprosy, piles and urinary long. (Plate V. Fig. 1) diseases. Gum is used against cata- Uses : Decoction of wood is rrhal afflictions. Leaves are used as a used in the treatrnent of rheumatism. poultice for boils and are applied ex- The oil obtained from wood is used ternally to ulcers and eczema. Oil to treat ear and eye diseases. from seeds is used in the treat- ment of skin diseases and rheuma- Melia dubia Cav. tism. Syn. M. composita Willd. Mal : Malaveppu Distribution : Southern moist Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss . mixed deciduous and Moist teak Mal : Chuvanna akil. Malaveppu bearing forests. San : Mahanimba Soil requirements : Sandy loam Distribution : Sporadic in the soils. slightly acidic, West coast semievergreen and South- Description : A large deciduous ern moist mixed deciduous forests. tree with a spreading cruwn; bark Soil requirements : Sandy loam dark brown, flaking off in large rect- soils, slightly acidic. angular flakes; blaze purplish red Description : A large deciduous outside, white inside. Leaves bipin- tree: bark brown, deeply cracked, nate. 25-75 cm long: leaflets ovate-

30 lanceolate, serrate, sometimes entire. Description : A large tree; bark Flowers greenish white, slightly fra- thin, brown, flaking off in large thin grant, in axillary and extra-axillary flakes. Leaves pinnate. up to 90 cm panicles. Fruit an ovoid drupe. 2.5- . long leaflets 8-20 pairs, lanceolate 3.5 cm long. (Plate V. Fig. 2) or ovate-lanceolate, acuminate. entire Properties : Bark is said to have or serrate, often with domatia in the digestive property. axil of veins beneath. Flowers white. Uses : Juice of green fruit is in large terminal panicles. Fruit an applied to skin diseases. Pulp of the oblong capsule, about 2 cm long. fruit is recommended in cases of colic (Plate V. Fig. 3) and is useful as a cholagogue in Properties : Bark is astringent. malarial fever. antiperiodic and aphrodisiac. Flower Nuregamia alata Wight & Arn. is an emmenagogue. Mal : Nilanarakam Uses : Bark is recommended in Distribution : Southern moist cases of chronic infantile dysentery. mixed deciduous. Southern dry mixed It is also used as an external applica- deciduous and Moist teak bearing tion for ulcers and leprosy. forests. Doscription : A herb. woody at Trichilia connaroides (Wight & Arn.) base. Leaves 3-foliolate, petiole Bent. winged. leaflets sessile. cuneate, obo- Syn. Heynea trijuge Roxb. vate. 2-4 cm long. Flowers white, Distribution : West coast tropical axillary. solitary or binate, 2.5-4 cm evergreen forests. long. Soil requirements : Clay Loam Properties : Root is emetic, soil poorly drained. strongly acidic. cholagogue and expectorant Description : A small evergreen Uses : Whole plant is used tree; bark thin. rough. reddish-brown against rheumatism. A decoction of or grey, lenticellate. Leaves pinnate, leaves -and sterns is given for bilious- 15-35 cm long; leaflets 7-9; ovate, ness. Root is useful in case of acute acuminate. entire. glabrous. Flowers dysentery. white. in axtllary, long peduncted Toona ciliata Roem. corymbose panicles. Fruit pink, glo- Syn. Cedrela toona Roxb. bose. 1-1.5 cm long. Mal : Madagirivembu, Vedi Properties : Bark and leaves are Vembu bitter and are considered to be a San : Nandi vriksha tonic. Distribution : West coast tropi- Uses : A decoction of leaves is taken against cholera. cal evergreen. Southern hill-top tro- pical evergreen, West coast semi- evergreen and occasionally in Moist Turraea villosa Benn. teak bearing forests. Distribution : West coast tropical Soil requirements : Variety of evergreen forests. soils, loam,clay-loam, medium sligh- Description :: A large shrub. tly acidic. Leaves simple. ovate. acuminate.

31 entire, pubescent, 5.10 x 3.5-5 cm. Uses : Powdered bark mixed Flowers white, up to 5 cm long in few with honey is given in rheumatism. flowered axillary clusters. Fruit a Oil from seeds is used against rheu- globose capsule. about 1 cm in dia- matism. leprosy and piles. meter. (Plate V. Fig. 4) Uses : Root is administered Celastraceae internally in leprosy. Cassine glauca (Rottb.) Kuntze Walsura trifolia (A. Juss.) Harms Syn. Elaeodendron glaucum Syn. W. piscidia Roxb. (Rottb.) Pers. Mal : Perillappacha Mal : Keruvali Distribution : West coast tropical Distribution : Occasional in Sou- evergreen forests. thern dry mixed deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Slightly alka- Soil requirements : Variety of line soils. soils, favours medium acidic loamy Description : A moderate sized soils with good drainage. tree; bark grey, flaking off in small Description : A moderate sized scales. Leaves opposite or suboppo- tree; bark greyish brown. Leaves site, elliptic. serrate, glabrous, 5-12 x 3-foliolate; leaflets ovate, entire, gla- 2.5-5 cm Flowers yellowish green brous. 5-15 x 2.5-6cm. Flowers gree- in axillary. few flowered corymbose nishyellow in long peduncled axill- ary and terminal racemes. Fruit a cymes. Fruit an ovoid, apiculate. berry. red, ovoid tomentose. about drupe, yellowish green, 1cm long. Properties: Leaves are strenuta- 1.2 cm long. Properties : Bark is astringent, tory. Roots are emetic. expectorant, emmenagogue and Uses : Powdered leaves are used as snuff to relieve headache. Fresh emetic. root bark is applied to swellings. Uses : Bark is used in the treat- ment of skin diseases. Celastrus paniculatus Willd. lcacinaceae Mal : Kilitheeni panji San : Peethathaila Sarcostigma kleinii Wight &Arn. Distribution : Southern moist Mal : Odal. Vellodal mixed deciduous and Southern dry Distribution : West coast tropical mixed deciduous forests. evergreen. Southern hill-top tropical Description : A large climbing evergreen and West coast semiever- shrub; bark yellowish. corky. Leaves green forests. simple, alternate, obovate. crenate, Description : A large climbing 5-10 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers greenish, shrub. Leaves simple. alternate, in lax terminal panicles. Fruit a glo- oblong-lanceolate, entire, 10-25 x bose capsule, 0.6 cm across; seeds 5-8 cm. Flowers very small, orange- yellow. enclosed in red aril (Plate yellow, in slender spikes. Fruit an VI, Fig. 1) oblong drupe. 2.5-4 cm long. orange- Properties : Bark is abortifacient. yellow. Leaf IS an emmenagogue. Seeds are

32 bitter, laxative, emetic, stimulant. and Fruit purple. about 0.4 cm long. sub- aphrodisiac. Oil from seeds is diuretic tended by the calyx. and diaphoretia. Properties : Bark is tonic, astrin- Uses : Leaves and roots are used gent and deobstruent. as a poultice to relieve headache. Seeds are used in the treatment of Ventilago denticulata Willd. rheumatism. leprosy and gout. Oil Syn. V. calyculata Tul. from seed is given against beriberi, Distribution : Southern moist cough and asthma. mixed deciduous and Southern dry mixed deciduous forests in North Hippocrateaceae Kerala. Description : A large woody cli- Salacia oblonga Wall. mber with tendrils, bark dark grey. Mal : Ponkoranti branchlets grey pubescent. Leaves Distribution : West coast tropi- alternate. ovate or elliptic-&tony. cal evergreen and West coast semi- unequally rounded at base, crenate. evergreen forests. 5-12 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers small, gree- Description : A straggling shrub. nish in terminal panicles. Fruit wing- Leaves simple, opposite. elliptic- ed, 3.5-5 cm long, wings yellow, oblong, rounded or obtusely acumi- pubescent. nate, 7-15 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers small Uses : Juice of bark and young yellow, in short axillary cymes. Fruits shoots is applied to the body to get globose or somewhat pyriform, about relief from pain which accompany 5 cm in diameter, orange when ripe. malarial fever. Bark is powdered and Properties : Plant is said to have applied on sprains. Sap is used to mild antiseptic property. treat deafness. (Dressers, 1951). Uses : Root bark is used in the Gaertn. treatment of rheumatism and skin Ventilago maderaspatana diseases. Mal : Vernpadam San : Dinesavalli Rhamnaceae Distribution : Rare in Kerala forests. Mostly seen on the eastern Rhamnus wightii Wight & Arn . slopes of . Distribution : Southern montane Description : A climbing shrub: wet scrub and Southern montane wet bark dark grey with vertical cracks. temperate forests. red inside. Leaves alternate, ovate. Soil requirements : Loamy sand. lanceolate. crenate, 5-10 x 2.5-3.5 slightly acidic soils, with good drai- cm. Flowers yellowish in pubescent nage, low in potash and phosphate terminal panicles. Fruit winged, 3.5-5 and high in organic carbon. cm long, wings brown, linear-oblonq Description : A shrub or small Properties : Root bark is carmi- tree. Leaves simple, opposite. elliptic native, stomachic and stimulent. or oblong, acuminate, finely serrate, Uses : Root bark is used in the 4.7 x 1.5-2.5 cm. Flowers small, treatment of dyspepsia, debility and greenish. fascicled in the leaf axils. mild fever.

33

Ziziphus glabrata Heyne ex Roth purify the blood and aid in digestion. Syn. Ztrinervia Roxb. Seed has a sedative effact, is sopo- Mal : Karkataka maram rific, and an antidote to aconite poi- Distribution : Southern moist soni ng . mixed deciduous forests. Uses : Leaves are used to treat Soil requirements : Clay loam dysuria. Young leaves are good soil with good drainage. slightly medicine for piles. Seeds are pres- acidic. high in potash. phosphate and cribed to stop vomiting and are given organic carbon. against diarrohoea. Decoction of Description : A small unarmed root is given in cases of fever. Pow- tree. Leaves, simple, alternate dered root is applied to wounds and elliptic, obtuse or slightly acute at ulcers and to arthritic pain. apex, basally 3-5 nerved. glabrous or pubescent on the veins beneath. Ziziphus oenoplia (Linn.) Mill. 2.5-7 x 2-3.5 cm. flowers small, Mal : Kottavalli. Mulli greenish. in short sessile, axillary San : Karkka cymes. Fruit globose, yellow, 1.3-2 Distribution : Southern dry mix- cm in diameter. ed deciduous and Laterite thorn for- Uses : Decoction of leaves is ests. given to purity blood in cases of Soil requirements : Sandy loam cachexia and as an alternative in soil with good drainage, slightly venereal diseases. acidic, low in potash and phosphate and medium in organic carbon. Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk. Description : A straggling prickly Syn. jujuba (Linn.) Gaertn. shrub; bark dark grey. rough. Leaves Mal : Ilantha. Lantha alternate, ovate, lanceolate. base San: Kolah oblique, 3-5 nerved basally, densely Distribution : Occasional in the brown tomentose beneath. 2.5-5 x Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. 2.2-5 cm Flowers small, greenish. Soil requirements : Loamy sand, in axillary sessile dichotomous cymes. slightly acidic soil. low in potash and Fruit black 0.6 cm long phosphate and high in organic Uses:Fruit is used as an ingre- carbon. dient of pills against stomach ache. Description : A small thorny A decoction of root bark is used to tree. branchlets tomentose; bark dark heal fresh wounds. grey or black wirh vertical cracks, reddish inside. Leaves simple alter- Ziziphus rugosa Lamk. nate, basally 3-5 nerved, entire or Mal: Cheruthutali, Malanthu- serrate. densely tomentose beneath. tali, Thutali 2.5-5 cm. Flowers small, greenish San : Karkkandhu yellow in axillary cymes. Fruit glo- Distribution : Southern moist bose, 1.3-2 cm in diameter. orange mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing or red. and West coast semievergreen forests. Properties : Bark is anthelmintic. Sod requirements: Loamy sand, fruit is styptic. it is considered to slightly acidic soil, with good

34 drainage, medium in potash and Uses: Roots are given against phosphate contents. bronchitis and gonorrhoea. Root Description : A large prickly juice mixed with coconut milk is straggling shrub. Leaves simple, applied to ulcers. alternate, elliptic, rounded or cordate at base, serrate, basally 3.6 nerved. Ampelocissus tomentosa (Heyne ex 5-12 cm long. flowers small, yellow Roth) Planch. in terminal and axillary panicles. Syn. Vitis tomentosa Heyne ex Fruit ovoid, 0.6 cm long, red. Roth Distribution : Secondary dry Uses : Flowers are recommended for rnenorrhagia. deciduous and Laterite thorn forests. Description : A large climbing Vitaceae shrub, stern covered with reddish or greyish tomentum. Leaves orbicular- Ampelocissus araneosa (Dalz. & Gibs.) cordate or 3-7 angled or lobed. P lanch. tomentose. 10-20 cm on either way. Distribution : Southern montane flowers red in dense umbellate wet scrub forests at Munnar. cymes. Fruit a berry, subglobose. Description : A slender climbing about 1 cm in diameter. shrub. Leaves 3-foliolate. the lateral Uses : Root is used to allay leaflets semicordate, the terminal one sweliings. It is also used against ovate, greyish brown tomentose piles (Bressers. 1951). beneath. Leaves sometimes merely lobed. Flowers yellowish in leaf- Cayratia carnsa (Wall.) Gagnep. opposed pedunculate cymes. Syn. Vitis carnonsa Wall. Properties : Root is cooling and Mal : Chorivalli astringent. Distribution : Southern dry mixed deciduous and Southern moist mixed Ampelocissus arnottiana Planch. deciduous forests. Syn. Vitis indica Wight &Arn. Description : A fleshy twining Mal : Chemparavalli shrub. Leaves pedately 3-foliolate: Distribution : Southern moist leaflets ovate-lanceolate or obovate . mixed deciduous and West coast dentate. usually pubescent, 3.5-5x semievergreen forests. 2-3cm. Flower small, greenish, in Description: A slender climbing axillary umbellate cymes. Fruit a shrub; brancehes and leaves denseley white berry, 1-2 cm long. covered with wooly tomentum. Leaves Properties : Root is astringent. broadly ovate, cordate. acute, denti- Uses: Formationion with a hot culate-serrate, 10-20 x 7-16 cm. Flo- decoction of leaves and roots has wers greenish purple. in raceme of been recommended in high fevers to umbels. Fruit a berry, ovoid-oblong. cause perspiration. The seeds and purple, about 2 cm long. leaves are used as an embrocation. Properties : Root juice is a blood Root is used against rheumatism, purifier, alterative. diuretic. depura- bronchial troubles and spleen Com- tive and aperient. plaints.

35 Cayratia mollissima (Wall.) Gagnop. pubescence, Leaves broadly cordate. Syn. Vitis mollissima Wall, 5-angled or sometimes lobed conspi- Distribution : West coast tropical cuously, bluntly serrate, grey tomen- evergreen forests in North Kerala. tose beneath, 7-12 x 5-8 cm. Flowers Description : A climbing shrub. greenish yellow in much branched Leaves 3- foliolate. softly pubescent compound umbellate cymes. Fruit a as are the branches. Flowers in axi- berry, black, obovoid or subylobose. llary corymbose cymes. Fruit a berry, 0.5 cm in diameter. white. about 2.5 cm in diameter, Properties : Decoction of tuber Uses : Fruits are used for poultic- is diuretic. alterative and blood puri- ing swellings. fying. Cayratia pedata (Lamk.) Juss. ex Uses : Powdered root is applied G ag ne p. to cuts and fractures. Syn. Vitis pedata (Lamk.) Wal I ex Wight Cissus quadrangularis Linn. Mal : Vallichor iyanam Syn. Vitis quadrangularis (Linn.) Distribution : Southern montane Wall. ex Wight wet scrub and Southern hill-top tro- Mal : Changalamparanta pical evergreen forests. San : Asthisamhara Description : A large weak climb- Distribution : Southern dry mix- ing shrub. Leaves pedately 7-9folio - ed deciduous forest and Dry decidu- late; leaflets oblong - lanceolate, ous scrub jungles. acuminate. usually Softly pubescent, Soil requirements : Loamy sand 5-10 x 2.5-6 cm. Flowers white. in slightly acidic soils with good drai- axillary corymbose cymes. Fruit a nage. low in potash and phosphate berry, creamy whi re. subglobose or and medium in organic carbon. 4 -lobed. Description : A climbing shrub. Properties : Leaves are astringent stem fleshy, quadrangular. Leaves and refrigerant. broadly ovate or reniform. entire or Uses: Leaves ale used against lobed, 2.5-5 cm long. Flowers yello- ulcers. A decoction of leaves are wish red in umbellate cymes. Fruit a used to check uterine reftexes. berry. red. 6 mm in diameter. Cissus adnata Roxb. Properties : Stem is laxative. Syn. Vitis adnata (Roxb.) Wall. anthelmintic. aphrodisiac and anal- Distribution : In Laterite thorn gesic. Leaves and young shoots are forests and Dry deciduous scrub jun- alterative. gles. Uses : Juice of the stem is used Soil requirements : Loamy sand. in the treatment of irregular menstru- slightly acidic soils with good drai- ation. scurvy, bronchial troubles, nage and good amount of gravel, low piles. epileptic fits and chronic ulcers. in potash and phosphate and medium in organic carbon. Cissus repens Lamk. Description : A slender climbing Syn. Vitis repens (Lamk.) Wight shrub stem covered with orange-red & Arn.

36 Distribution : A slender trailing corymbose cymes. Fruit depressed shrub. the stem glaucous, white. globose, black-purple. 1 cm in dia- Leaves ovate, acuminate. deeply cor- meter. date at base, membraneous, 7-15 x Properties : Root is sudorific. 2.5-7.5 cm. Flowers very small in Uses : Leaves give relief in ver- compound umbellate cymes. Fruit a tigo. A decoction of the root is given subglobose or pyriform berry. about in case of diarrhoea and dysentery. 4 mm in diameter. Uses : Plant is made into a paste Leea macropbylla Roxb. ex Hornem. and applied externally to foetid ulcer- Syn. L. robusta Roxb. ations and boils. Distribution : Southern moist mixed deciauous. Moist teak bearing Leeaceae and West coast semievergreen forests. Leea crispa Linn. Description : A large shrub with Mal : Njallu thick hollow stems. Leaves 2-3 pin- Distribution : West coast tropi- nate. upto 60 cm tong: leaflets large. cal evergreen and West coast semi- ovate-oblong. rounded or subcor- evergreen forests in North Kerala. date at base, serrate, pubescent espe- Description : A shrub with tuber- cially on the nerves beneath. Flowers ousroots; sometimes with crispate white, in terminal corymbose cymes. wings. Leaves simple or bipinnate; Fruit depressed globose. 3-6 lobed. leaflets oblong, serrate. lateral nerves black, about 7 mm in diameter. close and parallel. Flowers greenish Properties : Root is astringent yellow. in corymbose cymes. Fruit and alexipharmic grey or black. about 5mm broad, Uses : Root is used to treat ring- Uses : Leaves are applied to worm, guinea worm and obstinate wounds. Tubers are used as a remedy sores. for guinea worms. Sapindaceae Leea indica (Burm.) Merr. Syn L.sambucin a Willd. Allophylus cobbe (Linn.) Raeusch. Mal : Irattani. Maniperanti A. rheedii Radlk. Distribution : West coast tro- Mal : Mukkannanpezhu pical evergreen and West coast semi- San : Thriputa evergreen forests. Distribution : West coast tropi- Soil requirements : Slightly aci- cal evergreen and West coast semi- dic. soils. low in potash, medium in evergreen forests. phosphate and high in organic Description : A large shrub or a carbon. small tree; bark yellowish brown. Description : A large shrub. Leaves alternate, 3-foliolate. 7.5-15 sometimes a small tree. Leaves large. cm long; leaflets ovate or elliptic. 2-3 pinnate. 30-45 cm long; leaflets acute or acuminate. serrate. pubes- oblong or elliptic oblong, serrate, cent on both surfaces. Flowers small. gla brous on both surfaces. Flowers white, in spicate branched racemes. greenish white in large leaf opposed Fruit red. (Plate VI. Fig. 2)

37 Properties : Root is astringent. Description : A medium sized Uses : Root is given to check tree; bark smooth, greyish brown. diarrhoea. The leaf made into a paste Leaves elternate, pinnate: leaflets is applied against swellings and bone 5-11, oblong, lanceolate., entire, gla- fracture by the local Ayurvedic pra- brous, 6-18 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers ctitioners. yellowish white, in terminal and axi- Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. llary tomentose panicles. Fruit reddish Mal : Uzhinja brown. tubercled, about 2 cm in San : Sakralatha diameter . Distribution : Sometimes seen in Properties : Fruit is stomachic forest plantations. Mostly found in and anthelmintic. AriI is refrigerant waste lands and roadsides. and has tonic properties. Soil requirements : Loamy sand, slightly acidic soils usually poorly Dodonaea viscosa N. Jacq. drained. medium in potash, low in Mal :Vrali phosphate and high in organic Distribution : Southern montane carbon. wet scrub and Southern montane Description : A herbaceous ten- temperate forests. dril climber. Leaves alternate, biter- Soil requirements : Loamy sand, nate; leaflets deeply cut into seg- medium acidic soils in the slopes, ments, coarsely dentate, glabrous. low in potash, phosphate and organic Flowers white, in few flowered um- carbon. bellate cymes, peduncle with two Description : A large shrub or a circinate tendrils. Fruit a membrane- small tree: bark thin, grey, peeling off ous inflated trigonous capsule. in long thin strips. branchlets angular. Properties : Leaf is rubifacient. young shoots resinous. Leaves sim- Root is diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative ple. alternate, oblanceolate to linear, rubifacient and emmenagogus. glabrous, entire. 3.5-10 x 0.6-3-5 cm Uses : Plant is effective in the Mowers yellowish green, in short treatment of rheumatism. Leaf juice panicles. Fruit a pale brown membr- is used as a cure for earache. Root is aneous. 2-3 winged capsule. occasionally used to treat lumbago Properties : Leaf is febrifuge and and nervous disorders. sudorific. Dimocarpus longan Lour. Uses : Bark is used in astringent Syn. Euphoria longan (Lour.) baths and fomentation. Leaves are Steud. used to treat gout, rheumatsim. swell- Nephelium longana Gamb. ings. burns and wounds. It is believ- Mal : Chempunna, Porippuvam ed that the powdered leaves applied Distribution : West coast tropical over a wound will heal it without evergreen and West coast semiever- leaving a scar, in South Africa the green forests. plant is used for stomach disorders. Soil requirements : Variety of It is considered to be having antifer- soils; favours loamy soils strongly tili ty properties (Nagarajam et.al. acidic. 1977).

38 Sapindus laurifolius Vahl Description : A medium sized to Syn. S. trifoliatus auct. non Linn. large tree. stem often fluted. Leaves Mal : Pasakkotta. Uruvanchi pinnate; leaflets 4-8. opposite, Distribution : West coast semi- oblong, obtuse. young leaves bright evergreen, Moist teak bearing and red. Flowers small, yellow, in fasci- Southern moist mixed deciduous cles on slender racemes. Fruit about forests. 2 cm in diameter. slightly echinata. Soil requirements : Sandy loam, Properties : Bark is astringent. slightly acidic soils, low in potash Uses : Bark is used as an exter- and phosphate and high in organic nal applicant for itch. An infusion of carbon. bark is prescribed against malaria. Oil Description : A small to medium from seeds is a stimulating agent for sized tree; bark grey. Leaves pinnate; the scalp. leaflets 2-3 pairs, lanceolate, acumi- nate, minutely pubescent or glab rous Anacardiaceae below, 7-15 x 2.5-8 cm. Flowers creamy white, in terminal pubescent Buchanania lanceolata Wight panicles. Fruits fleshy, 2-3 lobed, Mal : Kulamavu. Malamavu with 1-seed in each lobe; seeds black. Distribution : West coast tropi- smooth. shining. (Plate Vl, Fig. 3) cal evergreen forests in South Kerala. Properties : Fruit is alexipharmic, Soil requirements : In the slopes expectorant. emetic. purgative and with good drainage. nauseant. Root is expectorant, and Description : A moderate sized anthelmintic, tree: bark rough. Leaves simple. Uses: Fruit is used as errhine in al temate, oblong- l anceolate. acum i- leprosy, asthma. hysteria and hemi- nate, glabrous, 9-15 x 3.5-5 cm. crania. Externally it is used as a Flowers white, in terminal and axi- detergenr. Etheral extract of the llary branched panicles. Fruit a glo- pericarp is used extensively in the-pre- bose drupe. red. 1.5 cm in diameter. paration of certain fungicides and Properties : Ripe fruit improves insecticides. Root is used as a colly- digestive power. rium in sore eyes and ophthalmia. Uses : Bark is applied to swell- Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken ings and dislocated parts. Ripe fruit Syn. S. trijuga Willd. is used against rheumatism. Mal : Poovam San : Mukulaka Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Distribution : West coast semi - Syn B. latifolia Roxb. evergreen, Moist teak bearing and Mal : Mural. Moongapezhu. Southern secondary moist mixed de- San : Priyala ciduous forests. Distribution : Southern moist Soil requirements : Loamy sand. mixed deciduous and Moist teak medium acidic soils. loose with good bearing forests. occasional in Laterite drainage, medium in organic carbon. thorn forests.

39 Soil requirements : Sandy clay with a pair of spur like appendages. loam soils with good drainage, Flowers small. yellowish brown in medium acidic. low in potash and axillary panicles. Fruit an obliquely organic carbon and medium in phos- ovoid drupe. 2.5 cm long. phate. Propertries : Juice of the plants Description : A moderate sized is vesicant. tree; bark black, rough, tessellated with prominent squares: red inside. Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. Leaves simple. alternate, oblong, Syn. Odina wodier Roxb. obtuse or emarginate at apex, entire, Mal : Katash. Karilavu, Udi 15-25 x 5-7 cm. Flowers greenish Distribution : Southern moist white in pubescent. terminal and axi- mixed deciduous and Southern secon- llary panicles. Fruit a laterally com- dary moist mixed deciduous forest. pressed drupe. black, 1.3 cm long. occasionally in Laterite thorn forests. Properties : Leaf juice is diges- Soil requirements : Sandy loam tive, expectorant. aphrodisiac. purga- soils with good drainage, slightly tive, purifies blood and lessens acidic, low in potash and very high biliousness. Fruit is laxative. and in phosphate. aphrodisiac. Seeds are expectorant, Description : A large deciduous aphrodisiac. stomachic and tonic to tree: bark grey. smooth, flaking off the body and brain. in thin small flakes: inner bark red. Uses : Gum obtained from the Leaves pinnate: 25-45 cm long: leaf- tree is given in cases of diarrhoea. lets 7-9, oblong, acuminate. Flowers Fruit is used against rheumatism. It yellow, in racemes. Fruit an ovoid is applied to the tongue when infla- or subreniform drupe, red, 1.3 cm med or very hard. Seeds are useful long. in the treatment of gleet and urinary Properties : Bark is astringent. concreations. Kernel is used to treat Uses: Bark is used as a lotion skin diseases. Root is given against in impetigenous eruptions and in biliousness, leprous and obstinate ulcers. A dec- oction of bark is used against tooth- Holigarna arnottiana Hook. f. ache. asthma and dysentery. Gum Mal : Cheru is applied to sprains and bruises. Distribution : West coast tropical evergreen and West coast semiever- Leaves are used to treat elephantiasis. green forests. Soil requirements : Variety of Mangifera indica Linn. soils. favours clay loam. slightly acidic Mal : Mavu soils usually in moist places. San : Amra. Description : A large evergreen Distribution : West coast tropical tree; bark rough. exudes a black evergreen and West coast semiever- exudation when cut. Leaves simple, green forests: cultivated extensively. crowded at the tip of branches, Soil requirements : Variety of obovate or oblong-lanceolate: petiole soils favours loamy soils with good

40 drainage, slightly acidic. low in pota- the tip, tomentose beneath. 15-45 x sh, medium in phosphate and organic 10-25 cm. Flowers greenish yellow carbon. in terminal tomentose panicles. Fruit Description : A large evergreen a purplish black drupe, 2.5 cm long. tree; bark rough. dark grey or brown, seated on a fleshy orange receptacle exudes a reddish gummy exudation as long,as the drupe. when cut. Leaves entire. glabrous. Properties : Seeds are vermifuge Flowers small, yellow or reddish and abortifacient. Oil from seeds is yellow in terminal panicles. Fruit a vesicant, anthelmintic and aphrodi- large one seeded drupe. siac. Properties : Bark of the tree is Uses : Fruit is used in the trea- antiscorbutic. astringent and styptic. tment of rheumatism, skin diseases. Leaves. fruit and seeds are astringent. piles, dysentery. loss of appetite. Ripe fruit is laxative and diuretic. urinary discharges, insanity and Rind of the fruit is stimulant and acts asthma. Seeds are recommended in as a tonic in debility of stomach. the treatment of cancer (Balakrishnan. kernel is anthelmintic. 1975). Oil from seeds is used against Uses : Bark is used to treat leucoderma. epilepsy, rheumatism uterine haemorrhage. haemoptysis. and other nervous diseases. rnelaena and diarrhoea. The resinous juice from the bark is considered antisyphilitic. It is used in North Semecarpus travancoricus Bedd. Kerala as a specific drug for diarrhoea Mal : Avukkaram and dysentery. Leaves are used in Distribution : West coast tropi- the treatment of piles. rheumatism cal evergreen forests in South and and bronchial troubles. Ripe fruit is Central Kerala. used to stop haernorrhage from Soil requirements : Variety of uterus, lungs and intestine. A deco- soil. low lying poorly drained sandy ction of the kernel is generally pres- loam to clay, strongly acidic. cribed against diarrhoea. Description : A large tree; bark grey. blotched with black. Leaves simple, oblong-obovate. -shining, Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f. entire, glabrous, 30-50 x 12-75 cm. Mal : Thenkotta. Alakkkucheru Flowers small, yellowish, in terminal, San : Rujakara glabrous panicles. Fruit an oblique Distribution : Southern moist black drupe, 2.5 cm long. receptacle mixed deciduous forests. shorter than the drupe. Soil requirements : Silty loam Properties and Uses : Same as for soils with good drainage, slightly Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f. acidic, high in potash, phosphate and organic carbon. Description : A medium sized Spondias pinnata (Linn.f.) Kurz deciduous tree; bark dark brown, Syn. S. mangifera Willd. rough, flaking off in irregular thin Mal : Ambazham flakes, Leaves oblong, rounded at San : Ambashtha Distribution : West coast semi- A decoction of the root is given in evergreen and Moist teak bearing cases of syphilis. Oil from root is forests. applied over swellings. Soil requirements : The soil supporting this species is variable in Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Alston texture andstructure. detailed infor - Syn. R. santaloides (Vahl) Wight mation on its soil requirement is &Arn. lacking. Distribution : West coast semi- Description : A large deciduous evergreen and Southern moist mixed tree; bark grey, smooth. Leaves pin- deciduous forests, nate: leaflets 5-11, oblong, caudate, Description : A climbing shrub. acuminate. entire. with an intramar- Leaves alternate, pinnate; leaflets 5-9. ginal nerve, 5-12 x 2.6-7cm. Flowers elliptic. obtusely acuminate. Flowers small, yellowish. in terminal panicles. small. in axillary racemose panicles. Fruit an ovoid or oblong fleshy drupe. Fruit a follicle, conical-ovoid, falcat- 3.5-5 cm long. ely curved, 2 cm long; seeds arillate. Properties : Bark is refrigerant. Property : Root has tonic pro- Fruit is antiscorbutic, aphrodisiac party. and astringent. Uses : Root is used in the treat- Uses : Leaf juice is used against ment of rheumatism, diabetes, scur - earache. Bark is used to treat dysent- vey. pulmonary complaints, ulcers ery and both articular and muscular and other skin diseases. rheumatism. Unripe fruit enriches the blood, cures rheumatism and sore Papilionaceae throat. Ripe fruit is used against Abrus precatorius Linn. bilious dyspepsia. Mal : Kunni San : Gunja Connar aceae Distribution : Mostly found along the hedges and fences, sometimes Connarus monocorpus Linn. seen in forest plantations. Mal : Kuriel, Valamkadikkaya Soil requirements : Variety of Distribution : West coast tropical soils, usually in sandy soils with evergreen and West coast semiever- good drainage, slightly acidic, high in green forests. potash and phosphate. Description : A straggling shrub. Description : A perennial twining Leaves pinnate; leaflets 5, elliptic, shrub. Leaves paripinnate. 6-10 cm obtusely acuminate, rounded at base, long: leaflets 10-20 pairs. opposite, 6-10 x 3-4 cm. Flowers in axillary oblong, mucronate. about 2 cm long. and terminal panicles. Fruit an obli- Ftowers pink or creamy white, in que, inflated follicle. red, 3.5-5 cm dense racemes. Fruit a turgid pod, long. (Plate VI. Fig. 4) 2.5-4 cm long; seeds 3-5, globose, Uses : Wood and bark are used scarlet. with a black end. in the treatment of ulcers. Pulp of Properties : Leaf juice is a blood the fruit is used against eye diseases. purifier. Seeds are purgative, emetic

42 and aphrodisiac. Root is emetic. a red gum when cut. Leaves alternate. antipyretic, aphrodisiac and alexiteric. 3-foliolate; leaflets broadly ovate. Uses : Pounded leaves are appli- finely pubescent beneath. Flowers ed to painful swellings. Seeds are large, orange-red, in showy densely used to treat nervous disorders. They fascicled racemes. Fruit oblong. act as a contraceptive also. In Brazil flattened, 12-20 cm long with single the seeds are a popular cure for seed. granular lids. Root is used against Properties : Bark is astringent, sore throat, asthma. fever and skin alterative, aperient. aphrodisiac and diseases. anthetmintic (Mooss, 1978). Gum, leaves and flowers are astringent. Atylosia goensis (Oalz.) Dalz. Leaf is tonic, carminative, anthel- Syn. A. harbata Baker mintic and aphrodisiac. Flowers are. Mal : Kattuzhunnu diuro t ic, depur a t ive. aphrodisiac and Distribution : Southern dry mix- emmenagogue. Seeds are anthelmin- ed deciduous and Southern moist tic and laxative. mixed deciduous forests. Uses : Bark is useful in the Soil requirements : Sandy soils, treatment of inflammation. abdominal usually in the slopes with good drai- tumour. biliousness, dysmenorrhoea. nags. medium acidic with medium intestinal worms, bleeding piles and potash and low phosphate contents. ulcers and haemorrhages (Mooss. Description : A twining pubes- 1978). Gum is given in cases of cent shrub. Leaves alternate, 3-folio- diarrhoea and dysentery (Chopra et late; leaflets broadly ovate, acumi- al.. 1956). Leaves are used against nate. pubescent. Flowers yellow. boils and piles. Flowers are reco- in many flowered racemes. Fruit 3-5 mmended in the treatment of bilious- cm long, densely clothed with yello- ness, abnormal thrist and painful wish viscid hairs; seeds 4-6, black. micturition (Mooss. 1978). Pow- Uses : Used in the treatment of dered seeds mixed with the juice of rheumatism, biliousness. fever, con- the rhizome of Cyperus ratundus is sumption and swellings. administered against delirium. Seeds are also used against abdominal turn- Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub. ours, intestinal worms. certain urinary Syn. B frondosa Koan. ex Roxb. diseases and piles (Mooss, 1978). Mal : Plasu Root is useful in the treatment of San : Palasa. Thapasavriksha cataract. Distribution : Southern dry mix- ed deciduous and Laterite thorn forests. Crotalaria retusa Linn Soil requirements : Sandy loam Mal : Kilukilukki soils with good drainage, slightly San : Sanapushpi acidic, low in patash and phosphate Distribution : West cost tropical and high in organic carbon. evergreen, West coast semievergreen Description : A small to medium and Southern moist mixed deciduous sized tree: bark greyish brown, exudes forests. Soil requirements : Loamy, me- deciduous and Moist teak bearing dium acidic soils. low in potash and forests. phosphate and medium in organic Soil requriements : Loose soils carbon. with good drainage. Description An undershrub. Le- Description . A medium sized aves simple alternate , oblanceolate. tree; bark grey, smooth. Leaves obtuse or retuse at apex, grey puber- pinnate; leaflets 10-15. ovate-oblong, ulous beneath ,5-10 x 2-3 cm. Flow- obtuse, 2-4 x 0.8-2 cm. Flowers ers bright yellow, in showy terminal small bluish white, in terminal and racen cs. Fruit a linear oblong pod. axillary panicles. FI uil oblong, tap- 2.5-3.5 cm long, glabrous; seeds ering at both ends 5.10 cm long; 10-20. seeds 1-3 cm. Uses : Plant is used to treat Uses . Bark is recommended in scabies and impetigo. intermittent fevers and dyspepsia Oil from the seeds is applied for rheum- Crotalaria verrucosa Linn. atic afflictions.

Mal Kilukiluppa San : Sanapushpi Dalbergia Iatifolia Roxb. Distribution Southern moist Mal : Veetti. Eetti mixed deciduous. Moist teak bearing San : Sirnsapa, Krishnasara and Southerii dry mixed deciduous Distribution : West coast semi - evergreen, Moist teak bearing and Soil requirements : Loamy sand Southern moist mixed deciduous slightly acidic soils, along the slopes; forests. medium in potash and very low in Soil requriements : Sandy loam phosp hate slightly acidic soils with good drain- Description . udershrub. Le- age. loose. low in potash and phos-

5-15 x 2.75 cm; stipules foliaceous, Description : A large deciduous semi-lunate, persistent Flowers tree hark grey with shallow irregular bluish white in racemes . Fruit an cracks. Leaves alter nate, pinnate; oblong pod, 3-5 cm long pubescent. leaflets 5-7. ovate-orbicular, glabrous.

Properties : leaf juice is con- 3-5 cm long. nearly as broad as long sidered to be efficat ious in diminish- Flowers small. creamy white in cory- ing sativation. mbose panicles, fascicled in the axils Uses Leaf juice is used both of older leaves. Fruit cblong. usually externally and internally in scabies obtuse at apex, 3.5-7 cm long, seeds and impetigo and in the treatment 13. of heat complaints. Properties Whole plant is bi- tter and stomachic. It has also got Dalbergia lanceolaria Linn. f. tonic properties. Mal Cheruveetti,Velleettir Uses . Plant is used to treat Distribution : Southern moist dyspepsia, diarrhoea. leprosy, obesrty mixed deciduous. Southern dry mixed and worms.

44 Dalbergia sympathetica Nimmo ex Distribution : Mostly seen along Grah. the sides of backwaters near sea- Syn. D. muluflora Heyna ex Wall. coast. Mal : Anamullu Description : A large climbing Distribution : Southern dry mix- shrub. Leaves alternate, pinnate; leaf- ed deciduous and Southern moist lets 5-7, ovate-acuminate, 5-10 x 2-5 mixed deciduous forests cm. Flowers rose coloured, in axill- Soil requriements : Sandy loam ary racemes. Fruit broad, obliquely medium acidic soils. very low in ovate or orbicular. winged along the potash and phosphate. upper suture, 2-3 cm, as broad as Description : A iarye climbing long: seed one. s hr u b , the branches oft en twi sted Properties :. Plant is stimulant, trunk armed with 15-30 cm long cur- antispasmodic and counter irritant. ved spines in clusters. Leaves alter- Root bark is alterative and insecti- nate, pinriate, leaflets 11 -15, elliptic- cidal. oblong, emarginate 1-3 x 0.5-2 cm. Uses : An oil prepared from the Flowers small, white. in axillary plant is used externally as an embro- cymose pubescent panicles. Fruit cation. .Root bark is recommended samaroid. broadly oblong. pubescent; in cases of rheumatism and dysme- seeds 1-2. (Plate VII. Fig. 2) norrhoea. Properties : Leaves are altera- tive. Bark is said to remove pimples. Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. Mal : Orila Dalbergia volubilis Roxb. San : Prsniparni Mal : Mithi. Cherumullu Distribution : Moist teak bearing Distribution : Southern dry mix- and Southern moist mixed deciduous ed deciduous and Southern moist forests. mixed deciduous forests. Soil requriemetns : Loamy soils Description : A large climbing with good drainage, medium acidic. shrub, branches sometimes twisted low in potash and phosphate. into spiral hooks. Leaves alternate, Description : An undershrub with pinnate; leaflets 11 -13. ovate-oblong. angular stem. Leaves simple , alter - obtuse. mucronulate. 2.5-5 x 2-2.5 nate, ovate or lanceolate. acute. cm. Flowers small, pale blue. in ter- tounded or cordate at base, 5-10 x. minal and axillary panicles. Fruit 2.5-5 cm. Flowers bluish pink. in linear -oblong. obtuse at apex.5 -7 cm terminal racemes. Fruit with 6-8 long; seeds 1-2. (Plate VII. Fig. 1) joints, sparsely clothed with hooked Uses : Leaf juice is used as a hairs. (Plate VIII, Fig. 1) gargle in sore throat and applied to Properties : The root is one of aphthae. Root juice mixed with cumin the Dasamoola. It is astringent. tonic and administered case sugar is in of diuretic, anticatarrihal I. alternative. gonorrhoea. aphrodisiac. anthelmintic and alexi- Derris trifoliata Lour. pharmic. Syn, Duliginosa Benth. Uses : Root is recommended in Ma1 : Kammatti case of chronic fever. biliousness. 45 Cough, vomiting. asthma and rheu- Uses : This plant is considered matism. It is an ingredient of as a nervine Ionic by the local Ayur- Cyavanaprasam. vedic practitioners.

Desmodium heterocarpon (Linn.) DC, Desmodium styracifolium (Osb.) Merr. Syn.D.polycarpum DC. Syn. D. retroflexum (Linn.) DC. Ma1 : Nilathuvara Distribution :‘ Moist teak bearing Disiribution : Southern moist and Southern moist mixed deciduous mixed deciduous. Southern dry mix- forests in North Kerala. ed deciduous and Moist teak bearing Soil requirements : Sandy soils forests. with good drainage, slightly acidic. ments : Clayey soils very low in potash and high in with poor drainage. medium acidic, phosphate. medium in potash, low in phosphate Description : A large shrub. and organic carbon. Leaves usually one foliate, sometimes Description : An erect or trailing trifoliolate: leaflets orbicular cordate, undershrub. Leaves a1 ternate, trifolio- densely white pubescent beneath. the late; leaflets elliptic or obovate, lateral leaflets much smaller than obtuse. sparsely pubescent beneath, the terminal one. Flowers purple. 2.5-5 x 2-2.5 cm. Flowers purple. in in short crowded racemes. Fruit with dense axillary and terminal. subse- 3-5joints. slightly pubescent. ssile racemes. Fruit with 5-8 joints, Properties : Root is deobstruent, ciliate on both tha sutures. (Plate emmenagogue. stomachic and VIII, Fig. 2) aperient, Properties : Decoction of the plant is considered to be a tonic Dcsmodium triflorum (Lion.) DC. Uses : Decoction of the plant is Ma1 : Nilamparanta. Cherupu llati given for cough. fafntinq and con- San : Tripadi vulsions. Distribution : Mostly confined to moist areas in the plains. Sometimes Desmodium motorium (Houtt.) Merr. seen in forest plantations. Syn. Dgyrans DC. Soil requirements : Clayey soils, Mal : Remanamappacha, Tho- slightly acidic, low in potash and z hukann i very low in phosphate. Distribution : West coast semi - Description : A much branched evergreen. Southern moist mixed de- trailing herb. Leaves alternate. tri- ciduous and Moist teak bearing foliolate; leaflets obovate cuneate, forests. truncate or emarginate at apex. Description : An erect under- 0.4-0.6 cm on either way. Flowers shrub. Leaves alternate. trifoliolate. pink or white. in axillary clusters terminal leaflets 1.2-2 cm by 0.3; of 1-3 Fruit 3-5 jointed. Flowers pink, in lax terminal and Properties : Leaf is galactagogue axillary racemes. Fruits slightly Uses : Leaves are used against- falcate. joints 5-10. inconspicuous. diarrhoea and dysentery. Fresh leaves

46 are pounded and applied to wounds Dolichos trilobus Linn. and abscesses. Syn. D. falcatus auct. non Klein ex Willd. Desmodium triquetrum (Linn.) DC. Mal : Kattamara Mal : Adakkapanal Distribution : West coast semi - Distribution : Moist teak bearing, evergreen, Southern moist mixed de- West coast semievergreen. and Sou- ciduous and Southern hill-top tropi- thern moist mixed deciduous forests. cal evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Loamy soi Is, Soil requirements : Sandy loam medium acidic. low in potash. very soils, medium acidic, medium in low in phosphate and medium in potash, low in phosphate and high in organic carbon. .organic carbon. Description : An erect shrub with Description : A twining herb wirh triangular stem. Leaves alternate. tuberous roots. Leaves 3-foliolate; one foliolate. elliptic-oblong, lanceo- leaflets broadly deltoid, ovate. 3.5 x 2 cm. Flowers pink or lilac, in axillary late, cordate at base, 10-18 cm long: racemes. Fruit linear, glabrous, 5-8 Uses : Extract of the leaves is cm long; seeds many. used against piles. Uses: Decoction of seeds is specific for rheumatism. Roots are Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC. used in the treatment of piles. consti- (D. Iatifolium DC.) pation, ophthalmia and skin diseases. Mal : Orila Distribution : West coast semi - Flemingia grahamiana Wight & Arn. evergreen. Southern moist mixed Distribution : Southern hill-top deciduous and Moist teak bearing tropical evergreen and Southern forests. montane wet scrub forests. Soil requirements : Loamy soils Soil requirements : Clay loam with good drainage. medium acidic soils. Description : An erect under- Description : An erect under- shrub. Leaves simple. alternate. bro- shrub. Leaves alternate, 3-foliolate; adly ovate, obtuse or subacute at leaflets ovate-obtuse or subacute. apex, cordate or truncate at base, pubescent beneath. Flowers pink, in densely clothed with hooked hairs, short axillary racemes. Fruit turgid. 3.5-12 x 3-9 cm. Flowers bluish in about 1 cm long, covered with rea terminal and axillary racemes. upto giands. 25 cm long. Fruits straight. 4-6 joint- Properties : Resinous pcwder ed, densely covered with hooked from the glands of the fruit is anthe- hairs, 1.5-2 cm by 2-3 mm. (Plate Imintic. VIII, Fig. 3) Uses : Plant is used externally Uses : The roots mixed with for skin diseases and internally as pepper are used to treat urinary dis- purgative. It is specific for colds Bases. (de Sorney, 1 91 6). Flemingia strobilifera (Linn.) Ait. Mal : Cherupullati Mal : Kamalu Distribution : Southern dry mix- Distribution : Moist teak bear- ed deciduous and Dry deciduous ing and Southern moist mixed deci- scrub forests. duous forests. Also seen in forest Soil requirements : Sandy loam plantations. soils. usually in the slopes, slightly Description : An erect branching alkaline, low in phosphate and shrub. Leaves alternate, 1-foliolate, medium in potash and organic ovate-oblong, lanceolate, 8-1 3 x carbon. 2-4.5 cm. Flowers white, in axillary Description : An undershrubwith and terminal racemes with conspic- thick root stock and prostrate bran- uous floral leaves. Fruit oblong, ches. Leaves pinnate. 1.2-2 cm long; turgid, 0.8 cm long. densely pubes- leaflets 7-9. Flowers bright red. in cent. shortly peduncled, 10-20 flowered Uses: The leaves are reported spicate heads. Fruit 3-4 mm long, to be used in Java as vermifuge for clothed with white adpressed hairs: children (Burkill, 1935). The Assa- seeds 2. mese use the root to induce sleep. Properiies ; Plant juice is antis- Root is used against epilepsy and corbutic. alterative and diuretic. hysteria. Uses : The plant is boiled with oil and applied lo burns. A decoct- Indigofera cassioides, Rottl. ex DC. ion is given in cases of epilepsy and Syn. I. pulchella auct, non insanity. It purifies blood. Roxb. Mal : Manali Indigofera tinctoria Linn. Distribution : Southern dry mi- Mal : Arnari, Neela Amari xed deciduous forest. San : Neelika. Neela Soil requirements : Loamy sand, Distribution : Very rare in the slightly alkaline soils. low in potash, forests, mostly cultivated and grows phosphate and organic carbon. wild in villages. Description : An erect shrub Soil requirements : Variety of with striate branches. Leaves pinnate; soils. leaflets many, ovate-oblong. obtuse Description : A branched shrub. or ernarginate. 1-2.5 x 0.8-1.2 cm. Leaves pinnate; leaflets 7-11, elliptic- Flowers purple in axillary racemes. ovate, apiculate. 1-2.5 x 0.5-1.2 cm. Fruit turgid. cylindric. glabrous, 2.5-4 Flowers pink. in spicate racemes. cm long; seeds 8- 12. Fruit cylindrical, glabrous; seeds 8-12. Uses : A decoction of root is Properties : Stem and root are given in cases of cough and its pow- laxative, expectorant, alexipharmic der is applied externally for chest and anthelmintic. pain. Uses: Extract of the plant is given in cases of epilepsy, nervous Indigofera Linnaei Ali disorders, chronic bronchitis. asthma, Syn. I. enneaphylla Linn. piles. leucoderma. burns, scalds. lum-

48 bago, enlargement of the spleen and Description : A slender climber liver and flatulence. It is used as an with a perennial rootstock. Leaves ointment in sores and old ulcers. 3-foliolate: leaflets- rhomboid-ovate. Leaf juice is used in the treatment of densely hairy beneath, 7-12 x 5-7 cm. hydrophobia. Stem and root ace used Flowers purple, in 6-30 flowered to promote growth of hair and to racemes; calyx with irritant hairs treat abdominal disorders, heart dis- Fruit falcately curved, turgid densly eases, rheumatism, tumours and covered with irritant bristles 5-7 x 1 cephalalgia. cm: seeds small. 5-6. (Plate VII. Fig. 3). Properties : Pods are anthelmi- Mucuna monosperma DC. ex Wight ntic, Seeds are aphrodisiac and act Mal : Malanthalli as a nervine tonic. They possess San : Dathipushpika slight insecticidal property. Root Distribution : Southern moist acts as a purgative. mixed deciduous and Moist teak bea- Uses : The plant is used to im- ring forests in North Kerala. prove semen and sexual vigour Description : A large perennial (Narayana Aiyar and Kolammal, twining shrub, young branches cove- 1962). An infusion of hairs covering red with rusty brown tomentum. Lea- the pods is used for diseases of liver ves 3-foliolate: leaflets ovate-oblong and gall bladder and applied exter- or elliptic, shortly acuminate. nally as a local stimulant and mild rounded a? base. pubescent beneath, vesicant. Hairs covering the fruit 6-9 x 5-7.5 cm. flowers purple. in contain a highly irritating proteo- 6-12 flowered axillary corymbose lytic enzyme called mucunain. Seeds racemes; calyx with irritant bristles. contain L-DOPA (5-6 %) and were Fruit nearly orbicular. winged on both found to be effective in parkinson's sutures, 5-7 cm in diameter: seed 1, disease. Root is prescribed against dark brown, smooth. delirium. In dropsy it is applied as a Properties : Seeds are reported paste over the body. It is also used to have sedative properties. in the treatment of paralysis also. An uses: Seeds are used as an ointment prepared from the roots is expectorant in cough and asthma. applied for elephantiasis.

Phyllodium polchellum (Linn.) Desv. Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) DC. Syn Desmodium pulchellum Syn. M. purita Hook. (Linn.) Benth. Mal : Choriyanam, Naikorana Distribution : West coast semi- San : Athmaguptha, Kandukari evergreen, Moist teak bearing and Distribution ; West coast semi- Southern moist mixed deciduous evergreen, and Southern moist mixed forests. Also in forest plantations. deciduous and Moist teak bearing Soil requirements : Variety oi forests, soils with good drainage. Soil requirements : Strongly Description : A shrub. Leaves acidic to slightly acidic soils. alternate. 3-foliolate; leaflets mate.

49 pubescent beneath. Flowers yellow, thern dry mixed deciduous forests. in clusters in the axils of compound Soil requirements : Loamy sand . leafy racemes. Fruit 1-jointed, pub- slightly acidic soils along the slopes: escent; seeds 2. medium in potash and low in phos- Uses : Decoction of the bark is phate. used to treat haemorrhage, diarrhoea. Description : A large deciduous poisoning and eye diseases. Flowers tree; bark dark brown or grey, deeply are useful in the treatment of bilious- cracked in old trees. peels off in ness. small flakes, exudes a red gummy exudation when cut. Leaves alternate. Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre pinnate; leaflets 5-7, elliptic, obtuse, Syn. P. glabra Vent. 'lateral nerves many, close and para- Mal : Ungu. Pongu llel 7.5-12 x 3.5-6.5 cm Flowers San : Karanjah. Prakirya orange-yellow in axillary and terminal Distribution : West coast semi- panicles. Fruit orbicular, winged. evergreen forests. Often planted as 2 5-5 cm in diameter; 1- seeded. avenue trees. Properties : Gum is a good astr- Soil requirements : Loamy soils ingent, antipyretic. anthelmintic, styp- with good drainage. slightly acidic, tic, vulnerant and tonic to the liver. high in potash and low in phosphate, Bark also is reported to be an astrin- Description : A small to medium gent. 1-Epicatechin isolated from the sized tree; bark grey, speckled with bark acts as an antidiabetic drug brown. Leaves pinnate; leaflets 5-7, (Chakravarthy. et. al., 1981). The ovate to rounded. glabrous and shin- clinical trials of heart wood extract ing, 5-12 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers pink- show that the drug reduces urine ish white, in axillary racemes. Fruit sugar percentage while its effect on compressed. oblong or obovoid, blood sugar is less marked (Raja- narrowed at the base: 1-seeded. sekharan &Tuli, 1976). (Plate VIII. Fig. 4) Uses : Gum is used against bili- Propertirs: Seeds are carmina- ousness, gripping, gleet, urinary dis- tive. charges. rheumatism, bronchitis, dis- Uses : Fresh bark is given inter- eases of the biood, leucoderma nalty for bleeding piles, Leaves in crysipelas and leprosy: bruised leaves the form of a poultice is applied to serve as a useful external application ulcers infested with worms. The fruit to boils, sores and skin diseases. is used against urinary diseases (Narayana Aiyar & Kolammal, 1960). Pseudarthria viscida (Linn.) Wight & Seeds are used to purify btood. Arn. Mal : Moovila Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. Distribution : Southern moist Mal : Venga mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing San : Asana and West coast semievergreen forests. Distribution : Southern. moist Also seen in forest plantations. mixed deciduous. Moist teak bearing, Soil requirements : Loose soiIs West coast semievergreen and Sou- with good drainage. *- Description : A viscid pubescent Syn. S. roxburghii Benth. undershrub. Leaves alternate, 3-folio- Mal : Athampuvalli late; leaflets rhomboid ovate, the Distribution : Southern moist terminal leaflet 3.5-7.6 x 3-5 cm: the mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing lateral leaflets 2-5-4 x 2-3.5 cm. and West coast semievergreen forests. Flowers purple, fascicled in terminal Description : A large woody cli- and axiIIary racemes or panicles. Fruit mber; bark datk brown, rough. erodes linear-oblong. flattened. covered with a red gummy exudation when cut. viscous hairs; seeds 4-6, brownish Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets ovate, black (Plate VII, Fig. 4) acuminate. pubescent beneath, 10.22 Uses : Root is used in the treat- x 7.5-15cm. Flowers small. in large ment of bitiousness. rheumatism. axillary and Terminal pubescent pani- heart diseases. asthma. fever, diarr- cles. calyx brown velvety pubescent, hoea, worms and piles. corolla pink. Fruit oblong, flattened, pubescent. about 15 cm long. Pueraria tuberosa (floxb.) DC. Properties: The plant is credited Mal : Pannikizhangu with insecticidal properties. The Distribution : Occasional in Sou- acetone extract of the bark is toxic to mosquito larvae. Uses : Decoction of the bark is used as a remedy in dropsy and

Soil requirements : Variety of soils, favours loamy soils with good vermifuge. Flower is used in the drainage, medium acidic, law in treatment of colic and hysteria. potash and phosphate and high in organic carbon. Teramnus labialis (Linn.) Spreng. Description : A climbing shrub Syn. T. parviflorus Spreng. with large tuberous root. Leaves Mal : Kattuzhunnu 3-foliolate; leaflets ovate-oblong, Distribution : Southern dry mix- broadly ovate. acuminate. pubescent ed deciduous forests. beneath, 10-18 x 8-16 cm. Flowers Soil requirements : Loamy soils, bluish, in lax racemes. Fruit mem- strongly acidic, low in potash and braneous. constricted between the phosphate. and high in organic seeds. pubescent with brown hairs. carbon. 5-7.5 cm long; seeds 3-6. Description : A twining herb Properties: Root is demulcent, Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets ovate or refrigerant. emetic. tonic and galact- oblong, apiculate 3-6 6 x 2-2.6 cm. agogue. Flowers small, reddish in axillary few Uses : Root is used to treat flowered racemes Fruit narrowly rheumatism. linear 3.5-6 cm long; 8-12 seeded. Properties : Plant is galactago- Spatholobus parviflorus (Roxb.) gue. Fruit is credited with astringent. 0. Ktze. siomachic and febrifugal properties.

51 Uses : The plant is used in the ium. malaria fever, ulcers and eye treatment of paralysis, rheumatism. diseases. catarrhs. haemoptysis. tuberculosis. bronchitis and burning sensation. Vigna trilobata (Linn,) Verdc. Syn. Phaseolus trilobus Ait . Mal : Kattu-payar Uraia hamosa Wall. San : Mulgaparni Mal : Moovila Distribution : Southern dry mixed Distribution , Southern moist deciduous and Southern moist mixed mixed deciduous and Moist teak deciduous forests. bearing forests. Also in forest plant- Description : A diffuse trailing ations. herb. Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets Soil requirements : Clayey soils 3-lobed, 1-2.5 cm. usunily as long as with poor drainage. strongly acidic. broad. the midlobe largest. Flowers high in potash and low in phosphate. yellow. in subcapitate, few flowered Description . An undershrub, racemes. Fruit 2-5 cm long. subcyli- with long slender branches. Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets elliptic, oblong, ndric. slightly recurved; seeds 6-12 Properties ; Leaf has tonic and obtuse, the terminal one larger. sedative properties. Flowers purple. in terminal glandular Uses : Leaf is used to treat eye racemes or panicles Fruits twisted. diseases and decoction is admini- 4-7 seeded. stered in irregular iever. Properties . The plant is a febil- fuge. Zornia diphylla (Linn ) Pers. . Distribution Southern dry mixed Uraria Iagopodioides (Linn ) Desv. decidaous arid Larerite thorn forests. Mal Orila Soil requirements . Sandy loam San Brahmaparni Chithraparni soilsalong the slopes. medium acidic. Distribution Southern dry mix - low in potash and phosphate and ed deciduous and Laterite thorn medium in organic carbon. forests Description . A small diffuse Description A trailing under- herb. Leaves 2-foliolate: leaflets shrub Leaves alternate. leaflets one lanceolate or ovate, acuminate. 1-1.5 or three. ovate obtuse at apex, muc- cm long. Flowers small. yellow. in ronate Flowers bluish purple, in 3-10 flowered spicate racemes with short dense racemes Fruit twisted. prominent bracts. Fruit 1-6 jointed. with 2-3 seeds covered with short fulvous hairs. Properties Plant is reported to Uses : The plant is used for the to be abortifacient in ancient ayurve- treatment ot dysentery. Root is given dic texts. It is alterative anticatarr- to children to induce sleep. hal. laxative and aphrodisiac It has tonic propertics also Caesa lpiniaceae Uses The plant is used against rheumatism, bronchial troubles, asth- racemosa Lamk. ma, dysenter, thirst vomiting. delir- Mal: Mandaram

52 Distribution . Southern moist Properties ; Bark and leaves are mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing emrnenagogue, febrifuge and anthel- and Southern dry mixed deciduous mintic. Seeds are antiperiodic, anti- forests. pyretic. and febrifuge. Oil from seeds Soil requirements : In the slopes is emollient. Root bark is antiperiodic. having good amount of gravel. stron- Uses : Tender ieaves are used gly acidic soils high in potash and to rectify the disorders of the liver. low in phosphate and organic carbon. Leaves and seeds are used in external Description : A small tree, bark applications for treating inflammat- dark brown, rough. Leaves alternate. ory swellings. Oil obtained from the orbicular. bilobed, palmately veined, leaves is useful in convulsions and 3.5-6 cm in either way. Flowers nervous complaints. Oil from seeds small, yellowish-white. in axillary is used as embrocation to remove racemes. Fruit linear-oblong, flatten- freckles from the face and for stopp- ed, 15-30 cm long, many seeded. ing discharges from the ear. Root Properties : Bark and leaves are bark is used to treat tumours. astringent, alexipharmic and vermici- dal. Fruit is refrigerant and astringent Cassia absus Linn. to the bowels. Mal : Karinkolla. Kattumuthira Uses. Decoction of leaves is Distribution ' Southern dry mi- given against headache arid malaria. xed deciduous and Laterite thorn Bark and leaves are used to treat bili- forests. ousness. diarrhoea, dysentery. urinary Soil requirements : Variety of discharges, fistula. tuberculous soils. usually in dry areas. glands and diseases of the blood. Description , An undershrub. Fruit is recommended in cases of Leaves pinnate; leaflets two pairs. rheumatism and bronchial troubles. very oblique, elliptic-oblong or elliptic -ovate 1.5-3.5 x 0.8-2.5 cm. Flowers Caesalpinia bonduc (Linn.) Roxb. reddish yellow. in terminal or leaf Syn. C crista Linn. opposed racemes Fruit Iigulate. Mal . Kazhanchi compressed, covered with bristly Ssn : Kuberakshi, Lathakaranja hairs, seeds 4-6. ovoid. black. Distribution Mostly seen in shining. scrub jungles in villages. Occasional Properties : Leaves are bitter, in the Southern dry mixed deciduous astringent and cholagogue. Seeds forest. are astringent and cathartic .

Description : A scandent prickly Uses ' Leaves are used as a shrub. Leaves bipinnate, pinnae 6-8 remedy for cough. Seeds are applied pairs; leaflets 6-10 pairs, elliptic.- in cases of ringworm. skin affections, oblong, obtuse. 2-4.5 cm long conjunctivities and ophthalmia. Flowers yellow. in long peduncled terminal and supra axillary racemes. Cassia fistula Linn Fruit oblong, densely prickly; seeds Syn: C.rhombifolia Roxb. 1-2, grey, about 1cm in diameter. Mal: Kanikkonna, Konna San : Aragwadha Description A diffuse under- Distribution : Southern moist shrub. Leaves pinnate: leaflets mixed deciduous and Moist teak bear- numerous (40-60 pairs). linear, very ing forests. unequal sided. Flowers yellow, axi- Soil requirements : Variety of Ilary, solitary or 2-3 together. Fruit soils. favours sandy loam medium linear. flattened. sparsely pubescent, acidic soils, low in potash and phos- 2-6 cm long; seeds 15-25. phate and high in organic carbon. Uses : Roots are given in spasms Description : A small to medium of stomach. sized deciduous tree; bark reddish- grey, smooth in young tree, becom- Cassia occidentalis Linn. ing rough and flaking off in strips in Mal : Ponnaveeram, Nathram- old trees. Leaves pinnate: leaflets 4-8 thakara pairs, ovate acute. 5-10 x 3.5-7 cm. Distribution : Mostly seen in Flowers yellow, in terminal and leaf forest piantations. opposed pendulous racemes. Fruit Soil requirements . Medium aci- cylindric, 25-60 cm long. many seed- dic soils, low in potash. phosphate ed. (Plate X. Fig. 1) and organic carbon. Properties . Fruit is cathartic. Description : An undurshrub. Seeds are emetic. Leaves, seeds, Leaves pinnate; leaflets 3-5 pairs, pulp of the fruit and root bark are ovate: acuminate. 2.5-10x 2.2-3.5 considered to be laxative. Root is cm: petiole with a gland near the astringent, febrifuge and purgative. base. Fiowers yellow in short few Uses : Bark is used against flowered axillary racemes. Fruit 9-12 asthma (Balakrishnan 1975). Leaf cm long. compressed: seeds 20-30. juice is recommended for skin dis- ovoid. compressed. eases. It lessens the inflammation. A Properties : Plant is tonic. diure- poultice made of the leaves IS said to tic. purgative and febrifuge Leaves relieve the chilblains which are are aphrodisiac, antiperiodic, alexi- common in Upper Sind. It has Seen teric and stomachic. Hoot decoctions beneficially used in facial paralysis and infusions are used as an aborti- and rheumatism. Fruit also is applied facient and purgative (Wesley Wong in cases of rheumatism. Root is used 1976). to treat skin diseases leprosy. tuber- Uses : Leaves are used against culous glands and syphilis. cough. asthma, sore throat and bili- ousness. Leaves and seeds are used Cassia mimosoides Linn. externally in skin diseases. Seed de- Mal : Cheruthakara coction is given for palpitation, colds Distribution . Southern montane and congestive heart failure (VVesIey wef grassland and Southern montane Wong. 1976). Root is useful in the wet scrub forests. treatment of ringworm, elephantiasis Soil requirements : Loamy sails. and scorpion sting. According to poorly drained, compact, strongly Mooss (1977) this plant is not com- acidic. monly used in Kerala for Ayurvedic

54 oreparations The Sanskrit name Soil requirements : Strongly aci-- 'Kasamardah' IS used for C. occiden- dic loamy soils with good moisture talis by some authors But as C occi- retentivity and high organic carbon.

dentalis IS not truly indigenous to Description ' A medium sized India it cannot be the 'Kasamardah' tree; bark srnootn, brownish grey. of the ancient sanskrit works Cassia Leaves pinnate; leaflets 2 pairs; oblan- sophora IS the actual 'kasarnardah' ceolate. falcate, acute, unequal sided. 7.5-12 x 3.5-4.5 cm Flowers white, Cassia tora Linn. in racemes in the axils oi fallen Mal : Thakara, Ponnamthakara leaves. Fruit turgid, very rugose. 1-2 5 San : Chakramarda cm long. Distribution : Southern moist Properties : Root is cathartic and mixed deciduous and Moist teak purgative. bearing forests. Also seen in forest Uses : Oil from seeds and lotion plantations. prepared from the leaves are applied externally in leprosy, scabies and Soil requirements , Sandy loam, slightly acidic soils with good drai- other cutaneous diseases. nage. Description : An undershrub. Humboldtia vahliana Wight Leaves pinnate; leaflets 3 pairs. obo Mal : Attu-vanchi, kara-pongu Distribution : Mostly seen along vate-obtuse. The terminal pair larger than the other pairs. Flowers yellow, the banks of streams and rivers in in short axillary racemes. Fruits linear, West coast tropical evergreen and 12-18 cm long; seeds 25-30. rhom- West coast semieveryreen forests. Soil requirements Low lying bohedral. areas where the soils are clayey. . Leaves and seeds Properties strongly acidic to slightly acidic. are refrigerant, anthelmintic, antipy- Description : A middle sized tree; retic. laxative and diuretic. Fruit and bark dark brown, mottled with white. seeds are astringent and alexiteric. Leaves pinnate: leaflets 3-4 pairs, Uses : Crushed leaves are appli- ovate. lanceolate. acuminate, 12-22 x ed for the sting of bees (Van Reede, 4-7 cm; stipules prominent with a 1679). Leaves and seeds are used to basal reniform appendage. Flowers treat skin disease. They are used white, in axillary pubescent racemes. against biliousness, bronchitis. Fruit flattened, acute at both ends, asthma. leprosy and tumours. yellowish brown. pubescent. Uses: Bark is used in the treat- Cynometra iripa Kostel ment of biliousness, leprosy, ulcers Syn. C. mimosoides sensu and epilepsy. Gamble Mal : lrippa Kingiodendron pinnatum (Roxb. ex Distribution : Occasional in the DC.)..Harms West coast tropical evergreen forests Syn. Hardwickia pinnata Roxb in South Kerala. ex DC.

55 Mal : Kiyavu, Kutavu Description : A small to medium Distribution : West coast tropi- sized tree; bark brown, rough. Leaves cal evergreen and West coast secon- bilobed, orbicular, palmately veined. dary evergreen Dipterocarp forests. 3.5-12 x 4-15 cm. Flowers creamy Soil requirements: Variety of white, in axillary racemes. Fruits soils with permanent moisture. some what turgid, 25-30x 2-2.5 cm; Description : A large evergreen seeds 10-20. tree; bark pale brown, mottled with Uses : Infusion of new flowers green. Leaves pinnate; leaflets 4-7 is given in dysentery. pairs, ovate-lanceolate. shining. Flowers white. in panicled racemes. Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde Fruit obovate. 1- seeded. Syn. S. indica auct. non Lnin. Uses : Oleoresin is used in the Mal : Asokam treatment of gonorrhoea. San : Gathasoka Distribution : Occasional in the Moullva spicata (Dalz.) Nicholson Syn. Wagatea spicata Dalz. West coast tropical evergreen forests. Often grown in homesteads. Distribution : West coast semi- evergreen, Moist teak bearing and Soil requirements : Variety of ist mixed deciduous soils with good drainage. Description : A small tree, bark surface brown, 2-3 mm thick, blaze pinkish. Leaves pinnate: leaflets 4-6 bipinnate. pinnae 4.6 pairs; leaflets Pairs. Flowers orange-red in dense 6-7 pairs. oblong, obtuse or subac- racemes. Fruit oblong-compressed, Ute, 2.5-4 x 1-2 cm. Flowers red, in 10-18 x 2-5 cm; seeds 4-8. (Plate IX dense spicate racemes. Fruit linear- Fig. 2) oblong. constrictad between the Properties : Bark is astringent, seeds; seeds 3-4. alexiteric, anthelmintic, demulcent Uses : Bark is used against skin and emollient. It is good for Com- ot is prescribed in cases pliexion. a. Uses : The bark is a uterine tonic and it is used extensively in dysme- malabaricum (Roxb.) non hoea. ernnorrhagia, leucorrhoea Benth. and various forms of menstrual dis- Syn. orders (Mooss, 1978). It cures in- Mal : flammation of the cervical glands. Distribution : Southern moist thirst, burning sensation. intestinal mixed deciduous and Moist teak worms. animal poisoning and haemo- bearing forests. . rrhages. The dried flowers are used Soil requirements : Loamy sand, against diabetes. They are also used slightly acidic-soils with. good drai- in the treatment of bleeding piles and nage. loose.medium in potash and low scabies in children (Narayana Aiyar in phosphate. &Kalammal, 1960).

56 Mimosaceae Uses : Flowers are used in the treatment of deranged menstrual Abarema bigemina (Linn.) Kosterm. courses. Syn. Pithecellobium bigeminum auct. non (Linn.) Mart. ex Benth. . Kalppakku, Kattu-konna Mal: Cheevakka Distribution : West coast tropical evergreen and West coast semiever- green forests, mixed deciduous and West coast Description : A small; tree; bark semievergreen forests. brown. smooth. Leaves bipinnate, Soil requirements ! Sandy slightly pinnae 1-2 pairs; leaflets 2-4 pairs, acidic soils, loose. low in potash and phosphate. elliptic-lanceolate or ovate-oblong. Description : A prickly. climbing acuminate, 7-15 x 2.5-3.5 cm. Flow- shrub. Leaves bipinnate. pinnae 4-6 ers small, creamy white, in few flow- ered heads arranged in short panicles. pairs; leaflets 10-20 pairs. about 1 cm Fruits flat, curved in a ring, reddish long, linear. Flowers yellowish- brown outside, red inside; seeds 5-8. white, in gtobose heads. fruits black. reddish brown, fleshy, constricted Uses: Decoction of leaves is between the seeds . Seeds 6-10. used as an external application in (Plate IX, Fig. 3) Properties : Leaf is cathartic. leprosy and as a stimulant for the Pods aperient, expectorant and growth of hair. are emetic. Uses: Plant extract is used to Acacia caesia (Linn. ) Wi I Id. treat scalp affections. cutaneous affe- Syn. A. intsia Wight &Arn. , ctions and to improve growth of hair. Mal : lncha Leaf is used to. treat biliousness. San : Nikunjika Distribution : West coast semi- Albizia amara (Roxh.) Boiv. evergreen, Moist teak bearing. Sou- Mal : Varachi thern moist mixed deciduous and Distribution : Southern moist Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. mixed deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Loamy sand, Description : A -medium sized slightly acidic soils with good drai- ciduous tree; bark smooth. gree- nage, low in potash and phosphate nish.young shoots densely pubescent. and high in organic carbon. Leaves bipinnate, pinnae 6-15 pairs; Description : A climbing shrub leaflets 15-25 pairs. linear, small. with prickles on the stem and leaf Flowers yellow, in 12.20 flowered rachis. Leaves bipinnate, pinnae 6 heads, axillary, solitary or in clust- pairs;. leaflets 10-20 pairs, oblong? ers of 2-4. Fruit flat. thin, 10-17 x falcate, very small. Flowers white or 1.5-3 cm; seeds 6-8. orbicular. yetlowish, in globose heads arranged Properties : Seeds are astringent. in panicles. Fruit strap shaped, flat, Uses : Leaves are recommended thin; seeds 6-1 2. in cases of ophthalmia. Flowers ace . externally applied to inflammation, Soil requirements : Loamy soils. boils and ulcers. Seeds are used slightly acidic, high in potash and against piles. diarrhoea and gonorr- organic carbon and low in phosphate. hoea. Oil from seeds is used in the treatment white leprosy. short irregular cracks. Leaves bipin- Albizia chinensis ( nate; pinnae 2-3 pairs, with Merr. ent glands in between them; leaflets 5-9 pairs broadly oblong, 2.5-3.5 x 1.5-2 cm. Flowers white in globose umbellate heads. Fruit flattend. Distribution : Moist teak bearing thin; seeds 6-12, ellipsoid-oblong. md Southern moist mixed deciduous Properties : Flowers are aphro- forests. disiac. emollient and maturant. Bark Soil requirements : Loamy sand and seeds are astringent, tonic, resto- slightly acidic soils, loose. medium rative and alexiteric. in potash. low in phosphate and high Uses : Leaves are used against in organic carbon. night blindness. Flowers are given Description : A large deciduous For asthma. Bark and seeds are used tree; bark dark grey with short vertical in the treatment of piles, diarrhoea. wrinkles and horizontal furrows. bronchitis. leprosy. paralysis, gum Leaves bipinnate. pinnae 8-15 pairs; inflammation and helminthic infect- leaflets 20-40 pairs, linear-oblong, ions (Sathyavathi, 1976). Root is falcate, very small, stipules large, un- prescribed for ophthalmia and hemi- equally cordate. Flowers yetlowish crania. white, in small panicled heads.Fruits pale brown, 12-7.x 1.5-3 cm; seeds Albizia odoratissima (Linn. f.) Benth. 8-12. ovate, darkbrown. Mal : Kunnivaka. Nellivaka,

bark, leaves. flowers and fruits are Distribution : Southern moist useful in poison caused by insect mixed deciduous, Southern dry mix- bites. Infusion of bark is used as a ed deciduous and West coast semi- otion for cuts, scabies and skin dis- evergreen forests. eases. It cures oedema, erysepelas soil requirements : Sandy clay and allied diseases. A.lebbeck is used loam Soils. medium acidic, high in as Sirisah in North India, while potash and organic carbon and med- A. chinensis is commonly used - in ium in phosphate. Kerala ( MOOSS 1978). Description : A large deciduous tree: bark rough with irregular cracks. Albizia lebbeck (Linn.) Benth. Leaves bipinnate; pinnae 3-8 pairs; Mal : Vaka. Nenmenivaka leaflets 10-20, oblong .falcate. 2-3 . Distribution : Occasional in the cm long Flowers white,. in 10-12 Moist teak bearing and Southern flowered heads, in terminal, panicles moist mixed deciduous forests. Fruits oblong, brown 10-18 cm long:

58 seeds 8-1 2, broadly ovate, yellow. 6.. 15. orbicular or orbicular-oblong. Uses : Bark is applied externally dark brown. shining. (Plate IX, Fig. 4) in leprosy and inveterate ulcers. Lea- Properties : Stem, bark and seeds ves are used as a remedy for cough. are ooisonous. Seeds are considered to be tonic. emetic. antiperiodic and Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth. anthelmintic. Mal : Jelavaka. Vellavaka Uses : Juice of wood and bark Distribution : Southern moist is used for external application for mixed deciduous and Moist teak bear- ulcers. Seeds are applied locally for ing forests. inflammatory glandular swellings. Soil requirements : Flourishes in Powdered kernel is commonly taken sandy loam, slightly acidic soil with by native women after delivery, for good drainage. high in potasn and allaying the body pains and warding organic carbon and low in phosphate. off cold Description : A large deciduous tree: bark smooth, yellowish white. Mimosa pudica Linn. Leaves bipinnate. pinnae 3-5 pairs: leaflets 5-10 pairs, obliquely ovate, Ma1 : Thottavadi Sari Lajjalu broad and rounded at the base, Distribution : Frequent forest 2.5-3.5 x 1.5-2 cm. Flowers greenish in plantations. yellow. in 12-20 flowered heads Soil requirements : Variety of arranged in terminal panicles. . soils; favours loamy sand. medium Properties : Leaves have insecti- acidic soils with low potash and cidal property and they are applied to ulcers as a poultice. phosphate contents. Description : A smalll prickly Entada pursaetha DC. diffuse herb. Leaves bipinnate, pinnae Syn. E. scandens auct. non 1-2 pairs; leaflets 12-20 pairs, small, Benth. very sensitive. Flowers pink. in axi- Mal : Malamanchadi. Paranta llary globose heads. Fruit covered Distribution : West coast semi- with stiff bristles; seeds 3-5. evergreen and West coast tropical Properties : Root is cooling, vul- evergreen forests. nerary and alexipharmic. Soil requirements : Sandy clay Uses . A paste or leaves is app- loam soils. strongly acidic. high in lied to glandular swellings. ?he juice potash and organic carbon and low of leaves is used in dressing for sinus in phosphate. and also as an application for sores Description : A very large woody and piies. Roots are used against climber: stem angled, often spirally biIiousness, Icprosy. dysentery, vagi- twisted. Leaves bipinnate, pinnae I nal anti uterine complaints. infla- pair: leaflets 2-5 pairs. oblong, obtuse mmation, burning sensation. fatigue. or emarginate, 3.5-7 x 2-3 cm. Flow- asthma. leucoderma. piles. jaundice ers yellow, in simple or panicled spi- and ulcers. A decoction of the root kes. Fruit woody, 30-90 cm long. is considered to be useful in grave- jointed between the seeds; seeds llish and other urinary complaints,

59 Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. lary panicles, shorter than the leaves. Mal : lrul Fruit globose, fleshy, red. Distribution : Moist teak bearing, Properties : Leaves are astringent, Southern moist mixed deciduous and emmenagogue and aborrifacient. West coast semievergreen forests. Uses : Fruit is considered to be Occasional in the West coast secon- an useful remedy for the nocturnal dary evergreen forests. micturition of children. Soil requirements : Variety of soils; grows well on deep well drai- Crassuiaceae ned loamy soils. Kalanchoe schwinfurthii Penzig Description : A large deciduous Syn. K. laciniata auct. non tree, bark reddish-grey. Leaves bipi- (Linn.) Pers. nnate; pinnae 1 -pair; leaflets 4-12. Distribution : Southern dry mix- oblong, acute or accuuminate, rachis ed deciduous forests. with glands. Flowers yellowish. in Description ' A large succulent dense globose heads Fruit woody, herb, often pubescent. Leaves very falcate-oblong, dark brown, 10-17 x variable, the lower deeply segmented. 2.5-5 cm;seeds 6-10 oblong-ellipsoid, segments usually narrowly oblong. compressed. acute. serrate, the middie stern leaves Properties . Decoction of bark is deeply pinnatifid. the upper entire anthelmintic. or nearly so. Flowers yellow, in pani - Uses: Bark is 'used to treat leprosy, vomiting, diarrhoea. gono- culate cymes. rrhoea and ulcers. The oil from the Properties : Leaf juice is styptic. seeds is given in rheumatism, piles Succulent leaves allay irritation and and leprosy. promote cicatrization. Uses : Leaf is used to treat Rosaceae bilious diarrhoea and lithiasis.

Rubus rugosus Sm Droseraceae Syn. R. moluccanus auct. non Linn. Drosera peltata Sm. Distribution Southern montane Mal : Thankabhasmachedi wet scrub jungles Distribution : Southern montane Soil requirements . Loamy soils wet grasslands. with high content of gravel, medium Soil requirements : Sandy loam acidic. well drainea. low in potash soils, medium acidic. low in potasn. and phosphate and high in organic phosphate and organic carbon. carbon. Description : A small herb with Description . A straggling shrub buibous root stock. Leaves cauline. with scattered prickles. Leaves simple. peltate, giandular hairy. Flowers ovate, cordate at base, looea, promi- white, in ierminal racemes. nently rugose on both surfaces, white Uses : Plant is used in the pre- tomentose beneath, 7-15 cm long. paration of gold bhasma which is Flowers white. in terminal and axil- used as antisyphilitic, aiterarive ana

60 tonic. Crushed leaves are used as a smooth, greyish-brown. flaking off in blistering agent. thin rounded scales. Leaves simple opposite or subopposite. elliptic to Rhizophoraceae suborbicular, obtuse, 5-10 x 3-5 cm. Flowers small, yellowish, in globular Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr. heads. Fruit compressed, nearly orbi- Syn. C. integerrima DC. cular, narrowly winged. arranged In C. lucida Roxb. dense heads. Mal : Vallabham, Varangu Properties : Bark is bitter and Distribution : West coast semi- astringent. Fruit also is astringent. evergreen and Myristica swamp Root is pungent, acrid, stomachic forests. Soil requirements : Rich deep and increases biI iousness. alluvial loamy soils with undecom- Uses : Bark is used to treat anaemia. urinary discharges. piles. posed organic debris. skin diseases and erysepelas. Leai Description : A medium sized to juice is given in purulent discharges large tree with horizontal branches; from the ear. Fruit is used against bark dark grey, smooth, sometimes bi I iousness. corky. Leaves simple, opposite, elli- ptic to obovate. obtuse. thickly cori- Calycopteris floribunda (Roxb.) Poir. aceous. 5-10 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers Mal : Pullani sessile, in small heads in axillary San: Sushami trichotomous cymes. fruit small. Distribution : Southern moist mixed deciduous. Moist teak bearing recommended for is and Laterite thorn forests. itch. Fruits are used in the treatment Description : A large straggling of ulcers. shrub; bark pale brown, very thin. Com bretaceae Leaves simple, opposite, ovate-lan- ceolate to elliptic-oblong, softly Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. ex DC.) pubescent, 7-10 x 3-5 cm. Flowers Wall. ex Guill, &Perr. yellowish-green, in terminal panicles. Mal : Mazhukkanjiram, Vella- Fruit narrowly ovoid, about 1.8 cm long, crowned by the persistent njarna calyx. San : Dhava Properties : Leaves are astr ing- Distribution : Southern moist ent, anthelrnintic and laxative. mixed deciduous, Southern dry mix- Uses : Leaves are administered ed deciduous and Moist teak bearing as a cure for dysentery and malaria forests. and applied externally for ulcers. Soil requirements : Loamy sand, slightly acidic soils, loose with good Terminalial bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. drainage, medium in potash and low Mal : Thanni in phosphate. San : Vibheethaka Description : A large deciduous Distribution : West coast semi- tree with drooping branchlets; bark evergreen, West coast tropical ever-

61 green. Moist teak bearing and Sou- Description : A medium sized thern moist mixed deciduous forests. to large tree; bark dark brown. often Soil requirements : Variety of with shallow vertical fissures. Leaves soils; favours strongly acidic soils simple, subopposite. ovate-elliptic or with medium potash. low phosphate oblong-ovate. acuminate, 6-15 x and high organic carbon contents. 3.5-7 cm, petiole with 2 glands at the top. Flowers yellow, in terminal Description : A large buttressed spikes, often panicled, Fruit usually tree; bark greyish brown with shallow obovoid, greenish-yellow, obscurely longitudinal fissures. Leaves simple, 5-r ibbed. alternate, tong petioled, crowded towards the tip of branchlets, ovate, Properties : Bark is diuretic. and elliptic, acute at base, 10-17 x 7-15 cardiotonic. Fruit is one of the cm. Flowers yellow. small. in axillary 'Tribhala'. It regulates the function slender spikes. Fruit ovoid, 1.2-2.5 of liver, maintains youthful vigour cm in diameter, minutely pubescent, and promotes retentive power. It is obscurely angled when dried. (Plate astringent, laxative, carminative and XII. Fig. 1) expectorant. Uses : Fruit is used in local Properties : Fruit is one of the application to chronic ulcers and as a 'Tribhala'. It is bitter. astringent, gargle in stomatitis. It used tonic, laxative and antipyretic. Kernel IS to treat asthma, eye diseases, is narcotic. diseases of heart and bladder. leuco- Uses : The water in which the derma, piles, anaemia. elephantiasis crushed bark has been boiled is used and bleeding ulcerations of the gums. for removing the allergy caused by species of Semecarpus and Holi- Terminalia crenulata Heyne ex Roth garna (Narayana Aiyar &Kolammal, Mal : Kari-maruthu, Thempavu 1963). Fruit is used in the treatment of San : Chayakarna diseases of fiver and heart, bronchitis. Distribution : Southern moist diabetes, asthma, piles, dropsy. mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing. diarrhoea. leprosy, biliousness, dys- West coast semievergreen and Sou- pepsia and beadache. Oil from the thern mixed deciduous forests. seed is apptied for the growth of Soil requirements : Silty loam, hair. fruit with other medicines will slightly acidic soils high in potash. cure hoarseness of voice. low in phosphate and medium in organic carbon. Terminalia chebula (Gaertn.) Retz. Description : A large tree; bark Mal : Kadukka greyish black with deep vertical fiss- San ; Hareethaki ures and transverse cracks, flaking Distribution : Southern dry mixed off in irregular thick flakes. Leaves deciduous forests. simple, opposite or subopposite. Soil requirements : Slightly elliptic-oblong, acute, 15-30 x 3.5-7 loam soils. well drained having good cm. with a pair of stalked glands on amount of humus. the lower surface on either side of

62 the midrib. Flowers small, yellowish, long flakes Leaves simple, opposite. in axillary and terminal panicles. elliptic or obovate, mucronate, basally Fruit 5-winged. 3-5 ribbed. 3-6 x 3-3 5 cm Flowers Properties : Decoction of bark is white solitary or in axillary cymes astringent, diuretic and cardiotonic. Fruit purple, crowned by the per- Uses : Decoction of bark is sistent calyx taken against diarrhoea and applied Uses The fruit is used in Malaya locally to ulcers. as a medicine against diarrhoea Terminalia paniculata Roth Mal : Maruthu, Pullamaruthu cumini (Linn ) Skeels Distribution : West coast semi- Syn, S. jambolanum DC. evergreen, Moist teak bearing, Sou- Mal . Njara, Njaval, Perinjara thern moist mixed deciduous and San , Mahajambu Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Sandy loam, Distribution I West coast tropi- strongly acidic soils. medium in cal evergreen and West coast semi- potash. high in phosphate and orga- evergreen forests. nic carbon. Soil requirements : Loamy sand, Description : A medium sized slightly acidic soils with impeded to large deciduous tree: bark dark drainage. low in potash, phosphate brown becoming rough in old trees. and organic carbon. Leaves simple, subopposite, elliptic Description : A large evergreen or elliptic-oblong, acute or acuminate tree; bark grey or greyish brown. at apex, rounded at base, 7-15 x 4-6 Leaves simple. subopposite, elliptic, cm, glands present on the lower sur- lanceolate. lateral nerves unites to face near the base. Flowers small, form intramarginal nerves, 5-12 x 3-6 yellowish, in slender spikes forming cm. Flowers white, slightly fragrant, compound panicles. Fruit 3-winged. in panicled cymes. Fruit purplish one larger than the other two. black. fleshy, oblong or globose, Properties : Bnrk is diuretic and 1.5-2 cm in diameter cardiotonic. Properties ' Bark is astringent Uses : Juice of the fresh flowers and anthelmintic. Juice of ripe fruit is used as a remedy in cholera and is stomachic. carminative and diure- opium poisoning. tic. It strengthens gums and teeth. Uses : Bark is used in the treat- ment of diabetes. diarrhoea, dysen- Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk. tery, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma Mal : Koratta and biliousness. Juice of leaves also Distribution : Southern montane is given fur dysentery. Fruit is an wet scrub, Southern montane wet useful astringent in bilious diarrhoea temperate forests. and a gaod lotion for ring worm on Description : A large shrub; bark the head. Seeds are used against reddish brown. peeling off in thin diabetes. Syzygium caryophyllatum(Linn.)Alston terminal panicled cymes. Fruit hemi- Sy n . Eugenia caryoph yllaea Wight spherical, purple, crowned by the Mal : Njara persistent calyx lobes. San : Kshudrajdmbu. Hrsvajambu Uses : Decoction of bark is used Distribution : West coast semi- to treat biliousness and syphilis. evergreen forests. mostly seen along the banks of streams. Lecythidaceae Soil requirements : Medium aci- dic soils with high moisture retenti- Barringtonia acutangula (Linn.)Gaertn. vity. Mal : Attupazhu, Nirpezhu Description : A small tree; bark San : Samudraphala, Vidula grey,smooth. Leaves simple. oppo- Distribution : Southern moist site, obovate, obtuse or emarginate. mixed deciduous and West coast lateral nerves unites to form intramar- semievergreen forests, mostly seen ginal nerves, 3-5 x 2-4 cm. Flowers along the banks of streams and rivers. white, in corymbose cymes. Fruit Soil requirements : Clayey soils glose. black. fleshy. with impeded drainage. strongly aci- Properties . Tender leaves im- dic. medium in potash and high in prove appetite, roots and leaves phosphate. purify blood. Description : A small to medium Uses : Bark is used as a remedy sized tree; bark dark brown, rough. in diarrhoea. impure blood and Leaves simple. crowded at the tip of phlegm. Leaves are applied to ulcers hranc h I e t s , oblanceolate, crenate - in the genital organs. Decoction of serrate, 6-15 x 2.5-7.5 cm. Flowers leaves is used in acidity. Root is pink. in large terminal penndulous given to stop vomiting and root bark racemes. Fruit bluntly 4-angled. is beneficial in anemia. Properties : Leaves and roots are used as tonic. Fruit is astringent. Syzygium hemisphericum (Walp.) vulnerary, alexipharmic. galactagogue Alston and antheimintic. Seed is emetic and Syn. Jambosa hermispherica expectorant. Root is cooling, aperient Walp. and emetic, and pcssess properties Distribution : West coast tropical similar to cinchona (Ahmed, 1969). evergreen forests. Uses : Leaf juice is given in Soil reqirements : Loamy soils. diarrhoea. Fruit is used in the treat- loose, slightly acidic. medium in ment of biliousness, diseases of the potash, low in phosphate and high in blood, bronchitis, sore eye. headache. organic carbon. hallucinations, gleet and syphiiis.

Description ' A large evergreen Powdered seed is used as snuff in tree. Leaves simple. opposite. elliptic headache. or ovate-lanceolate. acuminate, 10-1 6 x 5-8 cm. lateral nerves unite at the Careya arborea Roxb. margin to form intramarginal nerves. Mal : Pezhu Flowers creamy white, in axillary and San : Kadabhee

64 Distribution : Southern moist pharyngitis and aphthae and as lotion mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing for scabies and ulcers. Leaves are and Laterite thorn forests. used in the treatment of diarrhoea Soil requirements : Sandy loam and dysentery, Leaves and flowers soils with good drainage, slightly are given as astringent in leucorrhoea acidic, high in potash and organic and chronic diarrhoea in Indo-china. carbon and low in phosphate. Description : Small to medium Memecylon angustifolium Wight sized tree; bark dark grey, flaking off Mal : Attukanila in thin narrow strips. Leaves simple, Distribution : West coast tropical clustered at the end of branchleta, evergreen and West coast semiever- obovate or oblong, obtuse or shortly green forests. acuminate, crenate. 12-30 x 7-15 cm; Soil requiremerits : Loamy sand. leafbase usually decurrent on the slightly acidic soils with good drai- petiole. Flowers yellowish white, in nage. terminal spikes. Berry globose, 5-7 Description,: A large shrub to a cm in diameter, crowned by the per- small tree. Leaves simple. opposite, sistent calyx lobes and style. linear-larrceolate. obtuse at apex. Properties : Bark is antipyretic secondary nerves not prominent. up and antipruritic in eruptive fevers. to 7x1.2 cm. Flowers small, purplish Bark, flowers and fruits are astringent blue. in subumbellate cymes. Berry and demulcent. globose, black purple, about 0.5 cm in diameter. Melastomaceae Properties : Bark is used as a tonic and refrigerant. Melastoma malabathricum Linn. Mal : Kadali, Kalampetti Memecylon umbellatum Burm. f. Distribution : West coast tropical M. edule Roxb. evergreen, West coast semievergreen Mal ' Kaasavu, Kayampu and Southern montane wet scrub Distribution : Occasional in the forests. West coast semievergreen forests. Soil requirements : Clayey soils Mostly grown in villages. with impeded drainage, strongly aci- Description : A large shrub to a dic with low potash and phosphate small tree; bark thin, light brown. contents. Leavessimple, opposite. ovate- lan- Description : A large shrub. ceolate, lateral nerves obscure. Flow young parts densely covered with ers small. blue, in axillary or extra brown scales. Leaves simple. oppo- axillary cymes. Fruit black. purple. site, elliptic. or elliptic-lanceolate, 0.6 cm in diameter. 3-5 ribbed, 5-10 x 1.5-3.5 cm. Flow- Properties : Leaves are cooling ers purple, in few flowered terminal and astringent. corymbose panicles. Uses : Leavesare given internally Uses : A decoction of bark is in leucorrnoea and gonorrhoea. It is prescribed as a gargle in catarrhal used as a lotion in conjuctivities. A

65 decoction of the root is useful in ex- Properties : Bark and leaves are cessive menstrual discharges. purgative. Seeds are narcotic Root is astringent, stimulant and febrifuge. Osbeckia parvifolia Arn. Uses : Fruit is used as a local Syn. 0. cupularis D. Don ex application for apthae of the mouth. Wight & Arn. Mal : Cherukadali Onagraceae Distribution : Southern montane wet scrub and Southern montane wet Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven grassla-ids. ssp. sessiliflora (Michj. Raven Soil requirements : Marshy aieas; S yn. Jussiaea suffruticosa Linn. favours sandy loam soils, medium Mal : Kattukarayampu acidic. low in potash and phosphate San : Bhulavanga and high in organic carbon. : in ail forest types, Description : A small herb. Distribution seen along the sides streams. Leaves simple, opposite ovate or of Description : An erect hairy elliptic-ovate, acute, 3-ribbed. up to undershrub. Leaves simple. alternate. 4 x 2 cm. Flowers white or pink in lanceolare, acure, 5-7 x 1.5 cm. capitate heads. Fruit ovate-oblong, Flowers yellow. solitary axillary obscurely ribbed. Fruit 2.5-4 cm long, 8-ribbed. pube- Uses : Whole plant is pounded scent, seeds numerous minute. and applied to swellings. Properties : A decoction of the Lythraceae plant is vermifuge and purgative. Root is antipyretic. Lagerstroemia rcginae R oxb. Uses : Plant is considered use- Syn. Lspeciosa (Linn.) Pers. ful in the treatment of dysentery L. flos-rginae Retz. Mal : Chemmaru . Manimaruthu Passifloraceae Distribution Mostly seen along the river banks in west coast semi- Adenia hondala (Gaertn.) de Wilde evergreen. Moist teak bearing and Syn. A. palmata Engl. Myristica swamp forests. Mal: Muthakku, Karimuthakku Soil requirements : Sandy loam Distribution : West coast tropi- soils with impeded drainage, slightly cal evergreen and West coast semi- acidic. low in potash and phosphate evergreen forests. and high in organic carbon. Soil requirements : Silty clay Description . A medium to large loam with poor drainage. strongly deciduous tree. often buttressed; bark. acidic with high potash phosphate smooth, greyish-yellow or pale and organic carbon. brown, peels off in thin irregular Description : A large tendril strips. Leaves simple, cpposite or bearing climber with tuberous roots; sub-opposite, ovate. lanceolate, roun- stem thickened at the modes. Leaves ded at base, about 15x8 cm. Flowers simple alrernarc, palmately 3-5lobed pink, in showy terminal panicles rarely undivided. glandular in the sinuses. Flowers greenish yellow, in Uses: Plant Is used in the treat- axillary cymes. Fruit a capsule. about ment of bitious attack and fevers with 5 cm long; seeds many. flatulence. Pounded leaves are app- Properties : Tubers are galacta- lied to inflammation. gogue; improve memory and strength. Uses: Juice of leaves and Mukia maderaspatana (Linn.) Roem. roots is used externally for skin dis- Syn. Melothria maderaspatana eases. Flowers are used against bili- (Linn.) Cogn. ousness. Tubers are used as a reme- Mal : Mukkalpeerarn dy in rheumatism. biliousness, burn- Distribution : Southern moist ing sensation, tuberculosis and steri- mixed deciduous and Southern dry lity. mixed deciduous forests. Also seen in forest plantations. Passiflora foetida Linn. Description : A scabrous tendril Mal : Chadayan. Poochappazham bearing climbing herb. Leaves simple. Distribution . Sean in forest pla- alternate, variable in shape. entire or ntations. 5-angled, 2.5-10x 2.5-8 cm. Flowers Description : A slender tendril small, yellow, in axillary fascicles. bearing climbing herb. Leaves alter- Fruit a berry, red when ripe. nate, simple, lobed. basally 3-5 ner- Properties : Tender shoots and ved. Flowers white. axillary. solitary. leaves are aperient. A decoction Fruit a berry, orange-yellow, about of seeds is sudorific. 1.5 cm in diameter. surrounded by Uses : Tender shoots and leavas the persistent pectinate calyx. are used against vertigo and bilious- Properties : Leaf is an emmena- ness. Decoction of seeds is applied gogue. Fruit is emetic. to aching body, especially on strained backs. A decoction of the root is Cucurbitaceae used in the treatment of flatulence and toothache. Diplocyclos palmatus (Linn.)C. Jeffrey Syn. Bryonopsis laciniosa non (Linn.) Nand. Solena heterophylla Lour. Mal : Neyunni. Sivavalli Syn. Melothria heterophylla

Distribution ' Seen in forest Cogn. plantations and also in the open areas Mal : Njerinjampuli in forests. San : Amlavethasa Description : A slender scaberu- Distribution . Southern moist lous tendril bearing climbing herb mixed deciduous. Moist teak bearing with a thick root stock. Leaves sim- and Southern dry mixed deciduous ple. deeply palmately lobed. Flowers forests. small in axillary fascicles. Fruit a Description : A slender rendri I berry, red with white vertical lines, bearing climbing herb with perenniai about 1.2 cm in diameter. root stock. Leaves simple, very vari- Properties : Plant is bitter, aperi- able, cordate, ovate or 3-5 lobed ent. It is also used as a tonic. Flowers yellow, in axillary clsuters.

67 Fruit ribbed, oblong, red, often strip- Ilary, solitary. Fruit ovoid, fusiform, ed with yellow, up to 6 cm long. scarlet or orange when ripe, up to Properties : Seeds are purgative. 7 cm long. Uses: Leaf juice is applied to Properties : Plant is a general inflammation caused by marking nut. and cardiac tonic, alterative, anti- Root juice is used as a remedy for pyretic and febrifuge. A decoction of spermatorrhoea. leaf and stem is an emrnenagogue. Leaf juice is emetic and root juice is Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour. cathartic.Fruit is bitter and laxative. Syn. T. palmata Roxb. Seeds are antifebrile. anthelmintic Mal : Kakkathonti. Valiyakattu- and stomachic. vellari Uses : Plant is used against Distribution : West coast tropical intestinal worms. A decoction of evergreen and West coast semiever- stem and leaves is given for bilious green forests. disorders and skin diseases. Description : A large woody cli- mber with tendrils. Leaves simple. Zanonia indica Linn. deeply palmalely lobed, very vari- Distribution : Southern moist able. Male flowers white, in racemes mixed deciduous and West coast with large conspicuous bracts. Female semievergreen forests in North Kerala. Flowers solitary, white. Fruit a large, Description : A stout climbing globose berry, red. orange-streaked. shrub with tendrils. Leaves simple, Properties : Fruit is cathartic, alternate. ovate-cordate, acute at hydragogue. carminative. purgative apex. 12-18 x 7.5-9 cm. Flowers and abortifacient. The seeds are dioecious. very small. in pendulous emetic and purgative. racemes. Fruit elongate-cylindric. Uses : Fruit is used against oph- clavate. truncate at apex, about 10 thalmia, leprosy. asthma. hemicrania cm long. and rheumatism. Properties : Plant is a febrifuge. Fruit is acrid. aperient, and cathartic. Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. Uses : Leaves are used to reduce Mal : Kaippan-padavalam, Kattu- inflammation. antispasmodic afflict- padavalam ions and nervous irritation caused by San: Padola boils. Fruit is beneficial in asthma Distribution : Occasional in Sou- and cough. thern moist mixed deciduous and Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. Datiscaceae Mostly seen in scrub jungles. Description : 4 slender tendril Tetrameles nudiflora R. Br. bearing herb. Leaves deeply and Mal : Cheeni usually acutely lobed, denticulate. Distribution : West coast semi- 5-12 cm long. about as broad as evergreen, West coast tropical ever- long. Maie flowers in 8-15 flowered ‘green, Moist teak bearing and Sou- axillary racemes. Female flowers axi- thern moist mixed deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Variety of Aizoaceae soils, favours loamy soils with good drainage, slightly acidic and medium Mollugo pentaphylla Linn. in organic carbon. Syn. M. stricta Linn. Description : A large deciduous Mal : Parpadakappullu buttressed tree; bark greyish white Distribution : Southern dry mix- with transverse wrinkles and lenti- ed deciduous forests and Scrub jun- cels. Leaves simple, crowded at the gles. tip of branchlets, broadly ovate, acu- Soil requirements : Variety of minate. cordate at base. serrate, 7.5- soils: favours slightly acidic soils 15 cm in each way. Flowers small. with low organic carbon. yellowish-green, mate in panicles. Description : A small, erect, female in pendulous racemes. Fruit slender herb with quadrangular bran - an urceolate capsule crowned by the ches. Leaves simple, whorld at the persistent calyx. about 0 6 cm long. nodes, 1-2.5 cm long. Flowers small, Properties : Bark is laxative and white, in terminal coryrnbose cymes. diuretic. Properties : Plant is stomachic, Uses : Decoction of bark is used aperient and antiseptic. Infusion of against rheumatism. odema and the plant is emmenagogue. Leaves asci tes. are bitter and antiperiodic

Umbelliferae Cactaceae Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawler) Ha- Syn. Hydrocot yle asiattca Li nn. worth Mal : Kudakan. Kudangal. Mal : Chattuka Kalli. Nagamulla Muthil Distribution : Southern dry mixed San : Mandookaparni deciduous forests and Scrub jungles. Distribution : Seen along the Soil requirements : Clay loam sides of water courses in forest plant- soils, slightly acidic, medium in ations. potash and organic carbon and high Soil requirements : Sandy loam in phosphate. soils, medium acidic, low in potash Description : A shrub with joint- and phosphate and high in organic ed, flatened, fleshy stem, with clusters carbon. of sharp spines. Leaves absent, Flo- Description : A prostrate herb. wers yellow, large. rooting at the nodes. Leaves simple. Properties 1 Latex of the plant is orbicular-cordate, crenate. up to 5 cm purgative. Fruit is refrigerant. in diameter. long petioled. Flowers Uses : Leaf juice is applied to small, reddish in axillary few flowered the eyes in cases of ophthalmia. It umbels. hastens the 'suppuration of boils. Properties : Plant is a general Fruit is used against whooping tonic. Continuous usa improves phy- cough. sical strength, digestive power, com-

69 plexion. voice, intellectual faculties 0.2-1.2 cm in diameter. Flowers and memory power. small, white, in slender umbels. Uses : The juice of the leaves Properties : Plant juice is emetic, may be taken as a tonic. It is used vermifuge and diuretic. against diseases of the skin. nerves Uses: Plant is used against and blood and epilepsy. Leaves are rheumatism, pulmonary and digest- used as a poultice and have marked ive troubles, and skin diseases. In stimulating and healing action. An Assam the leaves are applied to boils ointment prepared from the leaves is for suppuration. In China the leaves used in case of elephantiasis, enlarge- are chewed in case of liver com- ment of scortum and affactions of the plaints. cellular tissue. Pimpinella heyneana Wall. Hydrocotyle javanica Thu mb. Distribution : In grasslands and Distribution : West coast tropical West coast tropical evergreen forests evergreen and Southern hilltop tropi- above 800 m elevation. cal evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Loamv sand. Soil requirements : Variety of medium acidic. soils along the slopes, soils. loose and slightly acidic. low in potash and phosphate and Description : A prostrate herb. high in organic carbon. rooting at the nodes. Leaves simple, Description : An erect annual orbicular cordate. 7-9 lobed, 2.5-8 herb. Leaves 3-foliolate; leaflets cm in diameter, long petioled. Flow- ovate. serrate. sometimes lateral leaf- ers white, small, in compound um- lets deeply divided. Flowers small, bels. white. in compound umbels. Fruit Properties : Plant is a cooling glabrous. ovoid. didymous. tonic, alterative arid diuretic. It is Properties : Root is febsifuge. reported to be insecticidal. Uses : Leaves are used as a Alangiaceae, blood purifier. They are also used against nervousness, indigestion and Alangium salvifolium (Linn. f.) Wang dysentery. Mal : Ankolam, Azhinjil, lrinjil San : Ankola Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lamk. Distribution : Southern moist Syn. H. rotundifolia Roxb. ex DC. mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed Distribution : Southern montane decidious and Laterite thorn forests. wet temperate forests and Southern Soil requirements : Loamy and, montane wet scrub jungles. medium acidic soils with low potash Soil requirements : Loose. clay and phosphate contents. loamy, strongly acidic soils. Description : A small deciduous. Description : A small prostrate often spinescent tree: bark yellowish herb. rooting at the nodes. Leaves grey. Leaves simple, alternate. elli- simple , orbi cu Iar - corda te , 7- lo bed, ptic-lanceolate: basally 3-5 ribbed.

70 5-15 x 1.5-5 cm. Flowers white, in is used as a gargle in cases of aph- axillary fascicles. Fruit a globose thae and stomatitis. purplish red berry; 1 -seeded. Properties : Fruit is cooling and Borresia articularis (Linn. f.) F. N nutritive. Root is laxative and anthel- Will. mi nt ic . Syn. B. hispida K. Schum. Uses : Leaves are used as a Mal . Tharuthaval poultice in rheumatic pains. Root Distribution : Southern dry mix- bark is recommended for fever and ed deciduous forests and Scrub jun- gles. skin diseases. Soil requirements : Sandy loam soils with good drainage. slightly Rubiaceae acidic, low in organic carbon. Description : A small herb. Lea- Anthocephalus chinensis (Lamk.) Rich. ves simple, opposite. subsessile. ex Walp. oblong or elliptic, scabrid, 1-2.5 x Syn. A. indicus A. Rich. 0.8-2 cm; stipules with long bristles. A. cadamba Miy. Flowers pink, in axillary clusters. Ma1 : Attuvanchi. Atruthekku. Seeds brown, finely granulate, 0.3- Kadampu 0.4 cm long. (Plate X. Fig. 1) San : Kulsithanga Properties : Seeds are stimulant. Distribution : West coast semi- Decoction of the root is alterative. evergreen forests, rnostiy seen along the banks of streams. Canthium dicocum (Gaertn.) Teys. & Soil requirements ; Clayey soils Binn. with impeded drainage, medium aci-. Syn. C. didymum Gaertn. dic, medium in potash and low in Ma1 Irumparappi Distribution : Southern moist phosphate. Description : A large deciduous mixed deciduous, and Southern dry tree with spreading horizonral bran- mixed deciduous forests. ches: bark brownish grey with sha- Soil requirements : Variety of llow vertical fissures. Leaves simple, soils; favours loamy soils, loose, slig- htly acidic. opposite, ovate-oblong. up to 30 cm Description : A small evergreen long and 12 cm broad. pubescent tree; bark smooth. dark grey. Leaves below. Flowers small. yellow, in simple, opposite, ovate, acuminate. showy globose heads. 4-11 x 2-5 cm. Flowers white. in axi- Properties : Bark is tonic, febri- llary corymbs. Fruit a globose drupe, fuge, astringent, aphrodisiac. galacta- black, about 0.8 cm long. gogue, vulnerary and alexiteric. The Uses , Bark is recommended tor new sprouts of the plants are stoma- fever. chic and aphrodisiac. Uses : Bark Is used to treat Catunaregam spinosa (Thumb.) Tirv - uterine complaints and biliousness. engadum The sprouts are used against leprosy Syn. Xeromphis spinosa (Thumb.) and dysentery. Decoction of leaves Keay

71 Randia dumetorum Lamk. Description : A small deciduous Mal : Kara, Malankara tree with numerous thick stout, some- San : Madana times leafbearing thorns; bark bluish Distribution : Southern moist grey, smooth. Leaves simple, oppo- mixed deciduous and Southern dry site, oblong or semiorbicular, obtuse, mixed deciduous forests. pubescent below. 7.5-10 x 2.5-5 cm. Soil requirements : Variety of Flowers yellowish, axillary, solitary soils; favours loamy soils with good or in clusters. Fruit a berry, 5-7.5 cm drainage and slightly acidic. long; seeds many, embeded in pulp. Description : A large shrub with Uses : A preparation of root is axillary spines. Leaves simple, oppo- given to children in case of indiges- site, obovate, obtuse or acute, about tion. 2.5 cm long; stipules ovate-acumi- nate. Flowers creamy yellow, solitary Chassalia ophioxyloides (Wall.) Craib or 2-3 at the ends of short lateral Syn. C. curviflora Thw. branchlets. Fruit globose or ovoid, Mal : Vellakurinji yellow, 2.5-4 cm long; seeds many, Distribution : West coast tropical embedded in gelatinous pulp. evergreen, West coast semievergreen Properties : Bark is astringent. forests. Pulp of the fruit is anthelmintic, Soil requirements : Clay loam abortifacient, aphrodisiac, carmi- with impeded drainage, strongly aci- native, alexiteric and antipyretic. dic and high in organic carbon. Fruit is antispasmodic and sedative. Description : An undershrub. Uses : Bark is externally applied Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic, as an anodyne in rheumatism. Leaves oblanceolate or obovate. acute or are used against pulmonary infect- acuminate.10-15 x 4-7.5 cm. Flowers ions. Pulp of the fruit is applied to pinkish white, with an yellow tinge the tongue and palate for incidental at the mouth of the corolla, in termi- ailments of children during teething. nal cymes. Fruit a berry, black, about It is also used to treat ulcers, leprosy 0.8 cm in diameter. and skin diseases. Uses : Leaves and root are app- lied externally to wounds and ulcers. A decoction of root is used to treat Ceriscoides turgida (Roxb.) Tirven- rheumatism, pneumonia. ear and eye gadum diseases and sore throat. Syn. Gardenia turgida Roxb. G. montana Roxb. Geophila repens (Linn.) I. M. Johnston Mal : Malankara Syn. G. reniformis D. Don Distribution : Southern dry mixed Distribution : West coast semi- deciduous and Laterite thorn forests, evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Variety of Description : A small prostrate soils. It is a characteristic tree of poor herb, rooting at the nodes. Leaves dry sandy areas, dry rocky hill sides, orbicular. deeply cordate, 1-3.5 cm laterite and stiff clay soils. in diameter. Flowers white, terminal,

72 solitary or in 2-3 flowered umbels. Soil requirements : Variety of Fruit a berry, globose. red when ripe, soils with drainage. It frequent the crowned by the calyx lobes, 6-8 mm loamy soils along streams. in diameter. Description : A large deciduous Properties : Root is emetic, dia- tree with thick branchlets; bark grey- phoretic and expectorant. i sh brown, thick, soft. Leaves simple, Uses : Root is used in the treat- opposite, broadly ovate, acute or ment of amoebic dysentery acuminate, 12-25 x 10-20 cm. Flo- wers greenish, in cylindrical racemes forming large pendulous panicles. Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsd. Fruit a capsule, elliptic, about 2 cm Syn. Ao'ina cordifolia (Roxb.) long; seeds winged. Hook.f. ex Brandis Mal : Manjakadambu Properties : Inner bark is astri- San : Dharakadamba ngent, antiperiodic and febrifuge. Uses : Bark increases taste and Distribution : Southern moist appetite and cures all kinds of tum- mixed deciduous, Moist teak bear- ours. ing and West coast semievergreen forests. Soil requirements : Sandy loam lxora arborea Rox. ex Sm. soils with good drainage, medium Syn. l parviflora Vahl acidic. Distribution : West coast tropi- Description : A large deciduous cal evergreen and West coast semi- tree; bark grey, Leaves simple, oppo- evergreen forests. site , orb ic u Iar -cordate , ac um i na te, Soil requirements : Loamy sand pubescent beneath, 10-28 cm in dia- slightly acidic soils, loose, medium meter. Flowers yellow, in globose in potash, and low in phosphate. heads. Description : A small evergreen Properties : Bark is febrifuge, tree. Leaves simple,opposite, obovate, antiseptic, tonic, vulnerary and aphro- oblong or elliptic, 7.5-12 x 5-7.5 cm. disiac. Root is astringent. Flowers pink, in dense cymes arran- Uses : Plant juice is used to kill ged in terminal panicles. Fruits glo- worms in sores. Bark cures infla- bose, black, about 0.6 cm in diameter. mmations, biliousness and diseases Uses : Fruits and roots are given of the blood and skin. when the the urine is highly coloured.

Hymenodictyon orixense (Roxb.) Ma- Ixora coccinea Linn. bberley Mal : Chethi, Thechi, Thetti Syn. H. excelsum (Roxb.) Wall. San ; Paranti Mal : Malankalli, Neechankada- Distribution : Laterite thorn for- mbu, Perintholi ests and Southern dry mixed decid- Distribution : Southern moist uous forests. mixed deciduous and Moist teak Soil requirements : Variety of bearing forests. soils, usually in sandy loam.

73 Description : A shrub. Leaves ate to truncate, 5-12 x 2.5-7 cm. simple, opposite, oblong, sessile or Flowers yellowish, in globose heads. shortly peduncled corymbiform cymes. Uses : Bark is applied for mus- Fruit purple, globose. cular pains. Bark and roots are given Properties : Leaves, flowers and in cases of fever and colic. roots are astringent, antiseptic, cho- lagogue and sedative (Mooss, 1978) Morinda coreia Buch.-Ham. Syn. M. tinctoria Roxb. Uses : Leaves, flowers and roots are highly beneficial in skin diseases. Mal : Manjanathi Distribution : Southern dry mixed itch and boils; also effective in ery- deciduous forests. sipelas and burning sensation. Water Soil requirements : Sandy loam, boiled with the leaves is an effective well drained loose soils. wash in skin diseases, itch and pain- Description : Small to medium ful boils. Oil prepared with the sized tree; bark corky, pale brown, flowers is used for external applicat- deeply cracked. Leaves simple, oppo- ion in itch and skin eruptions. Flo- wer buds are used in the treatment site, elliptic-lanceolate, acute, of conjunctivitis and redness of the 10-15 x 5-7 cm. Flowers white. in eyes. The root is said to be effective globose heads. Fruit a syncarpium, in dysentery, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, about 2 cm in diameter. hiccough and nausea. An infusion Properties : Leaves and fruits are or decoction of the roots is used as deobstruent and emmenagogue (Dey, a gargle in sore throat. A decoction 1973). Root is an astringent. of the root is effective against a Uses: Leaves are used in medi- particular variety of leprosy (Mooss, cines for heart diseases. The tunic 1 978). 'Arjunaarishta' is prepared with the leaves (Joseph, 1977). Root is used Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. as a cure to boils. Syn. Stephegyne parvifolia Roxb. Mal : Neerkadampu, Veempu Morinda umbellata Linn. Distribution : Southern moist Mal : Kudalchurukki mixed deciduous and West coast Distribution : West coast semi- semievergreen forests. evergreen, Southern moist mixed Soil requirements : In the slope; deciduous and ; Southern dry mixed favours slightly acidic soils with low deciduous forests. potash and phosphate and high Soil requirements : Silty loam, organic carbon. loose soils with good drainage slig- Description : A large deciduous htly acidic, high in potash, phosphate tree. stem fluted or sometimes buttre- and organic carbon. ssed; bark brownish or greenish grey, Description : A diffused climbing smooth, flaking off in small scales. shrub with milky latex. Leaves sim- Leaves simple, opposite, orbicular, ple, opposite, elliptic-lanceolate, oblong, ovate or obovate. base cune- membraneous, 8-1 3 x 2.5-4 cm. Flo-

74 wers small, white, in many branched 6 5-8 cm. Flowers orange yellow in terminal umbels. terminal lax cymes; one of the sepals Uses : A decoction of leaves is enlarged into a white leafy structure. recommended for diarrhoea and Properties : Flowers are diuretic. dysentery. A decoction of root expels phlegm and it is a cooling agent. Mussaenda glabrata (Hook.f.) Hutch. Uses : Decoction of stem is used ex Gamble as a remedy for cough. Flowers are Mal : Vellila given against ague, flatulence,asthma San : Sreeparni and cough. They are externally app- Distribution : Southern moist lied to clean foul ulcers and to cure mixed deciduous and West coast skin eruptions. Fruit and leaves are semievergreen forests. applied in cases of dimness of the Soil requirements : Variety of eyes. A decoction of root is given soils, favours slightly acidic soils against aphthae and white leprosy. with medium organic carbon. Description : A climbing shrub Ophiorrhiza mungos Linn. with nearly glabrous branchlets. Lea- Mal : Avilpori ves simple, opposite, broadly ovate, Distribution : West coast tropi - acuminate, 8-1 3 x 7-9 cm. Flowers cal evergreen and Southern hill-top yellow, in terminal cymes. One of the tropical evergreen forests. sepals enlarged into a white leafy Soil requirements : Loamy, loose, structure strongly acidic soils, high in organic Properties : Flowers are diuretic. carbon, Uses : Flowers are given against Description : A herbaceous asthma, Intermittent fevers and dro- undershrub. Leaves simple, opposite, psy. Roots are used to treat white elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate, acumi- leprosy. nate at apex, attenuate at base, 8-1 3 x 3-6 cm. Flowers white, in subum- Mussaenda laxa (Hook.f.) Hutch. ex bellate cymes. Fruit a small obcordate Gamble capsule. Syn. M. frondosa Linn. var. laxa Properties : Root is bitter, tonic, Hook. f. anthelmintic and alexipharmic. Mal : Vellila Distribution : Southern moist Pavetta indica Linn. mixed deciduous and West coast Mal : Pavatta semievergreen forests. Distribution : Southern moist Soil requirements : Variety of mixed deciduous and Moist teak soils; favours slightly acidic soils with bearing forests. good drainage, medium in organic Soil requirements : Variety of carbon. soils, favours medium acidic soils, Descripton : A climbing shrub, low in organic carbon. branchlets softly hairy. Leaves simple, Description : A large shrub to a opposite, ovate-acuminate, 6-10 x small tree: branchlets pale brown,

75 subquadrangular, thick. Leaves sim- Soil requirements : Loamy, loose, ple, opposite, elliptic or obovate, strongly acidic soils. very variable in shape. Flowers white, Description : A large shrub. in showy terminal corymbose cymes. Leaves simple, opposite, oblong- Properties : Root is bitter and lanceolate, acute, 7-15 x 2-6 cm, aperient. s h in i ng st ipu les triangular - ovate, Uses : Leaves are used for fom- Flowers white, in terminal corymbose enting haemorrhoidal pains. Root is cymes. Fruit a small globose berry. prescribed in visceral obstructions Uses : Leaves are used to treat and dropsy. skin diseases.

Xeromphis uliginosa (Retz.) DC. Rubia cordifolia Linn. Syn. Randia uliginosa (Retz.) Mal : Manchatti DC. San : Manjishta Mal : Kara. Pannikkara, Punam- Distribution : West coast semi- kara. evergreen and Southern hill-top Distribution : Southern moist tropical evergreen forests at elevations mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed above 500 m. deciduous and Laterite thorn forests. Description: A climbing scabrous Soil requirements : Sandy loam herb. Leaves simple, in whorls of 4, soils with good drainage, slightly ovate -corda te, basally 5-7 ribbed, acidic and medium in organic carbon. long petioled. Flowers very small, Description : A small thorny, greenish white, in axillary and ter- deciduous tree; bark reddish brown, minal cymes. (Plate X, Fig. 2) scaly; branchlets often terminate in Properties ; Root is tonic, alter- short thorns. Leaves simple. opposite, ative, astringent, alexiteric, anti- obovate or oblanceolate, obtuse or dysenteric , anti pyret ic, an a I gesi c and sometimes acuminate, pubescent anthelmintic. It improves the voice beneath, 5-10 x 2-5 cm. Flowers and complexion. It is known to have white, soiitary at the ends of suppres- anticancerous activity (Anon, 1980). sed branches. Fruit ovoid, smooth, Uses : Leaves cure biliousness. crowned by the persistent calyx, Fruit cures diseases of the spleen. 5-6 cm long; seeds numerous, Root is used to treat diseases of the embeded in the pulp. uterus, leucoderma, erysipelas, u Icers, Properties : Unripe fruit is astrin- urinary discharges, jaundice and gent. Root is diuretic and haematinic. piles. Uses : Fruits and roots are used as a remedy in dysentery and dia- Tarenna asiatica (Linn.) 0 Ktze. ex rrhoea. Schum. Syn. Webera corymbosa Willd. Va leria naceae Chomelia asiatica 0.Ktze. Mal Kattuchethi Valeriana arnottiana Wight Distribution : West coast tropical Distribution : Southern montane evergreen forests. wet grasslands.

76 Soil requirements : Loamy sand, Soil requirements : Loamy sand. medium acidic soils. strongly acidic soils, and poorly dra- Description : A tall herb with ined. stout rootstock. Leaves 4-8 cm long, Description : A tall pubescent unequally pinnate; leaflets 5-9, the herb. Leaves pinnate; leaflets 7 or lowest pair alternate, the others more, ovate, usually crenate-dentate. opposite, all coarsely dentate. Flowers small, white, in corymbose Flowers small, white, in terminal cymes. Fruit ribbed and hairy. panicles. Fruit with pappus hairs. Uses : The drug 'indian Valerian' (Plate X. Fig. 4) is extracted from the roots (Yogana- Properties : The drug 'Indian rasimhan. 1978.) Valerian' is extracted from the plant. It is an insect repellant. The drug Valeriana leschenaultii DC. yields a derivative which is useful Distribu tion : Southern hiI I- top as a tranquilizer (Yoganarasimhan, tropical evergreen, Southern montane 1 978). wet scrub and Southern montane wet Uses : It is prescribed as a grasslands. remedy for hysteria, hypocondriasis, Description : A large perennial nervous unrest and emotional troubles herb. Leaves usually simple, some- (Yoganarasimhan. 1978), time one or two small leaflets below the end one, radical leaves ovate, acute, truncate or cordate at base; Valeriana beddomei C I. long petioled. Flowers small, pink, Distribution : Southern montane in terminal corynibose cymes. wet scrub and Southern montane wet Properties : Root is stimulant, grasslands. carminative and anti-spasmodic. Soil requirements : Loamy sand Uses : Root is used to treat strongly acidic soils with poor hysteria. epilepsy, cholera and drainage. neurosis. Description : A herb with thick roots. Leaves 10-25 cm long, pinnate; Compositae leaflets many, narrow, linear. the end one ovate, entire or dentate, glabrous, Ageratum conyzoides Linn. or softly pubescent. Flowers small, Mal : Appa in terminal corymbose cymes. (Plate San : Pishamushti X, Fig. 3) Distribution : Mostly seen in Uses : The drug Indian forest plantations and open areas in Valerian' is extracted from the roots moist forests. (Yoganarasimhan. 1978). Soil requirements : Sandy loam soils, well drained medium acidic, Valeriana hookeriana Wight & Arn. low in potash and phosphate and Distribution : Southern montane high in organic carbon. wet scrub and Southern montane wet Description : A softly hairy grasslands. annual herb. Leaves simple, opposite,

77 ovate, crenate, 5-7 x 2.5-9 cm. Flow- Distribution : Southern moist ers small, bluish-white, in corymbose mixed deciduous forests. Also seen heads. in forest plantations. Prcperties : Leaves are styptic Soil requirements : Sandy loam and it is said to prevent tetanus. Root soils in theslopes with good drainage, juice is antilythic. strongly acidic, low in potash and Uses : Leaves are applied to cuts phosphate. and sores. A cold decoction of the Description : A large glandular root is used as a lotion in purulent pubescent herb with a strong odour ophthalmia. It is used to treat of turpentine. Leaves elliptic-oblong rheumatism also. or obovate, obtuse or subacute often incised or lyrate, pubescent, Artemisia nilagirica (CI.) Pamp. 3.5-7 x 2-6 cm. Flowers yellow, Syn. A. vulgaris auct. non Linn. arranged in small heads in short Mal : Thirunithripacha axillary cymes and terminal panicles. Distribution : Southern montane Properties : Plant is bitter and wet scrub forests. Also seen along antipyretic. Juice of the leaves is the sides of road cuttings in forests anthelmintic, astringent, febrifuge; and plantations above 800 m stimulant and diuretic. elevation. Uses : Root is used in the treat- Soil requirements : In the slopes ment of Cholera. having good drainage, favours loose soil, medium in potash, phosphate Elephantopus scaber Linn. and organic carbon. Mal : Anachuvadi Description: A shrub, strongly Distribution : Southern moist scented. Leaves alternate, lower mixed deciduous and Southern dry leaves ovate in outline, deeply mixed deciduous forests. pinnatisect, pubescent above and Soil requirements : Sandy clay white tomentose beneath; upper most loam soils with good drainage, stron- trifid or entire. Flowers small, gly acidic, medium in potash and low greenish white, in small heads in phosphate. arranged in panicles. Description : A stiff herb. Leaves Properties : Plant is emmena- simple, radica l, o bovate- ob lo ng , gogue. anthelmintic, antiseptic, sto- rounded or subacute, coarsely serrate- machic, deobstruent, antispasmodic dentate, sparsely hairy on both sur- and alterative. Root has tonic and faces, base tapering into an obscure antiseptic properties. petiole, 10-20 x 3.5-6 cm. Flowers Uses : Infusion of leaves and violet, in small heads on long flowering twigs is administered in peduncle. nervous and spasmodic affections, Properties : Plant is astringent, in asthma and diseases of the brain. cardiac tonic, alterative, febrifuge, antipyretic and alexipharmic. A deco- BIumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC. ction of leaves and root is emollient. Mal : Venapacha Flowers are aphrodisiac and expecto- San : Kukkuradru rant. Uses : Plant is used in the treat- Flowers pale yellow, in heads arrang- ment of diseases of blood. A decoc- ed in corymbs. tion of leaves and roots is used to Uses : Extract of the fresh stem treat dysu ria, diarrhoea, dysentery is used as a preventive in hydropho- and swelling or pain in the stomach. bia (Chopra et a/., 1956). Bruised leaves are applied to ulcers and eczema. Flowers cure biliousness Siegesbeckia orientalis Linn. and liver troubles. Root is given to Distribution : Southern montane arrest vomiting. wet scrubs. Soil requirements : Clay loam, Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.) DC strongly acidic soils Mal : Muyalchevi Description : A larqe annual San : Sasasruthi pubescent herb. Leaves simple, oppo- Distribution : Seen in forest site, ovate acute or acuminate, 5-9 x plantations. 2.7-6 cm. Flowers yellow, in heads, Soil requirements Variety of the outer involucre with large iviscous soils, favours sandy loam, slightly glandular hairs. acidic soils with good drainage. Properties : Plant is depurative, Description : An erect or diffuse sialagogue, anthelmintic and cardio- slender herb. Leaves simple, very tonic. variable, lyrate or obovate. toothed Uses : Plant is used in the treat- or entire; the cauline more or less ment of urethral diseases, skin dis- amplexicaul and auricled. Flowers eases, ulcers and sores. purplish, in heads arranged in lax corymbs Spilanthes calva DC. Properties : Decoction of plant Syn S. acmella auct non (Linn.) is a febrifuge. Murr Uses : Decoction of the plant is Mal : kuppamanjal given against tympanites and bowel Distribution : Mostly seen along complaints. Leaf juice used to is the water courses in forest plantat. treat eye inflammation and night- ions and along road cuttings in blindness Roots are recommended forests. for diarrhoea. The juice the plant of Soil requirements : Variety of boiled with equal quantity of coco- soils in moist areas. nut oil is applied on the head against Description : Annual herb root- tonsiiitis. A paste prepared from the ing at the nodes. Leaves simple. plant is applied over the throat opposite, ovate, crenate, 2-3 5 x 1-2 Notonia grandiflora DC. cm. Flowers yellow, in axillary and Distribution Southern dry terminal heads. Achenes compound, mixed deciduous and Laterite thorn ciliate on the margins. forests. Properties : Plant is a powerful Description : A succulent shrub. mosquito larvicide . Leaves simple, obovate or elliptic- Uses : Flowers are used to re- lanceolate, fleshy, 5-10 x 2.5-6 cm. lieve toothache. Seeds are chewed to produce salivation when the mouth Distribution : Southern moist is dry. mixed deciduous forests. Also seen in forest plantations. Taraxacum officinale Weber. Soil requirements : Sandy soils, Distribution : Introduced, grows slightly acidic with medium potash wild in forest plantations at Munnar. and high phosphate contents. Soil requirements : Clay loam Description : An erect annual soils at high elevations with imeded herb. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate drainage slightly acidic, medium in or lanceolate, the margin undulately potash, high in phosphate and orga- toothed, veryvariable in size Flowers nic carbon. pink or lilac in small heads, arranged Description : A herb with thick in panicles. root stock and milky latex. Leaves Properties : Plant is diaphore- radical, pinnatinsect, margins spines- tic. Seeds are anthelmintic and alexi- cent Flowers yellow, on long pedun- pha rmic. cled solitary heads Uses : A decoction of plant is Properries : Root is diuretic, used to promote perspiration in and aperient. It is also used as a febrile conditions, as a remedy for tonic. spasm of the bladder and strangury. Uses : Leaves are used for Plant juice is given to cure piles. fomentation. Root is used as a Root recommended for dropsy and remedy for chronic disorders of flowers are administered for conjucti- kidney and liver. vities.

Tricholepis glaberrima DC. Wedelia ehinensis (Osb ) Merr. Distribution : West coast semi- Syn. W. calendulacea Less. evergreen forests. Mal : Manjakruinji Soil requirements : Loamy soils San : Peethabhringaraja with good drainage, medium acidic Distribution : Southern moist and high in organic carbon. mixed deciduous forests. Description : An erect glabrous Soil requirements : Variety of herb with angular stem. Leaves sim- soils, favours sandy loam, slightly ple, opposite, linear-oblong, shortly acidic soils with good drainage and auricled, sessile, 2.5-6 x 0.3-0.6 cm. medium organic carbon. Flowers purple, in terminal heads. Description : A procumbent Properties : Plant is consider- perennial herb, stem rooting at the ed as nervine tonic and aphrodisiac. nodes. Leaves simple, opposite. Uses : Plant is used in the linear-oblong or oblanceolate, sub- treatment of leucoderma, skin dis- sessile, entire or crenate, 2.5-7 x 1-3 eases and seminal debility. cm. Flowers yellow, in solitary, slen- der, long peduncled heads. Vernonia cinerea (Linn.) Less. Properties : A decoction of the Mal : Poovaankurunthal plant is used as deobstruent. Leaves San : Sahadevi are alterative and are used as a tonic.

80 Uses : Decoction of the plant Uses : Leaves are used to cure is given in uterine haemorrhage and biliousness and diseases of blood, menorrhagia. Leaves are used to treat heart and uterus. cough, cephalalgia and skin diseases. Ericaceae Lobeliaceae Lobelia leschenaultiana (Presl.) Scotsb. Gaultheria fragrantissima Wal I. Syn. L. excelsa Lesch. Distribution : Southern montane Mal : Kattupukayila wet scrub and Southern montane wet Distribution : Southern montane temperate forests. wet scrub and Southern montane wet Soil requirements : Clay loam grasslands. soils strongly acidic, low in potash Soil requirements : Clay loam and phosphate and high in organic strongly acidic soils with impeded carbon. drainage, low in potash and phosphate Description : A shrub. Leaves and high in organic carbon. simple, alternate, oblong, acute, cre- Description : A large, usually nate, coriaceous, 7-12 x 3-6 cm. biennial herb, stem hollow. Leaves Flowers white or yellowish, in axil- simple, crowded, linear-oblong, lary. racemes. (Plate XI, Fig. 1) serrate, softy hairy, thick. Flowers Properties : Oil from leaves is pale yellow, tinged with purple, in aromatic, stimulant, carminative and dense terminal spike. ant isept ic. Properties : Latex of the plant is Uses : Oil from leaves is used as extremely acrid. a flavouring agent especially for den- Uses : Leaves are smoked in the tifrices. It is used to treat rheuma- same way as tobacco. tism and neuralgia.

Lobelia nicotianaefolia Roth ex Roem. Rhododendron arboreum Sm. &Schult. Syn. R. nilagiricum Zenk. Mal : Kattupukayila Mal : Kattupoovarasu Dirtributton : Frequently seen in Distributicn : Southern montane forest clearings at altitudes above wet temperate forests. 800 m in all forest types. Soil requirements : Clay loam Soil requirements : Variety of soils with impeded drainage, favours soils with good drainage. strongly acidic, low in potash and Description : A large perennial phosphate and high in organic carbon. herb with hollow stem. Leaves sim- Description : A small tree, bark ple, crowded, linear-oblong, margin reddish-brown, about 2 cm thick, toothed, nearly glabrous. Flowers peels off in small flakes. Leaves white, tinged with lilac, in large simple, crowded at the tips of bran- term ina I racemes. chlets, elliptic-oblong, coriaceous, Poperties: Leaves are stomachic glabrous above, densely pubescent and diuretic. An infusion of leaves below, 7-12 x 4-6 cm. Flowers dark is antispasmodic. crimson, in showly terminal fascicles.

81 Uses : Young leaves are crushed Soil reqiiirements : Clay loam and applied to forehead for headache. soils, poorly drained. strongly acidic Flowers are used in the treatment of and high in organic carbon. dysentery (Santapau & Henry,1973). Description : A large shrub to a small tree, bark brown, smooth Plum bagi nacea e Leaves simple, alternate, crowded at the tips of branchlets, obovate or Plumbago zeylanica Linn. oblanceolate, acute or acuminate. Mal : Veluthakoduveli attenuate at base, 8-20 x 4-6 cm. San : Swethachithraka Flowers pink, in axillary and extra Distribution : Southern dry mixed axillary umbellate racemes on about deciduous and Laterite thorn forests. 5 cm long peduncles. Fruit a berry, Soil requirements : Sandy loam, black, about 0.7 cm in diameter. slightly acidic soils well drained, low '(Plate XI. Fig 3). in organic carbon. Properties : Plant is credited with Description : A perennial under- carminative and stimulant properties shrub. Leaves simple, alternate; Root is a febrifuge ovate, subacute, 3-7.5 x 2-3.5 cm, Uses : Roots are used to treat petiole amplexicaul at base and diarrhoea and rheumatism . dialated into stipule like auricles, Flowers white, in elongated spikes; Embelia ribes Burm. f. calyx glandular pubescent, Mal : Vizhal Properties : Said to possess San : Krimighna properties similar to those Plumbago Distribution : West coast tropical indica, but appears to be milder in evergreen and Southern hill-top action. Plumbagin, isolated from tropical evergreen forests. the plant is found to exhibit anti- Description : A large scandent cancer, antibacterial and antifungal shrub; bark dark brown, lenticellate. activities (Krishnaswamy and Puru- shothaman 1980). Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic or Uses : This is commonly used elliptic-oblong, acute, 5-7.5 x 2-3.5 for Citrakah by the physicians of cm. Flowers very small, white, in North India. In Kerala, however, tarminal panicled racemes. Fruit P. zeylanica is sparingly used, and globose, 0.3-0.4 cm in diameter, that too only as a substitute for black when ripe. (Plate XI, Fig 2) P. indica, whenever that is not avail- Properties : Dried fruit is sto- able (Mooss, 1978). machic, anthelmintic, astringent. alterative and tonic. Fruits have anti- Myrsinaceae fertility activity (Arora, et al., 1971). Aquous extract of the fruit show Ardisia solanacea Roxb. antibacterial activity against Staphy- Distribution : West coast semi- lococcus auretus and . evergreen and West coast tropical Uses : Fruits are used against evergreen forests, above 500 m fevers, bronchitis, and diseases of elevation. chest and skin. Infusion of roots is

82 given in cases of cough and diar- Properties : Fruits are anthelmin- rhoea. tic In Kerala for 'Krmighna' the Uses : Root is recommended for fruits of Embelia tsjeriam-cottam syph i Iis. are used. Sa potaceae Embelia tsjeriam-cottam (Roem. & Schult.) DC. Distribution : Southern dry mixed Madhuca longifolia, (Koenig) Mc Bride deciduous and Southern moist mixed Syn. Bassia longifolia Koenig deciduous forests. Mal : Nattilippa Soil requirements : Variety of San : Madhukam soils. favours loamy, slightly acidic Distribution : West coast tropi- soils. cal evergreen and Southern hill-top Description : A large shrub to a tropical evergreen forests. small tree; bark brown, horizontally Soil requirements : Variety of cracked. Leaves simple, alternate, soils, prefers sandy soils, elliptic-obovate, entire or sometimes Description : A large tree; bark slightly dentate. 5-11 x 2.5-5 cm smooth. dark yellowish grey, exudes Flowers small, greenish. white, in a milky exudation when cut. Leaves axillary and extra-axillary racemes. simple, crowded at the end of bran- Fruit black. globose, 0.3-0.4 cm in chlets, linear-lanceolate or oblanceo- diameter. late, 7.5-12 5 x 3.5-5 cm. Flowers Properties : Fruit is antispas- white, in axillary fascicles of 2-8. modic. carminative and anthelmintic. Fruit a berry. ellipsoid, about 4 cm Uses : Fruit is used to treat piles. long. Dried bark of the root is used against Properties : Bark decoction is toothache. used as an astringent and emollient. Flowers are laxative. stimulant and Maesa indica (Roxb.) DC. anthelmintic. Syn. M. perrottetiana DC. Uses : Bark decoction and oil Mal : Kireethi from seeds arc good for skin diseases. Distribution : Southern montane Gummy juice is used to treat rheu- wet scrub forests. Also frequently matism. seen in forest clearings above 500 m elevations. Soil requirements : Loose clay Madhuca neriifolia (Moon) Lam loam. strongly acidic soils. Syn. Bassia malabarica Bedd. Description : A shrub to a small Mal : Attilippa, Kattilippa tree. Leaves simple, ovate-oblong Distribution : West coast tropical or elliptic-lanceolate, actue or acu- evergreen forests, mostly seen along minate, serrate. 7-15 x 3,5-7 cm. the river banks. Flowers small. white, in axillary Soil requirements : Occurs in racemes. Fruit a small berry, creamy loamy, poorly drained, slightly acidic white. soils.

83 Description : A medium sized used against biliousness, consumpt- tree; bark dark brown. Leaves simple, ion, hallucination and leprosy. crowded at the tips of branchlets, linear-oblong or oblanceolate, acute Mimusops elengi Linn. or obtuse, 7.5-25x 2.5-6 cm. Flowers Mal : llanji yellowish white, in clusters of 4-10, San ; Bakula axillary or from the scars of fallen Distribution : West coast tropical leaves. Fruit ellipsoid, about 2.5 cm evergreen and West coast semiever- long. green forests. Properties : Flowers are cooling Soil requirements : In the slope; and nutritive. favours sandy loam, poorly drained, medium acidic soil with low potash Uses: Flowers are used in the and phosphate and high organic treatment of kidney complaints. Fruits carbon. are recommended in cases of rheu- Description : A large evergreen matism, biliousness, consumption tree; bark dark grey with shallow ver- asthma and worm trouble. Oil from tical fissures. Leaves simple, alternate, seeds is used to treat rheumatism and elliptic-oblong, shortly acuminate, for improved growth of hair. very glossy, 5-10 x 3-5 cm. Flowers white, fragrant, in axillary clusters of Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Hubard 2-6. Berry ovoid, yellow, about 2.5 S y n . Mimusops hexan dra ox b . cm long. ((Plate XI, Fig. 4) Mal : Pazhamunpala Properties : Bark is astringent, Distribution : Dry evergreen for- alexipharmic, and anthelmintic. cool- ests. ing and diuretic. It is not easily dig- Soil requirements ; Variety of estible. The flowers and fruits are soils from pure sand to clayey loam, astringent and sweet (Mooss. 1978). best growth is obtained in deep sandy Uses : A decoction of the bark loam and on soils overlying lime- forms a good gargle in odontalgia, stone. inflamrnation of the alvioli as also in excess salivation (Mooss, 1978). Description ; A small tree; bark Pulp of the ripe fruit is used against blackish grey with conical protuber- dysente y. ances, exudes a milky latex when cut Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic- Ebenaceae obovate, emarginate, 5-10 x 4-5 cm. Flowers pale yellow, axillary, solitary Diospyros candolleana Wight or in fascicles of 2-6. Berry reddish Mal : Karimaram yellow, ellipsoid. 1.3 cm long. Distribution : West coast tropi- Properties : Bark is astringent, cal evergreen forests. demulcent, emollient and alterative. Soil requirements Variety of Fruit is an aphrodisiac. Bark and fruit soils from pure denuded soils on hill have tonic properties. slopes to deep soils in moist valleys; Uses : Leaf extract is given good growth is obtained in loamy against vaginal discharges. Fruit is soils with dominant clay fractions.

84 Descriprion : A medium sized lanceolate, obtusely acuminate. tree; bark smooth greenish-black. 7.5-18 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers greenish Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic- white; male in few flowered axillary oblong, shortly acuminate; the lateral pedunculate cymes with conspicuous nerves inconspicuous, 7-17 x 3.5-7 bracts; female solitary. Fruit ovoid, cm. Flowers pale yellow, male in 2.5-4 cm long, green, densely dense fascicles; female 1-5, in sessle tomentose. axillary or extra axillary clusters. Uses : Powdered bark is used in Fruit ovoid, pointed, 2 cm long, the treatment of rheumatism and green. ulcers. Powdered fruits are applied Uses : Decoction of the root to burns. Decoction of the fruit is bark is given in rheumatism and swe- given in gonorrhoea to purify blood llings and in biliousness. Diospyros peregrina (Gaertn.) Gurke. Diospyros montana Roxb. Mal : Malayakathi Syn. D. embryopteris Pers. Distribution : West coast semi- Mal : Panachi evergreen forests. San : Athimukthaka. Virala soil requirements : Variety of Distribution : Seen along the river banks and sides back waters. soils, loam medium acidic, high in of organic carbon. Commonly found in clayey soils. Description : A small to medium Description : A medium sized sized tree; bark thin, grey or greyish evergreen tree; bark dark grey, black. Leaves simple, alternate, smooth. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate or elliptic, obtuse or subacute oblong, obtuse or subacute at apex, at apex, pubescent when young, 12-20 x 5-7.5 cm. Flowers pale 2.5-7 x 1-2.5 cm. Flowers white; yellow; male in axillary cymes; female male in axillary cymes; female soli- solitary. Fruit globose, 3.5-7 cm in tary. Fruit globose, apiculate, 2-3.5 diameter, yellowish red. cm in diameter, reddish yellow. Properties : Bark and fruits are Poperties : Fruit is poisonous astringent. Unripe fruit is acrid, Uses : Fruit is applied externaliy bitter and oleaginous. to boils. Uses : Infusion of fruits is used as gargle in aphthae and sore throat. Diospyros paniculata Dalz. Fruit juice is used as an application Mal : Karivella for wounds and ulcers. Oil of The Distribution : West coast tropical seeds is given in diarrhoea & dysent- ery. evergreen and West coast semiever- green forests. Diospyros toposia Ham. Soil requirements : Slightly acidic Distribution : West coast tropi- sandy loam soils with good drainage. cal evergreen forests in South Kerala. Description : A medium sized Soil requirements : Loamy soi Is tree; bark black, rough. Leaves with good drainage, medium acidic, simple, alternate, oblong or oblong- high in organic carbon.

85 Description : A large evergreen Oleaceae tree; bark thick. black or dark greyish brown. Leaves simple, alternate, Jasminum angustifolium Vahl ovate or ovate-lanceolate, rounded at Mal : Kattumallika both ends, 10-20 x 3.5-7.5 cm. Flaw- San : Vanamallika, Asphota ers pale yellow; male in axillary few Distribution : Southern moist flowered pedunculate cymes; female mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing solitary. Fruit ovoid, 2.5-5 cm in dia- and West coast semievergreen for ests. meter, green scurfy pubescent. Soil requirements : Variety of Uses : Gum exuded from the soils with good drainage. freshly cut trees is used as a remedy Description : Climbing shrub. far toothache. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate, acute, rounded at base, 2-3 5 x 1-2 cm. Symplocaceae Flowers white, tinged with purple in 1-3 flowered cymes. corolla lobes Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) lanceolate. acuminate, slightly fra- S. Moore ssp. laurina (Retz.) Nooteb. grant. Syn. S. spicata Roxb. Properties : Root is bitter. Uses : Root is applied externally Mal : Pachotti San : Lodhra in cases of ringworm. Distribution : West coast tropical Jasminum bignoniaceum Wall. ex DC. evergreen forests. Syn. J. humile Linn. Soil requirements : Variety of Mal : Manjakurumozhi soils with good drainage. San : Hemapushpika Description : A small tree; bark Distribution : Southern montane light grey, thin. Leaves simple, alter- wet scrub and Southern montane wet nate, ovate-lanceolate, narrowed at temperate forests. the base, obtuse or shortly acuminate, Soil requirements : Clay loam irregularly toothed or entire, glabrous soils with impeded drainage. strongly and shining, 7.5-14 x 2.5-5 cm. acidic, high in organic carbon Ftowers small, white, in compound Description : An erect shrub with axillary spikes. Fruit globose, faintly angular branches. Leaves alternate, ribbed, 0.5 cm in diameter. (Plate imparipinnate; leaflets small, 5-1 5, Xll, Fig. 2) ovate, acute, cuspidate. Flowers Properties : Bark is cooling, yellow, rather large, in short few flo- astringent and alexiteric. The flowers wered cymes, opposite to the leaves. are pungent, acrid, cooling and astr- Fruit black, globosa. ingent. Properties : Flowers are astring- Uses : Bark is used against me- ent. They act as a tonic to the heart norrhagia, bowel complaints, eye dis- and bowels. eases and ulcers. A decoction of the Uses : Milky juice of the plant bark is used as a gargle for giving is used far removing the unhealthy firmness to spongy and bleeding lining walls of chronic sinuses and gums. fistulas.

86 Jasminum ritchiei CI. Uses : Leaves are used as a Distribution : West coast tropi- remedy in asthma, cough, rheu- cal evergreen forests. matism and nervous complaints. Soil requirements : Variety of soils;favours slightly acidic soils with Olea dioica Roxb. high organic carbon content. Mal : Edana, Vidana Description : A much branched Distribution : West coast semi- climbing shrub Leaves simple, evergreen, Southern moist mixed opposite. elliptic, acuminate, cuneate deciduous and Moist teak bearing at base, 3.5-10 x 2-4 5 cm, glabrous forests. above and hairy on the nerves below. Flowers white, in 3-9 flowered Soil requirements : Sandy medi- cymes, corolla lobes linear, acute. um acidic soils, with low potash, Uses : Leaves are used against phosphate and organic carbon toothache Flowers are used in the contents. treatment of piles. Description : A small to medium sized tree; bark brown, rough. Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic or ovate- Jasminum rottlerianum Wall. ex DC. lanceolate. tapering at the base, Mal : Vellakattumulla remotely toothed or entire, 10-20 x Distribution : West coast tropical 5-10 cm. Flowers dioecious, small, evergreen forests. white, in divaricate axillary panicles. Description : A scandent fulvous Fruit an ovoid drupe, about 1 cm hairy shrub. Leaves simple, opposite, long. elliptic, acute or acuminate, base Properties : Bark is a febrifuge. usually rounded, 4-10 x 2.5-4 cm, pubescent below. Flowers white. in terminal dense cymes. Olea glandulifera Wall. Uses : Leaves are recommended Distribution : Southern montane in case of eczema. wet temperate forests. Soil requirements : Loamy sand, Myxopyrum smilacifolium B I. medium acidic soils, low in potash Syn : M. serratulum A. W. Hill and phosphate and high in organic Mal : Chathuravalli. Chathura- carbon. mulla Description : A small to medium Distribution : West coast tropical sized tree; bark grey. Leaves simple, evergreen and West coast semi- opposite, rhomboid lanceolate,elliptic evergreen forests. or ovate, acuminate. cuneate at base, Description : A large climbing up to 10 x 5 cm. glandular in the shrub with angular branches. Leaves nerve axils. Flowers white, corolla opposite. lanceolate. acuminate, ser- deeply lobed, in axillary and terminal rulate, 12-20 cm long. Flowers panicles. Fruit a drupe, ovoid. small, yellowish. in trichotomous Properties : Bark and leaves are panicles. (Plate XII, Fig. 3) astringent and antiperiodic.

87 A pocynaceae Uses: Ripe fruit is used in the treatment of syphilis, insanity and Alstonia scholaris (Linn.) R. Br. epilepsy. Mal : Ezhilampala, Pala San : Sapthachada Anodendron paniculatum (Roxb.) DC. Distribution : Southern moist Distributon : Southern moist mixed deciduous and Moist teak mixed deciduous and West coast bearing forests. semievergreen forests. Soil requirements : Variety of Description : A very large soils with good drainage. climbing shrub: bark brown, thick, Description : A medium sized to smooth. Leaves simple, opposite, large tree; bark greyish brown, rough, elliptic or oblong, shortly acuminate, lenticellate; exudes a milky latex rounded at base, glabrous and shin- when cut. Leaves simple, in whorls ing, 8.5-15 x 3.5-6.5 cm. Flowers of 5-10, obovate or elliptic-oblong, small, yellow. in large terminal and obtuse or sometimes acute, 10-20 x axillary paniculate cymes. Fruit terete, 3.5-6 cm. Flowers greenish white, narrowed from the base, 10-15 cm in terminal capitate cymes. Fruits long. cylindric, pendulous, 25-60 cm long Properties : Root is emetic and and 3 mm in diameter. expectorant. Properties : Bark acts as a bitter Uses : Root is prescribed in case tonic, alterative and febrifuge in of amoebic dysentery. malaria. Uses: Bark is used in the treat- Carissa spinarum Linn. ment of diarrhoea, dysentery, liver Mal : Cherumulchedi, Mulli complaints, skin diseases and rheu- Distribution : Southern dry mixed matic pains. Milky juice is applied deciduous forests and Scrub jungles. to ulcers. Soil requirements : Loamy sand slightly acidic soils, well drained, Alstonia venenata R. Br. usually along the slopes, low in Mal : Theeppala potash and phosphate and medium in Distribution : Southern moist organic carbon. mixed deciduous and Southern dry Description : A suberect or mixed deciduous forest at elevations prostrate spinescent shrub, spines about 500 m. very sharp, often bifurcated. Leaves Description : A large shrub; bark simple, opposite, elliptic, acute or light brown, thin. Leaves simple, in obtuse, mucronate, acute at base whorls of 3-6, oblong-lanceolate, 2.5-4 x 1-2 cm. Flowers white, some- acuminate, cuneate at base, 10-20 x times tinged with pink, in few flow- 2-4 cm. Flowers white, in subum- ered corymbose cymes, usually ter- bellate, pedunculate cymes. Fruit minal. Fruit a berry, subglobose. 0.6 falcately curved, tapering at both cm in diameter, dark purple. ends, 7-12 x 1 cm. Properties : Fruit is stomachic, Properties : Ripe fruit acts as a antiscorbutic, refrigerant and diges- tonic, antiperiodic and anthelmintic. tive. 88 Uses : Root is used for making smooth. Leaves simple, opposite, purgatives. Ground root is applied in ovate-oblong or elliptic, acute or worm-infested sores of animals. The acuminate. 8-15 x 5-8 cm. Flowers root roughly ground and mixed with creamy white, in termninal corymbose water drives away snakes by its smell. cymes. Fruits narrow, long pendulous It is said that snakes avoid any plot follicles, seeds many, linear-oblong, or ground surrounded by a hedge of about 1 cm long, tipped with brown this plant. hairs. (Plate XIII, Fig. 1) Properties : The bark is pungent, fragrans (Moon) Alston astringent, cooling and digestive Syn. C. macrophylla G. Don stimulant. The seeds are acrid, bitter, Mal : Appuppanthadi hot in action. easily digestible and Distribution : West coast tropi- digestive stimulant (Mooss, 1978). cal evergreen and West coast semi- evergreen forests. Uses : Bark is used against piles, Description : A large climbing diarrhoea. haemorrhages, indigestion shrub with milky latex. Leaves sim- and skin diseases. A decoction of ple, opposite, suborbicular 12-30 cm the seeds with little honey is very in either way. Flowers large, white, beneficial in diarrhoea and dysentery. fragrant. in erect racemose cymes. This is useful against bleeding piles Fruit a pair follicle, about 25 cm also (Mooss, 1978). long; seeds many with silvery white hairs at the apex. Ichnocarpus frutescens (Linn ) R. Br. Properties : Stem and roots are Mal : Palvalli Yaxative and antibilious. San : Syamalata Uses : Stem and roots are pres- Distribution : Southern moist cribed in cases of rheumatism, impure mixed deciduous and Southern dry blood, chest diseases, leprosy, itches mixed deciduous forests. and fever. Soil requirements : Sandy clay loam soils with good drainage, slight- pubescens (Buch. - Ham.) ly acidic, medium in potash and orga- Wall. ex DC. nic carbon and low in phosphate. Syn. H. antidysenterica (Roth) Wall. ex DC. Description : An extensively H. codaga G. Don branched climbing shrub with slender antidysenterica Grah. rusty villous branches. Leaves Mal : Kudakappala simple, opposite, elliptic or lanceo- San: Kudaja late 4-7 x 2-3.5 cm. Flowers small, Distribution : Southern moist white, in terminal and axillary pani- mixed deciduous and Moist teak culate cymes. (Plate XIII, Fig. 2) bearing forests. Properties : Root acts as an Soil requirements : Sandy soils alterative and tonic. It is said that with good drainage. root has properties similar to Hemi- Description : A small tree with desmus indicus It is diuretic and milky latex; bark greyish brown, diaphoretic.

89 Uses : Leaves are recommended Mal : Kundalappala, Kunnan- in case of fever. Roots are used in pala. the treatment of skin eruptions Distribution : West coast semi- evergreen and Moist deciduous forests. Rauvolfia serpentina (Linn.) Benth. Soil requirements : Sandy clay ex Kurz loam soils with good drainage, Mal : Amalpori, Sarpagandhi slightly acidic with medium potash San : Sarpagandha and low phosphate contents. Distribution : Southern moist Description : A small deciduous mixed deciduous and Moist teak tree; bark grey, exudes a milky latex bearing forests. when cut. Leaves simple, opposite, Soil requirements : Variety of elliptic-oblong or lanceolate, shortly soils, favours clay to clay loam, acuminate, 7-18 x 4-7.5 cm. Flowers strongly acidic soils with plenty of white, in many flowered pedunculate humus, low in phosphate and medium cymes. Fruit a pair of curved, boat- in potash contents. shaped, orange coloured follicles; Description : An undershrub. seeds sorrounded by red pulp. Leaves simple, in whorls of three, Uses : Milky juice is used to lanceolate. acute or acuminate, treat eye diseases. Root is used as 7-17 x 2.5-3.5 cm. Flowers in many local anodyne. flowered corymbose cymes; corolla white, tinged with violet; calyx and Vallaris solanacea (Roth) 0. Ktze. pedicels bright red, especially in Ma1 : Vishappala fruit. (Plate XII. Fig. 4) Distribution : Southern dry mixed Properties : The air dried roots deciduous forests. possess several alkaloids, the most Description : A large woody important being reserpine which has climbing shrub; bark greyish white, a depressant action on the central smooth, exudes a milky latex when nervous system and produces sed- cut. Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic- ation and lowering of blood pressure. lanceolate or oblong -lanceolate, acu- minate, glands often present in the Uses : Root is used as a remedy in painful afflictions of the bowel. axils of lateral veins, 5-10 x 2.5-3.5 cm. Flowers creamy white, fragrant. A decoction of roots is given to in axillary cymes. increase uterine contraction, is administered in case of mild anxiety Uses : Milky juice is applied to and chronic phychosis for its tran- wounds and ulcers (Kirtikar &Basu, quilizing action. 1935; Chopra et al., 1956).

Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. Tabernaemontana heyneana Wa II. ex Mal : Nilappala. Thontappala A DC. Distribution : Southern dry mixed Syn. Ervatamia heyneana (Walt. deciduous and Southern moist mixed ex A. DC.) T. Cooke deciduous forests. Soil requirements : In the slopes Uses : Tincture of leaves is given in sandy loam soils, slightly acidic, in cases of intermittent fevers and low in potash and phosphate and leprosy. It is applied to paralysed medium in organic carbon. parts. swellings and wounds. The Description : A small deciduous juice of the young leaves is often tree; smooth, yellowish grey, exudes recommended to be poured into the a milky latex when cut. Leaves ears in case of ear-ache (Mooss, simple, opposite, elliptic-oblong, 1977). Powdered flowers are used acuminate or caudate, 7.5-15 x 2 5-6 in colds, coughs, asthma and indi- cm. Flowers white, in terminal gestion. Root bark is given against cymes. Fruit of two distinct pendu- dysentery, leprosy, secondary syphilis lous follicles, cohering at the tip; and rheumatism. seeds 1-2 cm long, with a tuft of deciduous hairs at the tips. Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.) Properties : Bark is tonic. Seeds Wight are aphrodisiac. The other medicinal Mal : Vattu valli properties are reported to be the Distribution : Southern moist same as those of Holarrhena pube- mixed deciduous and Southern dry scens . mixed deciduous forests. Description : A twining shrub. Asciepiadaceae Leaves simple, opposite, ovate, cor- date, acuminate at apex, 7.5-12 x Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R. Br. 5-7.5 cm. Flowers small greenish, Mal : Erikku in axillary or sublateral cymes. Fruit San : Arka oblong, bluntly pointed, 7-12 cm. Distribution : Southern dry mixed long. deciduous forests and scrub jungles. Properties : Root bark is chola- Soil requirements : Sandy loam gogue. soils with good drainage; slightly Uses : Leaves are used to cure acidic with low potash, high phos- ulcerous sores. Root bark is useful phate and medium organic carbon in dyspepsia accompanied by fever. contents. Description : A large shrub, with Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) Roem. & milky latex; young parts adpressed s chu It . wooly tomentose. Leaves simple, Mal : Chakkarakolli opposite, obovate or oblong. acute San : Meshasringi, Madhunasini or acuminate, subsessile, 10-20 x Distribution : Southern moist 3.5-10 cm. Flowers purplish or white mixed deciduous forests. in lateral umbellate cymes. Fruits Description : A large climbing oblong, 8-10 cm long; seeds many. shrub with milky latex. Leaves with a tuft of hairs at the tip. simple, opposite, ovate, elliptic, Properties : Root is pungent, hot acute or shortly acuminate. pubescent in action, digestive, stimulant and or subglabrous, 3-5 x 1-3 cm. purgative Root bark is emetic, dia- Flowers yellow. in densely pubescent phoretic and expectorant. cymes. (Plate XIII, fig. 3)

91 Properties : The plant is stoma- Distribution : Southern moist chic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic. mixed deciduous and Southern dry Root is emetic and expectorant. The mixed deciduous forests. leaves of the plant when chewed Description A large glabrous possess the property of suppressing twining shrub with thick roots. Leaves sweet and bitter tastes for a few simple, opposite, ovate-oblong, acu- hours, however sour, astringent and minate, deeply cordate, 7-5-12 x pungent tastes remains unaffected. 5-7.5 cm. Flowers fairly large, pink- Gymnemic acid present in the leaves ish, in few flowered axillary cymes. has been identified as the antisacc- Fruit linear-oblong, 10-15 cm long. harine agent of the leaves (Stocklin. (Plate XIV, Fig. 1) et al., 1967) Properties : The roots are sweet Uses : The plant is said to be cooling. revita Iisi ng, roborant, good useful in cough, biliousness and sore for the voice, not easily digestible, eyes. and good for the eyes (Mooss, 1977). Uses : The roots boiled in milk Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R. Br. is a gooa tonic and also effective as Mal : Narunanti, Nannari an aphrodisiac (Mooss, 1977). The San : Sariba paste made from the roots IS applied Distribution : Southern dry mix- to the eyes in case of ophthalmia and ed deciduous, Laterite thorn forests is used as a remedy for scalding in and Southern moist mixed deciduous gonorrhoea. Root is also useful aga- forests. inst diabetes and spermatorrhoea. Soil requirements : Variety of soils Oxystelma secamone (Linn.) Karst. Description : A slender climbing herb with thickened roots. Leaves Syn. 0. esculentum R. Br. simple, opposite, very variable, usua- Mal : Kinikinippala lly elliptic-lanceolate. Flowers small. Distribution : Southern dry mix- yellowish purple, in axillary subse- ed deciduous forests. ssile cymes. (Plate XIII, Fig. 4) Description . Aglabrous twining Properties : Root is demulcent. herb with milky latex. Leaves simple, alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic and opposite, linear-lanceolate, 2-8 x tonic. 0.3-0.8 cm. Flowers large, pink or Uses : Root is recommended for white, in lateral, 2-4 flowered subum- fever, skin diseases, leucorrhoea, bellate cymes. Fruit ovate-lanceolate. syphilis and rheumatism. 3.5-6 cm long. Uses : Decoction of the plant is Holostemma adakodien Schult. used as a gargle in aphthous ulcerat- Syn. H. annulare (Roxb.) ions of mouth and i n sore throat. K. Schum. Latex also is used as a wash for Mal : Adakodien, Adapathiyan ulcers. Root is considered specific San : Jeevanthi for jaundice. Pergularia daemia (Forsk.) Chiov. purlpe, in axillary umbellate cymes. Syn. P. extensa N. E. Br. (Plate XIV, Fig. 3) Daemia extensa R. Br. Properties : Leaves are emetic, Mal : Velipparuthi diaphoretic and expectorant. San : Kurudaka Distribution : Southern dry mix- Tylophora tenuissima (Roxb. ex ed deciduous forests and scrub jun- Shult.) Wight & Arn. gles. Syn. T. tenuis BI. Soil requirements : Sandy soils Distribution : Southern moist with good drainage, slightly acidic, mixed deciduous, West coast semi- high potash and phosphate contents. evergreen and West coast tropical Description : A slender, bad evergreen forests. smelling , pubescent c I imber with Description : A slender twining, milky latex. Leaves simple, opposite, glabrous herb. Leaves simple, oppo- suborbicular-cordate, acuminate, pub- site, ovate, elliptic or oblong, obtuse escent beneath, 5-10 x 3.5-8 cm. or acute, often apiculate, 2-3 5 x Flowers small, greenish, in lateral 0.8-2 cm. Flowers purplish, small, in cymes. Fruit a pair of reflexed folli- lateral, paniculate cymes. cles, lanceolate, echinate with soft Properties : An infusion of the spines, 5-7 cm long. (Plate XIV, plant is alexipharmic. A decoction is Fig. 2) antidote to argenic poison. Properties : Plant is expectorant Uses : Plant is used as a cure and emetic. for perspiration and urticaria. Uses : Leaf juice is used to cure infantile diarrhoea, asthma and rheu- Wattataka volubilis (Linn. f.) Stapf matic swellings. Fresh leaves are Syn. Dragea volubilis Benth. ex used as a poultice in carbuncle with Hook. f. good effects. Root dark is used as a Marsdenia volubilis T. Cooke purgative. Mal : Vatlakkakkakodi Distribution : Southern moist Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr. mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed Syn. T. asthmatica Wight & Arn. deciduous forests and scrub jungles. Mal : Vallippala Description : A large climbing Distribution : Southern moist shrub, bark greyish yellow. Leaves mixed deciduous, Southern hill-top simple, opposite, broadly ovate, acu- tropical evergreen forests and scrub minate. 5-15 x 4-10 cm. Flowers jungles. green or yellowish green, in lateral Doscription : A twining herb drooping, umbellate cymes. Fruit with many long fleshy roots. Leaves oblong, slightly tapering to a blunt simple, opposite, ovate, elliptic or point, rugosely striate. acuminate, cordate at base. mare or Properties : Tender stalks and less pubescent beneath when young, roots are considered as emetic and 5-10 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers greenish expectorant. Uses : Plant is used in the treat- Strychnos colubrina Linn. ment of cold and eye diseases. Leaves Mal : Cherukanjiravalli are applied to boils and abscesses. Distribution : West coast tro- pical evergreen and West coast semi- evergreen forests. Loganiaceae Soil requirements : Clay loam slightly acidic soils high in potash, Buddleia asiatica Lour. and organic carbon. Distribution : Southern moist Description : A large climbing mixed deciduous and West coast shrub with thickened bifid tendrils. semievergreen forests, above 500 m Leaves simple, opposite, ovate- altitude. elliptic, acute or acuminate, up to Description : A large shrub, 10 x 5 cm. Flowers greenish, in bark thin, grey or greyish brown. cymes, arising from the mature stem. Leaves simple, opposite, lanceolate, Fruit a berry, globose, about 1.5 cm acuminate, glabrous above and white in diameter. tomentose beneath, 6.5-1 2 x 0.8-3 Uses : Fresh leaves are applied cm. Flowers small, white, in terminal to suppurating tumours. Fruit is and axillary spikes. used to treatment of mania. Root is Uses : The plant is used in Phi- given to check diarrhoea, and used lippines for skin diseases and as an as a liniment for pains in the joints. arbortifacient. Roots are also used against intermi- ttent fevers, cutaneous afflictions Strychnos aenea A. W. Hill and pain and swelling from confluent Syn. S. bourdillonii Brandis small pox. Mal : Vallikanjiram Distribution : West coast tropi- Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. cal evergreen and West coast semi- Mal : Kanjrram evergreen forest s. San : Karaskara Soil requirements : Clay loam Distribution : Southern moist soils, slightly acidic, high in potash mixed deciduous Southern dry mixed and phosphate. deciduous and Moist teak bearing Description : A very large climb- forests. ing shrub with tendrils. Leaves sim- Soil requirements : Sandy loam ple, opposite, elliptic or ovate, abru- soils with good drainage, slightly ptly acuminate, basally 3-nerved up acidic. to 12 x 5 cm. Flowers greenish, in Description : A medium sized many flowered terminal cymes. Fruit to large deciduous tree; bark thin, a berry, about 10 cm in diameter; smooth, yellowish or blackish grey, seeds ovoid, flattened, about 2.5 cm covered with minute tubercles. Leaves long. simple, opposite, elliptic or ovate- Uses : Decoction of the root is elliptic, basally 3-nerved, 6-12 x applied in cases of rheumatism ulcers, 5-10 cm. Flowers greenish white, in elephantiasis, fever and epilepsy. terminal cymes. Fruit a berry, orange

94 red 3.5-5 cm in diameter seeds 3-4 Gentianaceae flattened, greyish white. Properties : Seeds are nervine Canscora diffusa (Vahl) R. Br. tonic and stimulant. In excess doses Mal : Jeerakappullu it is a virulent poison. producing Distribution : Southern moist tetanic convulsions. It is a remedy mixed deciduous and West coast in narcotic poisoning and against the semievergreen forests. effects of chronic alcoholism. Description : A slender herb with Uses : Bark is used against 4-angled stem. Leaves simple, oppo- ulcers, skin eruptions and epilepsy. site, lower elliptic, petioled; upper Wood is used to cure dysentery, ovate-lanceolate, sessile, small. Flo- fevers and dyspepsia. Leaves are wers small, pink, in lax terminal applied as a poultice to wounds dichotomous cymes forming panicles. and ulcers. Seeds are given in cases Properties : Plant is a nervine of colic. tonic. It is used as a substitute for Canscora, decussata. Strychnos potatorum Linn f. Mal : Thettamparal, Thettamaram Exacum bicolor Roxb. San : Kadaka Distribution : Southern montane Distribution : Southern dry mixed wet grasslands deciduous forests. Soil requirements . Silty loam, Soil requirements : Sandy loam, medium acidic soils, in potash, slightly acidic soils, well drained, low medium in phosphate and high in medium in potash, phosphate and organic carbon. organic carbon Description : An erect herb. Description : A small tree; bark Leaves simple, opposite, ovate brownish black. corky, branchlets or oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, lenticellate with swollen nodes. Lea- 5-ribbed, up to 10 x 15 cm Flowers ves simple. opposite, ovate or ovate- blue and white, in terminal cymes. lanceolate, basally 3-5 nerved, 5-10 x 3 5-7 cm Flowers white, in short Properties : Plant is tonic and stomachic axillary cymes. Fruit about 2 cm in diameter, containing 1 or 2 pale yellow circular compressed seeds Swertia angustifolia Buch -Ham. var. (Plate XIV, Fig 4) pulchella Burkil Properteis Plant IS alexiteric Syn. S. affinis CI. and anthelmintic. It increases appe- Distribution : Southern montane tite. Seeds are emetic wet scrub and Southern montane Uses : Seeds are used as a local wet grasslands application in eye diseases. They are Soil requirements : Clay loam, given as an emetic in dysentery and loose, strongly acidic soils. used against diabetes. The seeds are Description : An erect herb used to clear muddy water. Roots are reaching up to 1 m in height. Leaves used in the treatment of all kinds of simple, opposite, lanceolate. or leucoderma. linear-lanceolate up to 7.5 x 1.2 cm.

95 Flowers white, with blue spots, in long, seeds embeded in sticky muci- terminal corymbose panicles. alge. Properties : Plant is bitter, stom- Properties : Bark is astringent. achic, febrifuge and laxative, It is Fruit is astringent, anthelmintic, also used as a tonic. diuretic, demulcent and expectorant. Uses : Bark is used in the treat- Swertia corymbosa (Griseb.) Wight ment of gripe, dyspepsia and wers. ex CI. A paste of leaves is a good applicat- Distribution : Southern montane ion of heal ulcers. Fruit is used in the wet scrub and Southern montane wet treatment of diseases of lungs, spleen grasslands. and urinary tracts. Soil requirements : Clay loam, loose, strongly acidic soils. Cordia wallichii G. Don Description : An erect herb. Lea- Mal : Viri ves simple, opposite, elliptic. or spa- Distribution : Southern moist thulate or linear-oblong, obtuse up mixed deciduous forests. to 3.5 x 1-2 cm. Flowers white or pale Soil requirements : Sandy loam blue, in terminal corymbose cymes. soils with good drainage, slightly Properties : Plant is bitter, sto- acidic, medium in organic carbon. machic, febrifuge and laxative. It is Description : A medium sized also used as a tonic tree; bark brown, rough with longi- tudinal fissures. Leaves simple, alter- Boraginaceae nate, ovate-orbicular, obtuse or acute at apex, truncate or cordate at base, Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. pubescent beneath, 10-12 cm in Syn. C. myxa Roxb. auct. non either way. Flowers white, in termi- Linn. nal and lateral paniculate cymes. Mal : Cheruviri Fruit an ovoid drupe. Distribution : Occasional in moist Properties : Leaves are aphro- teak bearing and Southern dry mixed disiac. Fruit is an expectorant. demul- deciduous forests. cent and astringent. Soil requirements : Sandy loam Uses : Leaves are used in the soils with good drainage, slightly treatment of gonorrhoea. The ashes acidic, medium in potash and high in of the leaves are used as a wash in phosphate and organic carbon. burning of the eyes. Fruit is used to Description : A medium sized treat bronchial afflictions and irritat- tree with drooping branchlets; bark ion of urinary passages. A decoction grey or brown, with shallow vertical of the root is given as a gargle in fissures. Leaves simple, alternate, stomatitis. broadly ovate or suborbicular, base truncate, or cordate, 3-ribbed at base, Rotula aquatica Lour. 7-12 x 6-11 cm. Flowers white, in Mal : Kaloorvenchi terminal and axillary panicles. Fruit Distribution : Along the banks of yellow or pink, ovoid, 2.5-3.5 cm streams and rivers. Description : A small branching Properties : Leaves are antiphlo- shrub, branches often prostrate. Lea- gestic. ves simple, alternate, spathulate, up Uses : Leaves are used to treat to 2.5 cm long. Flowers small, pur- skin diseases. ple, on short lateral branches. Cuscuta refleta Roxb. Uses : Root is used to treat piles, Mal : Akasavalli, Moodillathali Kidney stones and venereal diseases. Distribution : Southern dry mixed Trichodesma indicum (Linn.) Lehmann deciduous forest and scrub jungles. Distribution : Southern dry mix- Description : An yellow leafless, ed deciduous forests and scrub jun- twining. slender parasitic herb. Flow- gles. ers white. small, in lateral clusters. Soil requirements : Loamy soils Fruit a capsule, depressed globose, in the slopes with good drainage, 0.6-0.8 cm in diameter: seeds 2-4, slightly acidic, low in potash and black. organic carbon and high in phos- Properties . Plant is a purgative. phate. Seeds are carminative, anthelmintic Description : An erect annual and alterative. hispid herb. Leaves simple, ovate or Uses : infusion of the plant is oblong, obtuse or subacute, pubes- used as a wash for sores. The plant cent, sessile, 3 5-10 x 0.5-5 cm. is also useful in the treatrnent of mus- Flowers violet blue, solitary or in few cular pains, headaches, paralysis, flowered leaf opposed cymes. diseases of the spleen, vomiting, Properties : Plant is diuretic. A lumbago, Jaundice and diseases of cold infusion of leaves is considered the eyes and of the heart. Stem is de p u rat ive . recommended in cases of bilious dis- Uses : Plant is used as an emo- orders. llient poultice. Root is applied to Erycibe paniculata Roxb. reduce swellings. particularly of the Mal ; lrumpiathali joints. Distribution : West coast tropical evergreen and West coast semiever- Convolvulaceae green forests. Description : A large scandent Argyreia fulgens Chois. shrub, young branches covered with Distribution : West aoast tropi- reddish brown tomentum. Leaves cal evergreen and West coast semi- simple, alternate. elliptic-oblong or evergreen forests. obovate-oblong, 7.5-12 x 3.5-6 cm. Description : An erect silky Flowers small, white, fragrant in ter- pubescent shrub. Leaves simple, minal pubescent panicles. alternate, elliptic, acuminate. atten- Uses : In Sri Lanka the bark is uate at base. densely white pubescent used against Cholera. beneath, up to 10 x 5 cm. Flowers Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn. dark purple, in axillary cymes. Fruit a Mal : Krishnakranthi, Vishnu- berry. crustaceous, 1.2 cm in dia- kranthi meter. San : Vishnukrantha

97 Distribution : Southern moist Uses : Root is applied to boils mixed deciduous and Southern dry and carbuncles. It is an antidote to mixed deciduous forests. poison. Soil requirements : In the depre- ssions between hillocks on the slo- Merremia umbellata (Linn.) Hallier f. pes; favours sandy loam, medium Syn. Ipomoea cymosa Roem. acidic soils with medium potash and Distribution : Southern moist low phosphate and organic carbon mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing contents. and West coast semievergreen forests; very frequent in forest clearings. Description : A small perennial Soil requirements : In low lying herb with many prostrate silky pube- site subjects to waterlogging in un- scent branches and woody root stock. dulating areas; favours loamy soils, Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic- with poor drainge slightly acidic, oblong, very variable. Flowers light high in potash and medium in phos- blue, axillary, solitary or sometimes phate. in pairs. Description : A slender climbing Properties : Plant is bitter, anti- shrub. Leaves simple, alternate, ovate febrile, antiphlogistic and vermifuge. or oblong-lanceolate, rounded, cor- Plant juice improves memory date or hastate at base. Flowers (Joseph, 1977). white or cream coloured in axillary Uses : Plant is used against dy- subumbellate cymes. Fruit a capsule; sentery. Leaves are smoked in chro- seeds with long spreading hairs. nic bronchitis and asthma. A deco- Uses : Seeds are used in medi- ction of the roots is often administer- cine. ed against intermittent fevers (Mooss, 1977). Physalis peruviana Linn. Mal : Njottanjodien Distribution : Native of America, Ipomoea pes-tigridis Lin n. now frequently seen in forest planta- Mal : Pulichuvadi tions at altitudes above 1000 m. San : Vyaghranakhi Description : A pubescent herb. Distribution : Southern moist Leaves simple, alternate, ovate -acu - mixed deciduous forests minate, cordate at base, often oblique Sot! requirements : Variety of at base, pubescent on both surfaces, soils with good drainage, favours 4-12 x 2-7 cm Flowers solitary, slightly acidic soils high in potash, axillary; corolla yellow with purple phosphate and organic carbon. centre Fruit a berry, enclosed by Description : A slender hairy cli- the enlarged bladder like calyx mber. Leaves alternate, usually deeply Properties : Plant is diuretic. 5-9 lobed; ovate-acuminate, hairy on Uses : Leaf juice is given in cases both surfaces. Flowers white, in axi- of bowel complaints and worms. llary pedunculate heads. Fruit a glo- bose capsule, subtended by the calyx. Solanum indicum Linn . Properties : Root is a purgative. Mal : Cheruchunta, Putharichunta

98 San : Kshudrabrihati cordate at base, lobed, densely stell- Distribution Seen along the ately hairy, spinescent on rhe nerves. road cutting in forests and forest Flowers white, in axillary racemes. plantations. Fruit a berry. densely covered with Soil requirements : Sandy loam yellowish needle like hairs, 2.5-4 cm soils with good drainage, strongly in diameter. acidic, medium in potash and low in Properties : Fruits and roots are phosphate pungent , sedative, improve appetite Description : A much branched and taste. prickly undershrub; prickles large, Uses : Plant is used to treat with flattened base. Leaves simple, diuretic dropsy and gonorrhoea. Lea- alternate, ovate, acute, subentire or ves are recommended for rheumatism. slightly lobed, pubescent and sparsely They are applied locally to relieve pain also. Stem, flowers and fruits prickly on both surfaces, 5-12 x 2.5 - are prescribed for burning of the feet 7.5 cm. Flowers purplish blue, in attended with a vesicular, watery racemose extra-axil lary cymes. Fruit eruption. Bud and flower are used a berry, globose. yellow, 0.8 cm in diameter. in the treatment of watery eyes. Fruit Properties : Fruit are pungent, juice is given against sore throat. and appetising. The roots are also Seeds are used to cure toothache. considered to possess the same Root is recommended for cough, properties (Mooss, 1977). asthma, catarrhal fever, chest pain Uses : A decoction of the roots and vomiting. is useful in asthma, cough, fever and Scrophu lariaceae dyspepsia (Mooss. 1977). Leaves and fruits are rubbed up with sugar Artanema sesamoides Benth. and used as external application for Mal : Vathamveratti itich. Juice of leaves with fresh Distribution : West coast semi- juice of giner is taken to stop vomi- evergreen forests, mostly confined to ting. moist areas. Soil requirements: Common in Solanum stramonifolium N. Jacq. marshy localities and along the low Syn. S. ferox auct. non Linn. lying banks of rivers where the flow Mal : Anachunta has subsided. favours clayey soils. Distribution: West coast tropical Description : A stout herb atta- evergreen and Southern hill-top tro- ining a height of about 2 m; stern pical evergreen forests. quadrangular. Leaves simple, oppo- Soil requirements : Slightly aci- site, lanceolate, acute or acuminate, dic soil with medium potash and entire or serrate, 3 5-15 x 1-3 5 cm. phosphate and high organic: carbon Flowers fairly large, violet purple, in contents. terminal lax racemes. Fruit globose; Description : A stout prickly herb seeds many, oblong or rounded, or up to 3 m in height. Leaves simple. truncate at the end, covered with alternate, very large, ovate, acute, white tubercles. (Plate XV. Fig. 1)

99 Properties : Seeds improve vita- of three, elliptic, acute, serrate. Flo- lity and favour conception. wers small, white, in axillary clusters. Uses : Seeds are used against Fruit a small globose capsule, enclos- biliousness. Decoction of the root is ed by the calyx; seeds many. used to treat rheumatism, diarrhoea. Properties : An infusion of the kidney stones and syphilis. plant is used as emetic. Root is mucilaginous, astringent and emolli- Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Wettst. ent. Syn. Herpestis monniera (Linn.) Uses : Infusion of the plant is H. B. & K. used against ague. Decoction of the Moniera cuneifolia Michx. root is given in blennorrhagia and in Mal : Brahmi excessive menstruation. Locally used San: Brahmi against the treatment of urolithasis. Distribution : Confined to banks of streams in all forest types. Sopubia delphinifolia (Roxb.) G. Don. Soil requirements : Alluvial soils Distribution : Southern dry mixed with impeded drainage. deciduous forests and also in grass- Description : A glabrous some- lands. what succulent creeping herb, rooting Soil requirements : Loamy soils, at the nodes. Leaves simple, sessile, compact and strongly acidic. oblong or spathulate, obtuse, 0.6-2.5 Description : An annual much x 0.2-0.5 cm. Flowers pale blue or branched herb, stem grooved. Leaves white, solitary, axi I lary. opposite, 2.5-3.5 cm long, pinnati- Properties : Plant is a nervine sect; segmenls filiform. Flowers pink, tonic, aperient and diuretic. It im- solitary, axillary or in few flowered proves mental faculties and physical terminal racemes. strength. It appears to be an anti- Properties : Plant juice is astrin- anxiety agent having adaptogenic gent. effect (Singh & Singh, 1980). Uses : Plant juice is applied to Uses : The expressed juice of the feet to heal sores caused by ex- the plant is often prescribed in in- posure to moisture. sanity, epilepsy and mental weak- ness. It is useful in oedema, anemia Torenia asiatica (Linn.) Ktze. ex and fever (Mooss, 1977). Schum. Mal : Kakkappoovu Scoparia dulcis Linn. Distribution Seen along the Mal : Meenankanni sides of water courses in Southern Distribiition : Frequent in forest moist mixed deciduous and West plantations. coast semievergreen forests. Soil requirements: Variety of Soil requirements: Sandy loam soils with good drainage, favours soils, loose, slightly acidic. slightly acidic soils. Properties : A diffusely branched Description : A much branched creeping herb. Leaves simple, oppo- annual herb. Leaves simple, in whorls site, ovate or lanceolate, serrate,

100 2.5-4.5 cm long. Flowers bluish Distribution : West coast semi- purple with dark violet lobes, in axi- evergreen, Moist teak bearing and llary clusters. Southern moist mixed deciduous for- Uses : Leaf juice is considered ests. as a cure for gonorrhoea. Soil requirements : Sandy loam soils, well drained, slightly acidic. Bignoniaceae Description : A small to medium sized deciduous tree; bark light grey. Oroxylum indicum (Linn.) Vent. smooth, flaky. Leaves opposite, Mal : Palakapaiyani 30-1 20 cm long, bipinnate; leaflets San : Dunduka, Syodaka lanceolate, acute. Flowers creamy Distribution : West coast semi- white, in terminal corymbose pani- evergreen and Southern moist mixed cles, Fruit woody, cylindrical, with deciduous forests. hard tubercles, 30-70 cm long; seeds Soil requirements : Moist places many, winged. with impeded drainage, favours-sandy Uses : Oil from wood is used in loam soils. cutaneous afflictions (Chopra et al.. Description : A small to medium 1956). sized tree; bark smooth, brownish grey. Leaves opposite, 90-150 cm S tereospermum chelonoides (Li nn. f. ) long, tripinnate near the base, bipi- DC. nnate about the middle and simple Syn. S. suaveolens DC. pinnate towards the tip; leaflets Mal : Poopoathiri ovate, acuminate, 3-5 on each pinn- San : Padala, Padal ule. Flowers purplish, in large termi- Distribution : Southern moist nal racemes. Fruit flattened, 30-75 x mixed deciduous and Moist teak 5-7 cm; seeds numerous, winged. be a ring forests. (Plate XV. Fig. 2) Soil requirements : Medium aci- Properties : Bark is bitter, diap- dic soils with medium potash, low horetic, purgative and stomachic. phosphate and high organic carbon Fruit is expectorant and improves contents. appetite. Root is one of the 'Dasa- Description : A large deciduous moola'. Root bark is astringent and tree; bark grey, flaking off in large carminative. It is also used as a tonic. flat scaIes. Leaves opposite, impa- Uses : Bark is used against rheu- ripinnate; ieaflets 5-9, elliptic, acute matism. Fruit is used in the treatment or acuminate, pubescent beneath, of leucoderma. Root bark is used 7.5-20 x 5-7.5 cm. Flowers dark against diarrhoea and dysentery. purple, in terminal panicles. Fruit a linear capsule, 40-60 cm long, 2 cm Radermachera xylocarpa (Roxb.) broad, obscurely 4-ribbed; seeds K. Schum. many, winged. S y n. Stereospermum xylocarpum Properties : Flowers are aphro- Benth. & Hook. f. disiac. Root bark is considered to Mal : Vedankorana be cooling, diuretic and tonic. In

101 North India this species is the sour- A. subspathulata CI. ce of Patala. Mal : Kiriyathu, Niiaveppu Uses : Flowers are used against San : Bhunimba bilious diarrhoea and burning sensa- Distribution : Southern dry mixed tions. They are also used to check deciduous forests and scrub jungles. hiccough. Root and tender fruits Soil requirements : Dry areas, are used the treatment of dyspepsia. favours sandy loam soils, slightly cough and dropsy. Root is recomm- alkaline. ended in case of inflammations. eru- Description : An erect much ctations, vomiting, asthma, fever and branched herb; branches quadrangu- diseases of the blood. lar. Leaves simple, opposite. lanceo- late, acute, 5-7 x 1-2.5 cm. Flowers Stereospermum colais (Buch. - Ham. small pink, in lax axillary and termi- ex Dillw.) Mabberley nal racemes or panicles. Fruit a cap- Syn. S. chelonides auct. non sule, linear-oblong, acute at both (Linn.f.) DC. ends; seeds many. S. tetragonum DC. Properties : Plant is febrifuge, Mal : Pathiri alterative and anthelmintic. It has San : Padala, Padalee also got tonic properties. Distribution : Southern moist Uses : Plant is administered in mixed deciduous and Moist teak cases of debility. dysentery, dyspep- bearing forests. sia and bronchitis. Root and Leaves Soil requirements: Medium aci- are used syphilitic cachexia and foul dic, soils, medium in potash. low in syphilitic ulcers. phosphate and high in organic car- bon. Barleria cristata Linn. Description : A large deciduous Mal : Mulkurinji tree; bark pale brown. Leaves oppo- : Southern dry mix- site, imparipinnate; leaflets 7-1 1, Distribution ed deciduous and Laterite thorn for- ovate-oblong, caudate-acuminate, ests. 9-12 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers yellowish, Soil requirements : Sandy loam streaked with red veins, in lax termi- soils, well drained slightly acidic, nal panicles. Fruits somewhat twist- with medium potash, high phosphate ed, smooth, 20-45 cm long; seeds and organic carbon contents. numerous. winged. (Plate XV, Fig.3) Description : A herb, stem den- : A decoction of lea- Properties sely hairly at the nodes. Leaves sim- ves, flowers and roots is a febrifuge. ple, opposite, elliptic-oblong, acute In South India this species is used or acuminate, pubescent on both sur- for Patala in ayurvedic preparation. faces, 6-10 x 2.5-4 cm. Flowers blue, Uses : Leaf juice is used to treat in axillary and terminal dense spikes. manical cases. Fruit ellipsoid, acute at both ends; Acanthaceae seeds 4, silky hairy. Uses: Plant is used against Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) fevers, inflammations, bronchitis, Wall. ex Nees biliousness, tympanitis and asthma.

102 Dipteracanthus prostratus (Poir.) Nees Gymnostachyum febrifugum Benth. Syn. Ruellia prostrata Poir. Distribution : West coast tropical Distribution : Southern dry mix- evergreen forests in North Kerala. ed deciduous forests and scrub jun- Soil requirements : Sandy clay gles. loam soils, strongly acidic, high in organic carbon Soil requirements : Variety of : A nearly stemless soils; sandy loam, slightly alkaline Description scapigerous herb. Leaves simple, soils usually in tho slopes. subradical, ovate. rounded at base. Description : A small prostrate or decurrent on the petiole, about 15 cm straggling herb. Leaves simple, oppo- long. Flowers blue, in terminal site, ovate or elliptic. acute, 2-7 x s p i cate racemes. 1-4 cm. Flowers pale blue or purple, Uses : Leaves are given as a solitary, axillary. Fruit a capsule remedy for gonorrhoea and ear clavate, slightly pubescent; seeds diseases. 16-20, hygroscopically hairy at the margins. Properties : Plant is febrifuge Hygrophila salicifolia (Vahl) Nees and emetic. Leaf is diaphoretic and Syn. H. angustifolia auct. non insect repellent. R. Br. Uses : Leaf is used in the treat- Distribution : Seen along swampy ment of chronic rheumatism, eczema, places in West coast semievergreen facial paralyis, cephalaigia and hemi- and West coast tropical evergreen plegia. Leaf juice is an efficient forests. remedy in colic of children. Soil requirements : Sandy loam soi Is with impeded drainage. Description : An erect much Ecbolium viride (Forsk.) Merr. branched herb, stem obtusely subqu- Syn. E. linneanum Kurz adrangular. Leaves simple, opposite, Mal : Odiyamadantha variable. lower obovate or oblong; San : Neelasahachara upper lanceolate. Flowers purplish Distribution : West coast semi- blue, in dense axillary clusters. Fruit evergreen forests. subquadrangular, 1-2 cm long; seeds Soil requirements : Sandy loam 20-28. orbicular. soils, medium acidic. Properties : Leaves are strongly Description : An undershrub, diuretic. stem thickened abcve the nodes. Lea- Uses : Leaves are used in poul- ves simple, opposite, lanceolate, or ticing swellings. elliptic-lanceolate, acurninate, acute at base, 7-1 7 x 3-6 cm. Flowers bluish Justicia procumbens Linn. green. in terminal dense spikes, Distribution : Southern moist bracts foliaceous. mixed deciduous. Moist teak bearing Properties : Bark is emollient. and Southern dry mixed deciduous Flowers are vulnerary. forests.

103 Soil requirements : Variety of Rhinacanthus nasutus (Linn.) Kurz soils; slightly acidic soils with medi- Syn. R. communis Nees um potash and organic carbon Mal : Nagamulla contents. Distribution : Frequent in forest Description : A small pubescent plantations and forest clearings. herb with many slender divaricate Soil requirements : Variety of branches, rooting at the nodes. Leaves soils favours loamy sand, medium simple, opposite, elliptic-lanceolate acidic soils. or linear, variable, up to 6 cm long. Description : A shrub. Leaves Flowers small, pale violet or pink, in simple, opposite, elliptic-lanceolate, terminal dense cylindrical spikes. acute, up to 12 x 7 cm. Flowers Properties : Plant is laxative, white, sessile or shortly pedicelled. diaphoretic and diuretic. solitary or 2 or 3 together, on lax terminal panicles. Uses : Plant is used as a substi- tute for Fumaria parviflora. Juice of Properties : Root is an aphro- leaves is used to treat opthalmia. disiac. Uses: Leaves, roots and seeds are useful against ringworm and skin Nilgirianthus ciliatus (Nees) Bremek. diseases. Syn. Strobilanthes ciliatus Nees Mal : Karimkurinji Rungia pectinata (Linn.) Nees Distribution : West coast tropical Syn. R. parviflora Nees evergreen forests. Mal : Malankara Soil requirements : Sandy clay Distribution : Southern moist loam soils, strongly acidic, poorly mixed deciduous and Moist teak drained. bearing forests. Description : An undershrub, Soil requirements : Variety of stem often winged at the nodes. soils; favours slightly acidic soils, Leaves simple, opposite, lanceolate, medium in organic carbon. acuminate, serrate, up to 11 x 3.5 cm. Description : A much branched Flowers white, or lilac, in dense, 1-2 straggling herb. Leaves simple, oppo- cm long spikes. (Plate XV, Fig. 4) site, elliptic-lanceolate or oblong- Properties : Leaves, roots and lanceolate, variable in size. Flowers seeds are diuretic. blue, small, in terminal or axillary Uses : Leaves are applied exter- one sided spikes; bracts prominent, nally in gout, lumbago, pain in joints in two rows. etc. (Mehrotra and Kundu. 1962). Properties : Juice of leaves is Leaves, roots and seeds are used in cooling and aperient. Root is febri- the treatment of jaundice, dropsy, fuge. rheumatism, anasarca and diseases of Uses : Leaf juice is given to the urino-genital tract. Seeds are children suffering from small pox. used against gonorrhoea and sperma- Leaves are applied to contusions to torrhoea. relieve pain and diminish swellings.

104 Verbenaceae Properties : Root is stomachic and anthelmintic. Callicarpa tomentosa (Linn.) Murray Uses : Leaves are recommended Syn. C. lanata Linn. in cases of cephalalgia and ophthal- Mal : Thontitherakam mia. Root is useful in the treatment Distribution : Southern moist of febrile and catarrhal afflictions, mixed deciduous, West coast semi- malaria, bronchitis, asthma, diseases evergreen and Southern hill-top of blood, tumours, hiccough, epilepsy tropical evergreen forests. and tuberculous glands. Soil requirements : Variety of soils. slightly acidic well drained. Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. Description : A large shrub to a Syn. C. infortunatum Linn. small tree, young branches stellately Mal : Peruku. Peruvelam, Thu- pubescent. Leaves simple, opposite. niyangam ovate - ac um ina te, g Ia brous above, Distribution : Frequent in areas white tomentose beneath, 15-22 x of forest clearings and plantations. 7-10 cm. Flowers small, reddish Soil requirements : Variety of purple, in densely tomentose axillary soils, favours sandy loam soils, well cymes. Fruit a small black globose drained, slightly acidic. berry. Description : A large shrub, Properties : Plant is diuretic. young branches pubescent. Leaves Uses : Leaves are used to prepare simple, opposite, ovate or suborbi- a wash for aphthae of the mouth. cular, acuminate, cordate at base, Decoction of bark and root is used to tomentose, 10-25 x 8-20 cm. Flowers treat fever, hepatic obstruction and white, in terminal panicles. Fruit skin diseases. bluish black, fleshy, subtended by the enlarged pink calyx. Clerodendrum serratum (Linn.) Moon Properties : Plant is an aphrodi- Mal : Cheruthekku siac. Leaf is tonic' and antiperiodic. San : Bharngi Fresh leaf juice is vermifuge and Distribution : Southern moist febrifuge in malaria. especially to mixed deciduous, West coast semi- chi Idren. evergreen and Moist teak bearing forests. Uses : Plant is used in the treat- Soil requirements : Variety of ment of leucoderma and diseases of soils with good drainage, slighltly the blood. Leaves and roots are app- acidic, medium in organic carbon. lied externally for tumours and cer- Description : A shrub, stem tain skin diseases and given internally quadrangular. Leaves simple, in in cases of haemorrhoidal disturban- whorls of three or opposite. oblong ces, conjection and torpidity of the or elliptic, acute, coarsely serrate, bowel. 10-15 x 6 cm. Flowers bluish white or pinkish white. in showy terminal Gmelina arborea Roxb. panicles. Fruit ovoid, usually 4-lobed. Mai : Kumbil, Kumizhu about 6 mm long. San : Kasmari

105 Distribution : Sporadic in Sou- Soil requirements : Flourishes thren moist mixed deciduous, Moist well on flat and hill areas and on a teak bearing and Southern secondary variety of soils including poor gravel moist mixed deciduous forests. and laterite. Soil requirements : Variety of Description : A straggling shrub, soils; favours loamy sand, slightly branches 4-angled, prickly. Leaves acidic soils medium potash and orga- simple, opposite. ovate, acute, cre- nic carbon and low phosphate con- nate, rugose, pubescent on both sur- tents. faces, 3.5-6 x 2.5-3.5 cm. Flowers Description : A medium sized to yellowish with orange-red centre in large tree; bark smooth, yellowish- short umbellate spikes. Fruit a drupe, grey. Leaves simple, ' opposite, del- globose, purple, about 3 mm in dia- toid ovate, acuminate, truncate or meter. cordate at base, 2 glands present at Properties : The plant is consid- the base of the lamina,10-20 x 7.5-12 ered vu lnerary , d ia phore t i c , car m in a - cm. Flowers fairly large, brownish tive, antiseptic and antispasmodic. yellow, in terminal cymose panicles. Essential oil of seeds show anthel- Fruit an ovoid drupe, 2 cm long. mintic activity against tapeworm Properties : Leaf juice is demul- (Avddhoot et al., 1980.) cent. Flowers are cooling and astrin- Uses : A decoction of the plant gent. Fruit is bitter. cooling. diureric, is given in tetanus, rheumatism and tonic, aphrodisiac, alterative and astr- malaria. Decoction of leaf is given ingent to the bowels. It promotes the against flue, cold and yellow fever. growth of hair. Root is one of the Leaf juice is used to treat dysentery. 'Dasmoola'. It is bitter, indigestible, Flowers and young leaves are given stomachic, galactagague, laxative and against consumption (Wesley Wong. anthelmintic. It improves appetite. 1976). Uses : Leaf juice is used in the Premna herbacea Roxb. treatment of gonorrhoea. It is also Distribution : Southern moist used against cough and to remove mixed deciduous forest in North foetid discharges from ulcers. Flowers Kera ta. are recommended for leprosy and blood diseases. Root is used in the Soil requirements : Sandy loam treatment of hallucinations, thirst, slightly acidic soils, medium in piles, fevers and urinary discharges. potash and phosphate and low in organic carbon. Description : A small herb with Lantana camara Linn. var. aculeata woody root stock. Leaves simple, (L i nn. ) Mol de nke opposite, ovate, serrate, sessile. Syn. l aculeata Linn. usually pressed close to the ground, Mal : Arippu, Kongini, Poochedi up to 10 x 7.5 cm. Flowers white, San : Chathurangi in small corymbs. Fruit globose. Distribution : Frequent in forest Uses : A preparation of the root plant ati ons. is given internally for rheumatism.

106 Premna tomentosa Willd. Distribution : Mostly seen in the Mal : Kattuthekku. Naithekku Moist teak bearing forests. Raised Distribution : Southern moist extensively in plantations. mixed deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Variety of Soil requirements : Sandy loam soils; favours loose soils with plenty soils, slightly acidic with low organic of moisture. slightly acidic, medium carbon contents. in potash, low in phosphate and high Description : A small to medium in organic carbon. sized tree, young branches tomentose: Description : A large deciduous bark light greyish brown. Leaves tree; bark light brown, young branch- simple. opposite, ovate-acuminate, es 4-angled. Leaves simple, opposite, obtuse or cordate at base, stellately ovate or obovate. acute or acurninate, tomentose below, up to 20 x 12 cm. base usually decurrent on the petiole, Flowers small, greenish yellow, in softly tomentose below, 30-60 x 25- paniculate cymes. Fruit a drupe, 30 cm. Flowers small, white, in large subg lobose. terminal panicles. Fruit enclosed by Uses : Oil from the root IS used the enlarged calyx. as a remedy for stomach disorders. Properties : Wood is acrid, cool- ing, demulcent, laxative and sedative. Bark is astringent. Fruits and seeds Stachytarpheta urticaefolia (Sa Iis b. ) are diuretic. Oil from seeds promotes Sims. growth of hair. Root juice dissolves Syn. S. indica Vahl coagulate blood (Van Rheede, 1679). Mal : Kadapananth Uses : Wood is used in the treat- Distribution : Seen in forest ment of biliousness. piles, leuco- plantations. derma, dysentery. The tribals of Soil requirements : Variety of Bastar use the oil obtained by distil- soils: favours sandy loam. medium lation of wood chips to cure eczema acidic, low in potash and phosphate and ringworm (Jain, 1965). and high in organic carbon. Description : A herb. Leaves simple, opposite, el Ii pt ic-ova te, Vitex leucoxylon Linn. f. obtuse or acute, cuneate and decur- Mal : Attunochi rent at the base, serrate. Flowers Distribution : Southern moist blue, in terminal, slender spikes with mixed deciduous forests; mostly seen closely packed bracts. along the banks of streams. Uses : In Brazil the plant is used Soil requirements : Clayey soils, externally for purulent ulcers and slightly acidic with mediurn potash given internally against fever and and low phosphate contents. rheumatic inflammations. Description : A small deciduous tree; bark grey, smooth. Leaves opposite, palmately compound; leaf- Tectona grandis Linn. f. lets 3-5, elliptic or lanceolate. Mal : Thekku 7.5-12.5 x 2.5-4 cm. Flowers white, San : Sakam, Saka in axillary corymbose dichasial cymes.

107 Fruit a drupe, ovoid, dark purple. Leaves simple. opposite, ovate, acute, 2 cm long. crenate, truncate or subcordate at Properties : Fruit is vermifuge. base, pubescent on both sides, 3.5-9 Bark and roots are astringent. x 2.5-6 cm. Flowers bluish purple, Uses : Leaves are smoked in in dense whorls in terminal spikes, catarrh and headache. Root is recom- Seeds broadly ovoid, 0.2 cm long, mended for intermittent fever. nearly black. Properties : Plant is carminative Labiatae and astringent. It has got tonic pro- perties also. Anisochilus carnosus (Linn. f.) Wall. Uses : Oil from the plant is used Mal : Karpuravalli, Padukurkka against uterine afflictions. Distribution : Southern moist mixed deciduous forests, often grow- ing among the rocks. Anisomeles malabarica (Linn.) R. Br. Soil requirements : Variety of Mal : Karimthumpa, Pemaruthi soils, commonly in sandy loam, well Distribution : Southern moist drained, slightly acidic soils, rnedium mixed deciduous and West coast in organic carbon. semievergreen forests, Description : An annual erect Soil requirements : Variety of herb, stem bluntly 4-angled, often soils, well drained, slightly acidic, tinged with red. Leaves simple, oppo- medium in organic carbon. site, broadly ovate, obtuse, crenate, Description : A densely tomen- base subcordate or rounded, some- tose shrub, stem obtusely 4-angled. what fleshy, usually pubescent bene- Leaves simple, opposite, oblong- ath, 2.5-6 x 1.2-4 cm. Flowers pale I anceolate, acute, rounded or shortly purple, in dense cylindric spikes. cuneate at base, very thick, 5.5-10 x Seeds small, suborbicular, compress- 2-4.5 cm. Flowers purple, in dense ed, brown. whorls, in terminal spikes. Seeds Properties : Plant is stimulant ellipsoid, brown, 3-4 mm long. and expectorant. Uses : Decoction of the plant or Uses : Juice of fresh leaves is essential oil distilled from leaves is given against coughs and colds. used externally in rheumatism, infu- sion of leaves is given in cases of Anisomeles indica (Linn.) Ktze. colic, dyspepsia catarrhal afflictions. Syn. A. ovata R. Br. intermittent fevers and fever arising Distribution : Southern moist from teething in children. mixed deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Variety of soils, usually in sandy loam with Calamintha umbrosa (Bieb.) Fisch. good drainage, slightly acidic, medi- & Mey. um in organic carbon. Distribution : Southern montane Description : Asuffruticose pub- wet scrub jungles and Southern hill- escent herb, stem acutely 4-angled. top tropical evergreen forests.

108 Soil requirements : Loamy soils, hairs. Leaves simple, opposite. slightly acidic, low in potash and subsessile, linear-lanceolate, margin phosphate and high in organic carbon. slightly recurved, entire or serrulate. Description : A slender straggling hairy on both surfaces, 2.5-7.5 x pubescent herb. Leaves simple, 0.4-1.2 cm. Flowers white, in ter- opposite, ovate, serrate, up to 3.5 cm minal whorls. Seeds ovoid-oblong, long. Flowers white or purplish, in smooth, brown, 0.3 cm long. axillary whorls. Seeds small, sub- Uses : Plant juice is a remedy globose, smooth. for scabies, skin diseases, headache Properties : Plant is antiphleg- and colds. matic and anthelmintic. It improves digestion. Micromera capitellata Benth. Distribution : Southern montane Colebrookea oppositifolia Sm. wet scrub jungles and grasslands. Distribution : West coast tropical Soil requirements : Strongly aci- evergreen forests. dic soils with plenty of humus, low Soil requirements : In the slopes in potash and phosphate contents. in sandy loam soils, strongly acidic Description : A small herb with with low potash and phosphate and slender stems and woody rootstock. high organic carbon contents. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate, sub- Description : A much branched obtuse, pubescent on both sides, shrub; young branches, grooved, 1-2.5 x 0.6-1.5 cm. Flowers pale pubescent. Leaves simple, opposite violet, sometimes white, very small, or in whorls of three, oblong-lanceo- in verticillate distant cymes in the late, acute at base, crenulate, pubes- axils of floral leaves. cent on both sides, 8-1 5 x 2-4.5 cm. Properties : Plant is aromatic and Flowers very small, white, in terminal car minat ive. paniculate spikes. Seeds very small, Uses: Used as a substitute for oblong-ovoid, hairy at the tip. Men tha piperita. Uses : Leaves are applied to wounds and bruises. A preparation Orthosiphon grandiflorus Boldi ngh. of root is used in epilepsy. Syn. 0. stamineus Benth. Mal : Kattuthrithavu zeylanica R. Br. Distribution : West coast semi- Distribution : Southern montane evergreen and West coast tropical wet grasslands. evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Slightly low Soil requirements : Variety of lying areas with better moisture con- soils; favours clayey soils, slightly ditions in sandy loam soils, strongly acidic. acidic. low in potash and phosphate Description : An erect herb with and high in organic carbon. woody rootstock. Leaves simple, Description : An erect much opposite, ovate-acuminate, cuneate branched herb, branches 4-angled, at base, serrate, glabrous up to 10 x 5 grooved, hispid with long spreading cm. Flowers white or lilac in

109 whorls in terminal racemes. Seeds Soil requirements : Sandy soils, ellipsoid, marked with wavy lines. slightly acidic with low potash and Uses : Leaves are used against phosphate contents. kidney and bladder diseases. Description : A stout herb with large fusiform roots and with pros- trate or ascending 50-100 cm long Plantag i naceae shoots, thickened at the nodes. Leaves simple, opposite, unequal in Plantago asiatica Linn. size, broadly ovate or sub-orbicular, Syn. P. major Hook. f. somewhat undulate. Flowers small, Distribution : Southern montane pink, in 4-10 flowered umbels. form- wet scrub jungles arid Southern ing axillary and terminal panicles. montane wet grasslands. Fruits clevate. 5-ribbed, glandular, 3 Soil requirements : Clay loam, mm long. slightly acidic soils medium in potash Properties: Root is diuretic, ex- and high in phosphate and organic pectorant, digestive, stimulant and carbon. laxative. It cures food poisoning. Description : An erect herb with Uses : A decoction of the roots stout root stock. Leaves simple, in milk is often prescribed in oedema radical, ovate or ovate-oblong, obtuse with much benefit (Mooss, 1977). or subacute, entire or toothed, base Roots are used also in the treatment decurrent on the petiole, 2.5-12 cm of asthma, anaemia and internal infla- long. Flowers small, crowded or mmation. scattered on long slender lax spikes. Seeds angled, rugulose, black, 4-8 Ama rant haceae per fruit. Properties : Leaves and roots are Achyranthes aspera Linn. astringent. Seeds are tonic and sti- Mal : Kadaladi mulant. San : Apamarga Uses : Leaf juice is used as an Distribution : Laterite thorn for- eyewash in ophthalmia (Wesley ests and scrub jungles. Wong. 1976) and is applied to Soil requirements 1 Sandy soils, bruises. Leaves and roots are recom- in the slopes with good drainage and mended against fever, Seeds is an permeability, medium acidic, medium useful remedy for dysentery. In in potash and low in phosphate. Japan the watery extract of the seed Description : An erect herbace- is given for whooping cough. ous undershrub, branches terete or obscurely 4-angular, pubescent. Nyctaginaceae Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic or obovate, very variable in shape. Finely Boerhavia diffusa Linn. pubescent on both Eides, 3.5-6 x 2.5- Mal : Thazhuthama, Thavizhama 4.5 cm. Flowers greenish white, San : Punarnava deflexed, in elongate terminal spikes. Distribution : Southern dry mixed Fruit an utricle, subtended by the deciduous forests and scrub jungles. spinescent bracteoles.

110 Properties : Plant is pungent, permaability, slightly acidic, medium purgative and diuretic. Infusion of in potash, phosphate and organic the root is astrigent. carbon. Uses : The plant is used in the Description : A small herb treatment of piles, enlargements of with a long tap root and many pube- scent shoots. Leaves simple, alter- the cervical glands. dropsy, soils, skin nate, elliptic. obovate or suborbicular. eruptions and colic. The ashes of pubescent on both sides, 2-3 x 0.8- the whole plant is often prescribed in 1.5 cm. Flowers very small, greenish ascites and anasarca (Mooss, 1977). white, in small dense axillary spikes. Leaf juice is applied to wounds. (Plate XVI, Fig 1) Seeds and leaves are used against Properties : Plant is vermifuge, hydrophobia. Leaves are used in the diuretic and lithentriptic (Mooss. preparation of the ointment ‘Zambuk‘ 1978). Root is diuretic and demul- (Joseph, 1977) A paste of seeds cent. with water in which rice has been Uses ’ Plant is used to treat washed, is reckoned to be beneficial lithiasis. Root is used against strang- in cases of bleeding piles (Mooss. ury (Mooss. 1978). 1977). Cyathula prostrata (Linn.) BI. Achyranthes bidentata B I. Mal : Cherukadaladi Distribution : Southern hill-top Distribution : Seen in moist areas tro pica I evergreen forests. in West coast semievergreen and Soil requirements : Marshy areas West coast tropical evergreen forests with poor drainage and permeability, at lower elevations. favours medium acidic soils with low Soil requirements : Variety of potash and phosphate contents. soils with poor drainage and permea- Description : An erect herb with bility. slightly acidic. slender pubescent branches. Leaves Description : A slender prost- simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, rate herb, rooting at the lower nodes. acuminate. very variable in shape and Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic- size, pubescent or glabrous. Flowers rhomboid or ovate. Flowers small, small, greenish, in slender spikes. pale violet. in lax terminal spikes. Properties : Plant is diuretic and (Plate XVI, Fig. 2) astringent. Uses : Plant is used as an external applicant for various skin diseases. Aerva lanata (Linn ) Juss. Decoction of roots is given for dy- sentery. Mal : Beiippuvu, Cherula San: Bhadra C henopod iaceae Distribution : Southern dry mix- ed deciduous and Southern moist Basella alba Linn. mixed deciduous forests. Frequent in Mal : Basala forest plantations. San : Upodaka. Upodika Soil requirements : Sandy clay Distribution : Southern dry mix- loam soils with good drainage and ed deciduous forests.

111 Soil requirements : Sandy loam PoI ygonaceae soils with good drainage and permea- bility, strongly acidic to slightly alkaline. Polygonum glabrum Willd. Description : A slender, some- Distribution : West coast semi - what succulent twining herb. Leaves evergreen and West coast tropical simple, alternate, ovate, acute, round- evergreen forests; mostly seen along ed or cordate at base, rather thick, the banks of streams. 5-10 x 2.5-7 cm. Flowers white, in Sail requirements : Sandy clay axillary pedunculate spikes. Fruit loam soils. well drained, slightly globose, fleshy. 0.5 cm in diameter. acidic, with high potash and organic Properties : Plant is sweet in carbon and medium phosphate cont- ents. taste, laxative, aphrodisiac, unctuous. cooling and alleviative of alcoho- Description : A stout herb, stem, lism (Mooss, 1977). procumbent below, usually reddish. Uses : Leaf is used in the treat- Leaves simple, a Iterna te, lanceo late. ment of gonorrhoea, balanitis, urti- acuminate, tapering at the base, 7-20 caria and bleeding piles. Leaves are x 2-3 cm; stipules closely sheathing boiled in milk, pounded and reduced the stem. Flowers small, pink, in to a pulp and applied to boils to pa ni c u Iate s I e nd e r race mes Seeds hasten suppuration (Mooss, 1977). small, suborbicular. black, shining. Properties : Plant is a febrifuge. Uses : An infusion of leaves is Chenopodium ambrosiodies Linn. used against colic. Mal : Kattayamodakam Distribution : Frequent in the Eucalyptus plantations at Munnar. Rumex nepalensis Spreng. Soil requirements : Loose clay Distribution : Southern h i I I -top loam, strongly acidic soils. tropical evergreen forests and South- Description : An erect much ern montane wet scrub jungles. branched glandular pubescent herb. Soil requirements : Loose strong- Leaves simple, alternate, oblong- ly acidic soils with good drainage lanceolate, sinuate-dentate, the upper and permeability. leaves almost entire, very variable in Description : A tall stout herb, size, Flowers greenish yellow, very often with tuberous roots. Leaves small, clustered in terminal and axill- simple, alternate, oblong or trian- ary simple or paniculate spikes. Seeds gular-ovate, acute or obtuse, cordate very small, orbicular, smooth and shining. at base, long petioled, up to 35 x 12 cm. Flowers greenish yellow, in Properties : Plant is anthelmin- axillary clusters. tic. Essential oil is tonic and anti- spasmodic. Properties : Root is purgative. Uses : Essential oil from the Uses : An infusion of leaves is plant is used in the treatment of ner- given in colic and applied to syphi- vous disorders. litic ulcers.

112 Aristolochiaceae Thottea siliquosa (Larnk.) Ding Hou Syn. Apama siliquosa Lamk. Bragantia wallichii R . Br. Aristolochia indica Linn. Mal : Alpam Mal : Garudakodi, Karanavalli, Distribution : West coast tropi- Karalakam Iswaramooli, lswaramulla cal evergreen and West coast semi- San : Iswari, Nakulashta evergreen forests. Distribution : Southern moist Soil requirements : Variety of mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed soils poorly drained, strongly acidic. deciduous and West coast semiever- Description : An erect shrub. green forests. Leaves simple, alternate, oblong- Soil requirements : It grows un- lanceolate, long acuminate, 3-5 ribb- der a variety of climatic and soil con- ed at the base, pubescent below, ditions however unfavourable in poor 12-22 x 3-5 cm. Flowers dark purple, and dry soils. in axillary cymes. Fruit a linear cap- Description : A slender climb- sule, 7-10 cm long. (Plate XVI. ing shrub. Leaves simple, alternate, Fig. 4) variable in shape, linear to ovate- Properties : The root is consi- oblong, acute, rounded or cordate at dered to be antivenomous by the base, 9-12 x 5-7 cm. Flowers gree- local vaidyans. nish yellow, in few flowered axillary Uses : A preparation of the racemes. Fruit an oblong, 6-valved piant is said to be beneficial for car- capsule, 3-5cm long; seeds many, buncles and inveterate ulcers. Roots winged. (Plate XVI, Fig. 3) are used in the treatment of cholera, Properties : Plant is considered diarrhoea and dysentery. to be antipoisonous, antiinflammat-. ory, anodyne, cardiac and nervine sti- mu I a nt, carminative. an thel minti c, Piperaceae blood purifier, expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic and also uterine contrac- Piper longum Linn. tive (Karnick & Jopat, 1969). Fresh Syn. Chavica roxburghii Miq. leaves remove constipation in child- Mal : Thippali ren. In Murshidabad the plant is used San : Pippali as an abortifacient. B. coumaric acid, Distribution : Southern moist isolated from the roots is effective as mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing an antifertilitic agent (Pakrashi & and West coast semievergreen forests. Pakrashi, 1979). Root is tonic, stimu- Soil requirements : Variety of lant, emmenagogue, emetic and soils with good drainage and perme- alexiteric. ability, favours sandy loam, medium Uses : Seeds are used to treat acidic soils. biliousness, dry cough and pain in Description: A slender under- the joints. Roots are recommended shrub, creeping and rooting at the in cases of Cholera, diarrhoea and nodes. Leaves simple, alternate. leucoderma. ovate or oblong, acute, unequally

113 cordate at base, 7-ribbed. Flowers (Mooss, 1977). Fruit is used as a very small, in slender spikes. Fruit stimulant in weakness following red when ripe. (Plate XVII, Fig. 1) fever, vertigo and coma; as stomachic Properties : Dried fruits are in dyspepsia and flatulence; as anti- pungent, hot in action, aphrodisiac. periodic in malarial fever and as laxative and curative of dysphonia alterative in paraplegia and arthritic and cough. Dried unripe fruit is diseases. alterative and tonic. Root is pungent, stomachic, laxative anthelmintic and Piper trioieum Roxb. carminative. It improves appetite. Syn. P, attenuatum Buch.-Ham. Uses : A paste of fruit with Distribution : West coast tropical ghee and rock salt is much beneficial evergreen and Southern hill-top tro- in cough (Mooss, 1977). It is given pical evergreen forests. internally against colic and cholera. Soil requirements Strongly Decoction of immature fruit and root acidic, loose clay loam soils. is given in chronic bronchitis. Root Description : A slender climber, is used in the treatment of bronchitis, stem often zig-zag and rooting at the abdominal pains, tumours and dise- nodes. Leaves simple, alternate, ases of the spleen. ovate, suborbicular, acuminate, base cordate, often oblique, up to 10 x 8 Piper nigrum Linn. cm. Fruit globose, very small. Mal : Kurumulaku Kodi Properties : Root is an excellent San : Mareedha-valli diuretic. Distribution : West coast tropi- cal evergreen and West coast semi- evergreen forests. Chloranthaceae Soil requirements : Variety of soils, favours loamy strongly acidic Sarcandra chloranthoides G a rd n. soils. S yn . Chloranthus glaber (Thu n b .) Description : A stout climbing Makino shrub, rooting at the nodes. Leaves C. brachystachys BI. simple, alternate, broadly ovate, acu- Distribution : West coast tropi- minate, 5-9 ribbed, base unequal, cal evergreen forests above 700 m 10-17 x 5-10 cm. Flowers minute, altitude. on slender spikes, up to 10 cm long. Soil requirements : Loamy soils, Fruit globose, 0.5 cm in diameter, red loose, strongly acidic. when ripe. Description : A small shrub. Properries : Fruit is not very Leaves simple, opposite, lanceolate, hot in action, easily digestible, appe- coarsely serrate, up to 17 cm long. tising and a digestive stimulant. The Flowers small, in terminal spikes. undriedgreen fruits are sialagogue. Berry globose, purplish black. (Plate Uses : Powdered fruit with ghee, XVIII, Fig. 2) honey and sugar may be taken in Properties : Plant is a good sti- cases of alteration of voice and cough mulant.

114 Myristicaceae verum J. S. Presl Mal : Ilavangam, Karuva, Vayana Myristica malabarica Lamk. San : Thwaku Mal : Kattujathi Distribution : West coast tropi- Distribution : West coast tropical cal evergreen and Southern hill-top evergreen and Myristica swamp tropical evergreen forests. forests. Soil requirements : Clay loam Soil requirements : Strongly soils, slightly acidic. acidic loamy soils with poor drainage Description : A small to medium and permeability. sized tree, bark reddish brown, Description : A medium sized smooth. Leaves simple, subopposite, tree: bark greenish black, smooth. oblong, acute, usually rounded at Leaves simple, attenuate, linear-oblo- base, 3-5 ribbed, up to 15 x 7 cm, ng, subacute, 10-20 x 5-10 cm. Male bright pink when young, glossy. flowers creamy yellow, in panicles; Flowers small, grey or pale yellow, female in axillary clusters of 3-4. in terminal and axillary panicles. Fruit cylindrical, 5-7.5 x 2.5 cm; aril Properties : Bark is aromatic, yellow, irregularly lobed. astringent, laxative, stimulant, car- Uses : Fat from the seeds is minative, antispasmodic, haemostatic. applied to indolent ulcers; it allays stomachic, germicide, aphrodisiac and pain, cleanses the surface and estab- anodyne. The oil from the bark is lishes healthy action. styptic, carminative, promotes appet- ite and emmenagogue. It is a nervine stimulant but in large doses it is an Cinnamomum macrocarpum Hook. f. irritant and narcotic poison. Syn. C. iners Reinw. Uses : Bark is useful for checking Mal : Karintholi nausea and vomiting. It is used to Distribution : West coast tropical treat biliousness, thirst, parched evergreen forests. mouth, bronchitis, diarrhoea, urinary Soil requirements : Loose, loamy, diseases, influenza and diseases of strongly acidic soils. the heart and rectum. Description : A medium sized to large tree. Leaves simple. suboppo- Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) Robsn. site. oblong or oblong-lanceolate, Syn. L. chinensis Iamk. acute or acuminate, 3-ribbed, up to L . sebifera Pers. 35 x 11 cm. Flowers small, in axillary Mal : Kallakaruva and terminal pubescent panicles. Distribution : West coast semi- Properties : Leaves and bark are evergreen forests. carminative, sti mu I an t, diuretic, dia - Soil requirements : Variety of phoretic, deobstruent and galactago- soits with good drainage and permea- gue. The oil distilled from the leaves bility, favours loamy soits, slightly is a powerful stimulent. acidic: Uses : Seeds are given to child- Description : A smal l to medium ren in cases of dysentry and cough. sized tree; bark brown. Leaves simple

115 alternate, elliptic or oblong, obtuse, acidic with medium organic carbon glabrous or grey pubescent benearh. content. 10-18 x 6-8 cm. Flowers small, Description : A small to medium white or yellowish, in axillary cory- sized tree; bark smooth, grey. Leaves mbose or racemose few flowered simple, alternate or subopposite, u mbe I s. usually crowded towards the ends of Properties : Bark is demulcent, branch I ets, e I I i pt ic or o blo ng - I a nceo - astringent, aphrodisiac, anodyne, late, acumiriate, 3-ribbed, 5-1 5 x 3-6 emollient and styptic. Leaves are cm. Flowers small, yellowish in 3-7 considered to be antiseptic and emol- flowered umbellules, arranged in lient. axillary and extra-axillary clusters. Uses : Bark is given in cases of Fruit an oblong berry, 1.2 vm long, diarrhoea and dysentery. Oil from dark purple, subtended by the disc seeds is recommended tor rheu- like pcrianth. matism. Uses : Roots are used for poulti- cing eruptions on fingers. Litsea stocksii (Meissn.) Hook f. Ma1 : Varicheera Persea macrantha (Nees) Kosterm. Distribution : West coast tropi- Syn. Machilus macrantha Nees cal evergreen foresrs. Mal : Uravu, Kulamavu Description : A small tree. Leaves Distribution : Southetn hill-top simple, subopposite or alternate, tropical evergreen, West coast tropi- elliptic-oblong, obtuse or subacute, cal evergreen and West coast semi- 10-20 x 5-7 cm. Flowers small, in evergreen forests. umbellules arranged in racemes. Soil requirements : Variety of axillary or from the axils of fallen soils, favours clay loam soils poorly leaves. Fruit ellipsoid, 1.2 cm long, drained; strongly acidic and high in dark purple, supported by the cup organic carbon. shaped perianth lobes. Description : A large tree; bark Uses : A cold infusion of leaf is given to remove irritation of bladder pale brown, rough. Leaves simple, alternate, usually crowded at the tip and urethra. Oil from seeds is used of branchlets, oblong or spathulate, as an application to sprains, bruises 7.5-17 x 2.5-6.5 cm. Flowers small, and itch. yellow, in terminal panicles. Fruit Neolitsea cassia (Linn.) Kosterm. globose, black, 1.2-2 cm in diameter. Syn. N. zeylanica (Nees) Merr. Properties : Bark is used to treat Litsea zeylanica Nees tuberculosis, asthma and rheumatism. Mal : Venkana Leaves are applied to ulcers. Distribution : S o ut he r n h i I I -top tropical evergreen and West coast Thymelaeaceae tropical evergreen forests, above 500 m elevations. Gnidia glauca (Fres.) Gilg Soil requirements : Clay loam Syn. Lasiosiphon eriocephalus soils poorly drained, very slightly (Graham) Dcne.

116 Mal : Nanchu, Nanku Uses : Bark is used to treat men- Distribution : Southern hill-top strual troubles, tuberculosis and tropical evergreen and Southern asthma. montane wet temperate forests. Soil requirements : Loose Clay Viscum nepalense Spreng, loam soils with impeded drainage and Syn. V. articulatum auct. non permeabi I ity. strongly acid ic . Burm. f. Description : A large shrub to a Distribution : Southern moist small tree; bark grey. smooth. Leaves mixed deciduous and Southern dry simple, alternate, crowded at the tip mixed deciduous forests. of branchlets, lanceolate-oblong, Description : A much branched acute, glabrous or silky pubescent leafless epiphyte with haustorial beneath, 5-7 x 2-2.5 cm. Flowers roots, branchlets flattended, jointed yellow, in dense terminal heads, at the nodes. Flowers small, in surrounded by the silky-villous bracts. 3-flowered sessile spikes. Fruit a Fruit ellipsoid-oblong, about 1 cm subglobose berry, yellow, 0.5 cm long, enclosed by the perianth. long. Properties : Plant is a vesicant. Properties : Plant is cooling, Uses : Leaves are applied to alexipharmic, aphrodisiac and alter- swellings and contusions. ative. Uses : A preparation of the plant Loranthaceae is given in fever, diseases of the Dendrophthoe falcata(Linn. f.) Etting. blood, ulcers, epilepsy and bilious- Syn. Loranthus longifforus Desv. ness. Mal : Ithil, Valiaithikkanni San : Vrikshadani Santa laceae Distribution : Southern moist mixed deciduous and Southern dry Santalum album Linn. mixed deciduous forests. Frequent in Mal : Chandanam teak plantations. San : Chandana Description : A large woody epi- Distribution : Confined to the phytic shrub with haustorial roots, Southern dry mixed deciduous for- Leaves simple, opposite or alternate, ests at Marayur. elliptic to orbicular-cordate, coriace- Soil requirements : Loamy sand ous, variable in size. Flowers deep slightly acidic with good drainage pink or pale yellow in axillary and and fair permeability, low in potash, extra-axillary recemes. Fruit an phosphate and organic carbon. oblong berry, about 1 cm long, seed Description : A small tree with embeded in a sticky mucilage. slender drooping branches; bark dark Properties : Bark is astringent brown to black, rough, wood scented. and narcotic. Tribals of Bastar be- Leaves simple, opposite, elliptic- lieve that this epiphyte is valuable for ovate, or oblong, subacute 3.5-6.5 x treating impotency. if the host plant 2-3 cm. Flowers brownish purple in is Tamarindus indicus (Jain, 1965). terminal and axillary paniculate

117 cymes. Fruit a globose drupe, pur- Soil requirements : Variety of plish black, about 1 cm in diameter. soils; favours sandy loam soils with Properties : Wood is bitter, good drainage, medium acidic, medi- cooling, exhilarating, alexiteric. anti- um in organic carbon. pyretic, aphrodisiac and diaphoretic. Description : An annual herb. A triterpenoid extracted from the bark Leaves simple, alternate, ovate or has been found to inhibit growth in rhombic-ovate, acute, crenate, up to some forest insects (Sankaranarayana 7.5 x 4 cm, long petioled. Flowers et al., 1980). small, in axillary spikes. Fruit a Uses : Wood is made into a small 3-lobed capsule; seeds brown, paste and applied to headache and smooth. skin diseases. Oil from heartwood Properties : Plant is anthelmintic. is used in the symptomatic treatment emetic and expectorant. Leaf is lax- of dysuria, gonorrhoeal urethritis and ative. Root is cathartic and purgative. cystitis. Uses : Plant is used as a sub- stitute for senega. It is used to treat Euphorbiaceae bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma. Leaves are applied to cure scabies and are recommended in cases of Acalypha fruticosa Forsk. snake bites. Distribution : Southern dry mixed deciduous forests and scrub jungles. Soil requirements : Variety of Acalypha racemosa Wall. ex Baill. soils, sandy loam to loam, medium Syn. A. paniculata Miq. to slightly acidic with good drainage. Mal : Valia Kuppameni Description : A much branched Distribution : Southern moist mixed deciduous and West coast shrub, with waxy glands. Leaves semievergreen forests. simple, alternate, ovate, obtusely Description : An undershrub. acuminate, cuneate at base, crenate, Leaves simple, alternate, ovate, acu- glandular beneath, up to 7.5 x 3.5 minate, rounded or subcordate at cm. Flowers small, in slender spikes, base, crenate, sparsely hairy on both female at the base of the spikes. Fruit a 3-lobed pubescent capsule surfaces, 5-1 1 x 2.5-6.5 cm. Flowers with yellow glands in between the small, greenish; male in axillary spi- kes; female in terminal panicles. lobes. Properties : The properties and Properties :Leaves are stomachic, uses of the plant are the same as that alterative and attenuant. of Acalypha indica. Uses : Leaves are used in the treatment of dyspepsia.

Acalypha indica Linn. Antidesma bunius (Linn.) Spreng. Mal : Kuppameni Mal : Aryaporiyan San : Harithamanjari Distribution : West coast semi- Distribution : Frequent in forest evergreen and West coast tropical plantations at low elevations. evergreen forests.

118 Soil reyuiremsnts : Clay loam Description : A small to medium soils with plenty of moisture, strongly sized tree; bark brown with shallow acidic. high in organic carbon. vertical grooves. Leaves simple, Description : A small tree; bark alternate. elliptic-oblong, acuminate. greyish brown, smooth. Leaves sim- acute or rounded at base, shining. ple alternate, elliptic-oblong or obo- Flowers yellowish; male in dense vate. acute or acuminate, 10-15 x 2.5-3.5 cm long spikes; female in 3.5-5 cm. Flowers small, yellowish; very short, often clustered racemes, male in spikes; female in few flowered Fruit globose. about 1 cm in dia- racemes. Fruit dark red, ovoid, about meter. 1 cm in diameter. Uses : A decoction of the root is Properties : Bark is poisonous given against jaundice. fever and and to contain an alkaloid (Burkill, headache, seminal loss and insanity. 1935). Uses : Young leaves are used in Baliospermun montanum (Will Id.) the treatment of syphilitic cachexia. Muell. -Arg. Antidesma ghaesembilla G ae rtn. Syn. B. axillare B I. Distribution : Southern moist Mal : Nagadanthi mixed deciduous forests at altitudes San : Danthi, Nikumbha below 400 m. Distribution : West coast semi- Soil requirements : Sandy loam evergreen and Moist teak bearing soii with good drainage and permea- forests bility, loose, medium acidic. Description : An undershrub, Description : A small tree; bark reaches to a height of 1-2 m. Leaves greyish brown, branchlets pubescent. simple. alternate, the upper small, Leaves simple, a Iter na te, orb icu lar - lanceolate, the lower, broadly ovate, oblong or broadly elliptic pubescent often palmately lobed, sinuate- below. 5-10x 3-6 cm. Flowers small, toothed, 12-30 cm long and as broad in axillary panicled spikes. Flowers as long, 2 glands present at the base subglobose. reddish-purple. 0.5 cm of the lamina. Fiowers small in axil- in diameter. lary racemes or panicles. Fruit a Properties : Bark is astringent. capsule, obovoid, pubescent, about It has got tonic properties also. 1 cm long; seeds ellipsoid. smooth, Wood is reported to be an emmena- caruncled. (Plate XVII, Fig. 3) gogue. Properties : Seeds are purgative, stimulant and rubifacient. Oil from Aporusa lindleyana (Wight) Baill. seeds is hydragogue and cathartic. Mal : Ponvetti, Vetti Root is purgative, anthelmintic, diur- Distribution : West coast tropi- etic and alexiteric. cal evergreen and West coast semi- Uses : A decoction of leaves evergreen forests. gives relief in asthma. Oil from seeds Soil requirements : Variety of is applied externally in rheumatism. soils, clay loam to loam, loose, stro- Root is used to treat skin diseases, ngly acidic with plenty of moisture. abdominal complaints, piles, enlarged

119 spleen, itching, inflammations, ane- Bridelia scadens Wil Id. mia. leucoderma, jaundice, dropsy Syn. B. stipularis sensu Hook. f. and anasarca. non BI. Mal : Cherultolpanachi, Kanji- kot ta m Bischof ia javanica B I. Distribution : Southern moist West coast tropi - Distribution : mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing cal evergreen and West coast semi- and West coast semieve rgreen forests. evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Silty loam Soil requirements : Sandy loam soils, well drained, slightly acidic soils, medium acidic, medium in with low potash and organic carbon potash and phosphate and high in and medium phosphate contents. organic carbon. Description : A large climbing Description : A large tree; bark Shrub; branchlets often with long dark brown, exudes a red exudation deflexed spines. Leaves simple, alter- when cut. Leaves alternate, trifolio- nate, elliptic, obtuse, rounded or late; leaflets ovate or ovate-oblong, cordate at base, pubescent beneath, acuminate, crenate, 7-1 5 x 3.5-7.5 2.5-10 x 1.2-5 cm. Flowers small. cm. Flowers small in axillary panicu- greenish yellow, in small dense axil- late racemes. Fruit a globose berry. lary clusters or spikes. Fruit a drupe. brown, 1-2 cm in diameter; 3-6 ellipsoid or oblong, bluish black, 1.5 seeded. cm long. Properties : Leaves are rich in Uses : Bark is used to prepare a Vitamin C. mouth wash Leaves and stem cure Uses : Leaf juice is considered eczema. Root and stem are recom- to cure sores. mended in the treatment of asthma, cough and internal sores. Breynia vitis-idaea (Burm. f.) C. E. C. Fischer Bridelia squamosa (Lamk.) Grah. Syn. B. rhamnoides (Retz.) Syn. B. retusa Spreng. Muell. - Arg. Mal : Mullan-kaini, Mullu- Mal : Kattuneeruri venga Distribution : Southern moist Distribution : Southern moist deciduous and West coast semiever- mixed deciduous. Moist teak bearing green forests. and Southern dry mixed deciduous Description : A large shrub; forests. branchlets angular. Leaves simple, Soil requirements Variety of alternate, distichous, elliptic, obtuse soils, also capable of surviving on or subacute, 1.5-3.5 x 1-2.5 cm. dry shallow soils. It can withstand Flowers globose, yellowish red, 0.5 drought. cm in diameter. Description : A medium sized Uses : Dried leaves are smoked tree; bark grey or brown, covered like tobacco to cure swelled uvula with conical thorns towards the base and tonsils. when young. Leaves simple, alter-

120 nate, ovate-elliptic or oblong, sub- and phosphate and high in organic acute, obtuse or rounded at base, carbon. finely pubescent below. Flowers Description : A scandent shrub. small, yellow in 5-10 cm long, axil- Leaves simple, alternate, ovate, or lary spikes. Fruit a drupe. globose, orbicular-cordate, acute or acuminate, purplish biack. subtended by the crenate, stellately tomentose beneath, calyx, about 0.5 cm in diameter. 5-15 x 3-8 cm. Flowers fascicled Properties : Roots and bark are in slender terminal racemes. Fruit astringent. oblong with 6 slender ridges, scabrid Uses : Bark with gingily oil is pubescent, 2-2.5 cm long. used as liniment in rheumatism. Uses : Leaves are applied as a poultice to sprain. In Lakhimpur Cleistanthus collinus (Roxb.) Benth. , the young leaf buds Mal : Oduku with the leaves of Caesalpinia sappan Distribution : Southern moist are used to treat liver diseases. mixed deciduous and Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. Croton roxburghii Ba lak. Soil requirements : Silty loam Syn. C. oblongifolius Roxb. soils with good drainage and perme- ability, slightly acidic, low in potash Distribution : Southern dry and organic carbon and medium in mixed deciduous forest and scrub phosphate. jungles. Description : A small to medium Soil requirements : Variety of sized deciduous tree; bark dark soils, sandy loam to loam, strongly brown, flaking off in rounded flakes. acidic, slightly alkaline with organic Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic- carbon contents. obovate or orbicular, retuse at apex, Description : A small to medium 5-12 x 2.5-7 5 cm. Flowers small. sized tree; bark grey or brownish. yellowish green, in axillary cluster's. Leaves simple. alternate, oblong- Fruit obovoid. nearly black when dry, lanceolate, acute, crenate, scaly when 2-2.5 cm in diameter. young, becomes glabrous when old. Properties : Plant is astringent Flowers yellowish green, solitary or and extremely poisonous. Extract of fascicled on long racemes, the male leaves, roots and fruits are violent flowers in the upper part of the race gastro-intestinal irritant. and female flowers on the lower part. Uses : Bark is applied externally Fruit subglobose, covered with small in cases of cutaneous diseases. orbicular scales, about 1.2 cm in diameter. Croton caudatus Geisel Properties : Bark, root, fruits and Distribution : West coast semi- seeds are purgative, Bark and roots evergreen forests. are alterative also. Soil requirements : Clay loam, Uses : Bark is useful in cases of medium acidic soils, medium potash sprains and diseases of the liver.

121 Croton reticulatus Heyne Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Distribution : West coast tropical Syn. Phyllanthus emblica Linn. evergreen and West coast semiever- Mal : Nelli green forests. San : Amalaki, Dhathri Soil requirements : Clay loam Distribution : Southern moist soils, medium acidic, low in potash mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed and phosphate and high in organic deciduous and Dry teak bearing carbon. forests. Description : A small tree; Soil requirements : Variety of branchlets covered with ferruginous soils, loose, medium acidic with low scales. Leaves simple, elliptic, lanceo- potash and medium phosphate and late, acute or acuminate, base acute organic carbon contents. or rounded, furnished with a pair of Description : A small to medium stalked glands. Flowers in terminal sized tree; bark grey, flaking off in racemes, male towards the upper part irregular, thin flakes. Leaves simple, of the raceme and female towards the linear-oblong, 1.3 cm long, closely base. Fruit ovoid-oblong, slightly set and slightly overlapping. Flowers 3-lobed, apiculate, covered with small, in axillary clusters. Fruit glo- reddish brown stellate hairs and bose, 1-2.5 cm in diameter, yellowish. scales, about 1 cm in diameter. Properties : Fruit is refrigerant, Properties : Bark is stomachic. diuretic, laxative, acrid, alexiteric, carminative, alterative, antipyretic. Drypetes roxburghii (Wall.) Hursuwa It is an ingredient of 'Chyavanaprasa'. Syn. Putranjiva roxburghii Wal I. Fruit helps the abundant growth of Mal : Poothilanji hair. Flowers are cooling and aperi- Distribution : Reported to occur ent. Root and bark are astringent. in the west coast tropical evergreen Uses : Fruits are used in the forests in North Kerala. treatment of a number of diseases Description : A small to medium such as burning sensations, vomiting, sized tree with pendent branches; biliousness, urinary discharges, dia- bark dark grey with horizontal lentic- betes, leprosy, constipation, Infla- els. Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic mmat ions, e rys ip e Ias, piles, anaemia, -oblong. acute, distantly serrulate, strangury. anuria, ophthalmia and 6.5-10 x 2-4 cm. Flowers small, incipient blindness. Fermented liquor yellow, in axillary clusters. Fruit elli- prepared from the fruit is used as a psoid, white, tomentose, 1-2 cm long. remedy in jaundice, dyspepsia and Properties : Plant is fragrant, cough. Dried fruit is used in the treat- cooling, pungent, aphrodisiac, laxat- ment of haemorrhage, diarrhoea, ive and diuretic. dysentery, anaemia, janudice and Uses : Plant is used to treat bili- dyspepsia. Taking bath daily in water ousness, thirst, burning sensations, boiled with a small quantity of the erysipelas and elephantiasis. A deco- fruit will prevent the common signs ction of leaves and fruits is given of old age. It is used in 'Kayakalpa against cold and fevers. Cikilsa' arid 'Dhara'. Seeds are used

122 in the treatment of asthma. bronchitis 2.5-3.5 cm long. Flowers small, in and biliousness. axillary capitate cymes. Uses : Plant is used in the treat- Euphorbia antiquorum Linn. ment of bowel complaints of children, Mal : Chathurakkalli dysentery and colic. Decoction of San : Vajrakantaka the plant is given against bronchial Distribution : Laterite thorn for- afflictions and asthma. In Trinidad ests and in Scrub jungles. the plant is used to treat fever, influ- Soil requirements : Sandy slig- enza, measles and hypertensions htly acidic soils with good drainage (Wesley Wong, 1976). and permeability, high in potash, low in phosphate and organic carbon. Euphorbia laeta Heyne ex Roth Description : A large spinescent Syn. E. rothiana Spreng. leafless shrub with triangular succu- Distribution : Southern hill-top lent stem and milky latex. Leaves tropical evergreen and Southern small, caducous. Flowers yellow, in montane wet scrub forests. 3-flowered cymes. Soil requirements : Loamy soils Properties : Plant is digestive well drained strongly acidic. and purgative. Latex is irritant pur- Description : A tall herb with gative and expectorant. It kills milky latex. Leaves simple, linear- maggots in the wounds. Root bark lanceolate or oblanceolate, 4.5-9 cm is purgalive. long, the floral leaves broadly ovate- Uses : A decoction of the stem cordate. Flowers small, greenish, is recommended in cases of gout, terminal and in the axils of upper Latex is used aginst rheumatism, leaves. Fruit a capsule, about 0.5 cm nervine diseases, toothache, dropsy, in diameter. earache and cutaneous dise- Properties : Juice of the Plant is ases. acrid and irritant.

Euphorbia hirta Linn. Euphorbia thymifolia Linn. Mal : Nilapala Mal : Chithrappala San : Rakrabinduchada Distribution : Frequent in forest Distribution : Southern dry plantations. mixed deciduous forests and scrub Soil requirements : Loarny sand, jungles. Also seen in forest plantat- slightly acidic soils, medium in potash ions. low in phosphate and high in organic Soil requirements : Siltv loam carbon. soils, slightly acidic with medium Description : An annual prost- potash and high phosphate and tate hispid pubescent herb. Leaves organic carbon contents. simple, opposite, very small, obli- Description : A slender scanden t quely oblong, rounded at apex, cre- annual hispid herb with milky latex. nulate. Flowers very smali, axillary, Leaves simple alternate, ovate-lan- solitary or 2-3 together. Fruit obtus- ceolate, unequal at base, serrate, ely keeled, pubescent. very small.

123 Properties : Dried leaves and Uses : Pounded leaves are appli- seeds are aromatic, astringent, stimu- ed to itches. lant and laxative. Uses : Plant juice is a remedy Hoinonoia riparia lour. for ringworm and other skin diseases. Mal : Kaloorvanchi, Puzhavanchi Root is used in the treatment of ame- San. : Asmabheda norrhoea. Distribution : West coast semi- evergreen and Southern moist mixed Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. deciduous forests; mostly seen along Mal : Thirukkalli the banks of streams. Distribution : Southern dry mix- Soil requirements : Variety of ed deciduous forests. soils with plenty of moisture, slightly Soil requirements : Loose loamy acidic. sand, slightly acidic soils, medium in Description : A large shrub to a potash and organic carbon and low small tree. Leaves simple. alternate, in phosphate. linear, serrulate towards the tip, Description : A small leafless glandular scaly beneath, 7.5-15 x tree with milky latex; bark brown or 0.8-2 cm. Flowers dioecious, small, greenish brown; branches green, sessile, in axillary spikes. Fruit glo- cylindrical. Leaves small, caducous. bose, 3 rnm in diameter, pubescent. Flowers small, greenish, clustered in Properties : Root is laxative and the fork of branches. diuretic. Properties : Latex is vesicant, Uses : Decoction of the root is rubifacient, purgative and counter used in the treatment of piles, stone irritant. in the bladder, gonorrhoea and syphi- Uses : Latex is applied for warts lis. Root is used against ulcers and and rheumatism and used in the vesical calculi. treatment of neuralgia, toothache, cough and asthma. Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Muell.- Arg . Glochidion zeylanicum (Gaertn.) Juss. Mal : Vatta Mal : Neervetti Distribution : Mostly seen in Distribution : West coast tropi- Southern secondary moist mixed cal evergreen and West coast semi- deciduous forests. evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Sandy loam Description : A small tree. Lea- soils usually in moist areas, slightly ves simple, alternate, ovate-oblong, acidic, high in organic carbon. obtuse, rounded at base, glabrous, Description : A small to medium 5-12.5 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers small in sized tree; bark dark grey, smooth axillary clusters, yellow. Fruit a cap- exudes a red gurnrny exudate when sule, globose, about 2 cm in dia- cut. Leaves simple, alternate, peltate. meter. orbicular, 12-25 cm in either way. Properties : Bark is stomachic. long petioled. Flowers small, yello- Fruits are cooling and restorative. wish, in axillary and extra axillary

124 panicles. Fruit a capsule, globose, Soil requirements : Variety of about 0.5 cm in diameter, glandular. soils favours sandy loam slightly aci- Uses : Gum is applied to veneral dic low in potash and phosphate and sores. medium in organic carbon. Description : An annual herb Mallotus philippensis (Lamk.) Muell.- with slender spreading branchlets. Arg. Leaves simple, distichous, often over- Mal : Chenkolli, Kunkumapoovu- lapping, elliptic-oblong, small. Flow- maram, Kurangumanjal ers small, axillary. Fruits depressed Distribution : West coast semi- globose, about 2 mm in diameter. evergreen, West coast tropical ever- (Plate XVII, Fig. 4) green and Southern moist mixed de- Properties : Plant is bitter, astr- ciduous forests. ingent, cooling, alleviative of thirst, Soil requirements : Loamy soils, cough, haemorrhage, anemia and pectoral lesion. well drained, medium acidic with low Uses : The whole plant, parti- potash and phosphate and high orga- cularly the leaves, is very beneficial, nic carbon contents. in jaundice. It is used as a diuret- Description : A small tree; bark ic in dropsical afflictions, gonor- grey or pale brown. Leaves simple, rhoea and other troubles of the alternate and opposite, ovate-lanceo- genito-urinary tract. An infusion of late, acute or acuminate, 3-ribbed at young shoots is given in dysentery. the base, 7-16 x 4-7 cm. Flowers Latex is applied to sores. Powdered yellow, in terminal spikes. Fruit 3 leaves and roots are appiied as a lobed, about 1 cm in diameter, cove- poultice to lessen oedematous swel- red with bright red powdery sub- stances. lings and ulcers. Properties : Leaf is bitter, cool- Sauropus quadrangularis (Willd.) ing, purgative, vulnerary, detergent, Muell .-Arg. maturant, carminative and alexiteric. Distribution : Southern moist It improves appetite but cause flatu- mixed deciduous and Moist teak lence; heals ulcers and wounds. bearing forests. Glands and hairs on the fruits are Description : A shrub with slen- bitter, cathartic, styptic and anthel- der angular branchlets. Leaves simple, mintic especially against tape worm. a Itern ate, elliptic- o b Io ng or o bovate, Uses : Leaves are used in the 1-2 x 0.8-1.2 cm. Flowers small, treatment of stone in the bladder, axillary. Fruit depressed globose. bronchitis and enlargement of spleen. about 1 cm in diameter. Uses : Dried leaves are smoked Phyllanthus fraternus Webst. in tonsillitis. Syn. P.niruri auct. non Linn. Mal : Kizhanelli Securinega leucopyrus (Wi I Id.) Muell.- San : Tharnalakee Arg. Distribution : Seen in forest Syn. fluggea leucopyrus Willd. plantations. Mal : Perumklavu

125 Distribution : Southern dry mixed Soil requirements : Variety of deciduous and Laterite thorn forests. soils, mostly in dry areas, slightly Description : A large shrub with acidic. angular branchlets usually ending in Description : A twining hispid spines. Leaves simple, alternate herb with stinging hairs. Leaves sim- obovate or obcordate 1.5-2.5 cm ple, alternate, oblong-lanceolate to long. Flowers yellowish, in axillary broadly ovate, acuminate. serrate. clusters. Fruit globose, white, about 2.5-10 x 2-5 cm. Flowers in termi- 4 mm in diameter. nal and leaf opposed racemes. Fruit Uses : Leaves are used to dest- 3-lobed, hispid, about 8 mm in dia- roy worms in sores. meter. Properties : Root is diaphoretic and alterative. Securinega virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Uses : Root is given against Baill. fever and body pains. An infusion is Mal : Karimulli, Perumklavu given in ardent fever and itching of Distribution : Southern dry mixed the skin. It forms the basis of an ex- deciduous forests and also in scrub ternal application in leprosy and it jungles. aids in the extraction of guinea worm. Soil requirements : Variety of soils usually in dry areas. Trewia nudiflora Linn. Description : An unarmed shrub Mal : Malankumbil, Pambara- with angular branchlets. Leaves kumbil simple, alternare, elliptic or obovate, Distribution : West coast semi- acute, 2.5-7 cm long. Flowers evergreen and Southern moist mixed yellowsih. in axillary clusters. Fruit deciduous forests. globose, white, about 0.5 cm in Soil requirements : Sandy loam diameter. soils with good drainage, slightly Properties : Plant is cooling and acidic with high potash and phos- aphrodisiac. It is also used as a phate contents. tonic. Description : A medium sized Uses : Plant is used in the treat- tree; bark smooth grey, flaking off in ment of strangury, biliousness and thin rounded scales. Leaves simple. diseases of blood. Leaves are used opposite, ovate, acuminate, truncate to destroy worms in sores. Roots are or cordate at base, long petioled. used against gonorrhoea. Male flowers in long slender racemes. Female flowers solitary or in few flo- Tragia involucrata Linn. wered racemes. Fruit depressed glo- Syn. T. hispida Willd. bose, 2-3.5 cm in diameter. Mal : Choriyanam, Kodithuva Properties : Plant is alexiteric. San : Kochura It improves taste and remove bilious- Distribution : Southern moist ness. mixed deciduous and Southern dry Uses : Decoction of the root is mixed deciduous forests. given aginst flatulence and applied

126 locally in gout and rheumatic affli- Properties : Wood decoction is ctions. used as a blood purifier. Uses : Wood is used in medicin- U lmaceae es for headache and as a fumigator to drive off mosquitoes. Aphananthe cuspidata (Bl.) Planch. Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch. Syn. Gironniera cuspidata (BI.) Ma1 : Aval Planch. ex Kurz San : Poothi-Karanjah, Udakirya G. reticulata Thw. Distribution : West coast semi- Mal : Bhuthiyunarthi evergreen and occasionally in Moist Distribution : West coast tropi- teak bearing forests cal evergreen forests, Soil requirements : Loamy sand, Description : A large buttressed slightly acidic soils, loose with good tree; bark pale brown, flaking off in drainage, low in phosphate, medium small strips with the lower end det- in potash and high in organic carbon ached and the upper end attached. Description : A medium to large Leaves simple. alternate, oblong- tree; bark whitish grey, flaking off ovate, acuminate, truncate or acu- in irregular flakes. Leaves simple, minate at base. Male flowers in pani- alternate, elliptic or broadly oblong, culate cymes. Female flowers solitary, acuminate, rounded or cordate at axillary. Fruits yellow, ovoid, shortly base. 7-12 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers beaked, 8 mm long. greenish purple in corymbose fasci- Properties: The plant is used as cles. Fruit samaroid, nearly orbicular, a blood purifier. about 2.5 cm in diameter. Uses : Juice of boiled bark is timorensis Spanoghe applied to rheumatic swellings. Syn. C. cinnamomea Lindl. ex Planch. Trema orientalis (Linn ) BI. Mal : Poochakkurumaram Syn. Celtis orientalis Linn. Distribution : West coast tropi- Mal : Amathali cal evergreen forests. Distribution : Mostly seen in Soil requirements : Loamy sand, secondary forests. slightly acidic soils, loose, medium in Soil requirements : The soils on potash, low in phosphate and high in which it grows vary widely in texture organic carbon. and structure, clay loam soils with Description : A small to medi- good water supply is most suitable. um sized tree; bark pale green, Alluvial soils along the streams also smooth. Leaves simple, alternate, obli- support good growth. quely-ovate, long acuminate, entire Description : A small tree: bark or serrate. 3 ribbed, 7-15 x 2.4-5 cm. greyish. smooth. Leaves simple, alter- Flowers greenish, small, male in short nate, oblong, lanceolate. unequal at racemose cymes; female in slender base, crenate. white or grey pubes- cymes. Fruit globose, acuminate. cent beneath, 7-15 x 2.5-6 cm.

127 Flowers small, greenish, in axillary cexudes milky latex when cut. Leaves cymes. Fruit a drupe, black, about simple, alternate, oblong or ovate, 0.5 cm in diameter. cuspidate, base truncate or subcord- Uses : Plant is used in the treat- ate, grey tomentose beneath. Flowers ment of epilepsy. yellow, in axillary, globose heads. Fruits yellow, irregularly globose, 5-8 Moraceae cm in diameter; seeds few, flat. Properties : Unripe fruit causes Antiaris toxicaria (Pers.) Lesch. constipation, impotency, eye troubles Mal : Aranjili, Mara-uri and fever. Ripe fruit also has the San : Valkala-vriksha properties, but it is tonic to the liver. Distribution : West coast tropi- Seeds are purgative. cal evergreen and Wast coast semi- Uses : Bark in the form of evergreen forests. powder is applied to small pimples Description : A very large tree, and cracky skin. often buttressed, bark thick; grey. Leaves simple, a I ter na te bif a rious, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk. e I Ii pt i c - ob I ong , acumin a te, rounded Syn. A. integrifolia Linn. or cordate at base, entire or serrul- Mal : Plavu ate. scabrous on both sides, 10-12 x San : Panasa 5-7 cm. Male flowers small, fasci- Distribution : West coast tropi- cled on axillary flat receptacles. cal evergreen and Southern hill-top Female flowers solitary, axillary. Fruit tropical evergreen forests; widely cuIt ivated. globose, red, velvety, 1.5-2 cm in diameter; 1 -seeded. (Plate XIX, Soil requirements : Variety of Fig. 2) soils, favours sandy clay loam, slightly Properties : Seeds are febrifugal. acidic with low potash, medium pho- Uses : The sap 'antiarin'. is used sphate and high organic carbon contents. as an arrow poison. Seeds are given Description : Medium to large in cases of dysentery. tree; bark blackish, mottled with black and green, rough with warty Artocarpus gomezianus Wall. ex Tre- excrescences Leaves simple, alter- cul ssp. zeylanicus Jarrett nate, ovate-,oblong. acute, 10-25 x Syn. A. lakoocha auct. non Roxb. 5-12 cm. Male flowers on cylindrical Mal : Kadaplavu. Theettiplavu receptacles. Female flowers on ovoid- Distribution : Southern moist oblong receptacles. Fruit a large mixed deciduous and West coast sorosis. up to 50 cm long. containing semievergreen forests. a large number 'of ovoid smooth Soil requirements : Variety of seeds. soils; tavours medium acidic with Properties : Ripe fruit is said to medium potash and phosphate and be antidote to all kinds of animal high organic carbon contents. poisons. It is laxative, oleagenous Description : A medium sized and aphrodisiac. Unripe fruit is astr- tree; bark greyish brown or black, ingent and carminative.

128 Uses : Juice of the plant is app- Description : A large tree with a lied to glandular swellings and spreading crown; bark greenish grey, abscesses to promote suppuration. smooth, exudes milky latex when cut. Extract of wood is useful for the re- Leaves simple, alternate, ovate- laxation of ulva and for the inflamma- oblong, shortly acuminate, rounded tion of throat and tonsils. Leaves are at base, 4.5-10 x 2.5-5 cm. Fruit glo- used to treat skin diseases. Roots are bose, yellowish white, in axillary clu- given in case of diarrhoea. sters. about 0.5 cm in diameter. Uses : Bark is used in the treat- ment of colic. Root bark is used to Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk. treat chronic cough and other pulmo- Mal : Anjili, Ayani nary infections. Latex of the root and Distribution : West coast tropical fruit is an effective remedy in case of evergreen, West coast semievergreen eye diseases. and Southern secondary moist mixed deciduous forests. Ficus arnottiana (Miq.) Miq. Soil requirements : Variety of Mal : Kallarayal soils, well drained, medium potash, Distribution : Southern moist low phosphate and high organic mixed deciduous and Southern dry carbon. mixed deciduous forests. Description : A large tree; bark Soil requirements : Variety of grey or greyish brown. Leaves simple, soils, loam, sandy loam, medium aci- alternate. deeply lobed in' young dic and medium in organic carbon. tree, entire in mature trees, broadly Description : A small to medium ovate, acute, base narrowed, pubes- sized tree; bark smooth, grey, exudes cent on the petioles and on the veins a milky latex when cut. Leaves simple, beneath. Flowers yellowish green, alternate. broadly ovate, caudate- small, male in axillary cylindrical acurninate, cordate at base, entire or peduncles, female in ovoid heads. slightly undulate, 7-18 x 5-10 cm. Fruits yellow, ovoid or globose, 5-7.5 Fruits depressed globose, purple, in cm in diameter, covered with hispid sessile or shortly peduncled clusters spines. of 2-5, about 0.5 cm in diameter. Uses : Dried leaves along with (Plate XVIII, Fig. 1) other medicines are applied over Uses : Leaves and bark are used bubos and swelled testicles. against skin diseases.

Ficus amplissima J E. Sm. Ficus benghalensis Linn. Syn. F. tsiela Roxb. Mal : Peral Mal : Koyali San : Nyagrodha Distribution : Southern moist Distribution : Often planted as mixed deciduous and West coast avenue trees. Sometimes seen in semievergreen forests. secondary forests. Soil requirements : Variety of Soil requirements : Variety of soils. soils; favours sandy loam soils with

129 good drainage, slightly acidic, low in Distribution : Southern moist potash, medium in phosphate and mixed deciduous and West coast organic carbon. semievergreen forests. Description : A large tree with Soil requirements : Sandy loam, numerous aerial roots; bark greyish soils with impeded drainage, slightly white., smooth, exudes a milky latex acidic, high in potash and phosphate. when cut Leaves simple, alternate. Description : A small trees bark ovate or elliptic obtuse, subcordate grey, smooth. Leaves simple, alter- or rounded at base, pubescent when nate, ovate-elliptic- or ovate, acute young, 10-20 x 5-10 cm. Fruit bright or acuminate, cordate at base, softly red, in axillary pairs, about 1.3 cm in pubescent when young, 14-25 x diameter. (Plate XVIII, Fig. 2) 10-17 cm, petiole up to 10 cm long. Properties : The bark is astringent Fruit in sessile axillary pairs,yellowish when ripe, about 2 cm in diameter. to the bowels, cooling in action, not (Plate XVIII, Fig. 3) easily digestible and improves com- Uses : Leaves and bark are reco- ptexion (Mooss, 1977). Milky juice mmended for liver complaints and is aphrodisiac. tonic, vulnerary and skin diseases Fruit is used in the maturant. Seeds are cooling. Aerial treatment of heart diseases. root is styptic and aphrodisiac. Uses : Bark is used in the trea- tment of ulcers, erysipelas, burning Ficus drupacea Thumb. var. pubescens sensation and vaginal disorders (Roth) Corner (Mooss, 1977). Milky juice is used Syn. F. mysorensis Heyne Mal : Kallal in the treatment of piles, and gono- Distribution : Occasional in the rrhoea. It is applied externally for Southern moist mixed deciduous pains, rheumatism and lumbago. The forests. slender twigs of the tree are recomm- Description : A very large tree ended for use as tooth brush and with few aerial roots. Leaves simple, their continued use will strengthen alternate ovate or ovate-elliptic, the gums and teeth. A decoction of shortly acuminate, rounded or emar- leaf buds in milk is beneficial in ginate at base. grey tomentose when cases of haemorrhages, The tender young, 10-20 x 3.4-7.5 cm. Fruits in hanging roots can be used in the axillary pairs, oblong or subovate, same way (Mooss, 1977). Leaves 2.3 cm long, orange-red when ripe. are applied as a poultice to abscesses. Uses : Used in native medicines Aerial roots are used in the treatment of gonorrhoea, syphilis, biliousness, (Ramarao, 1914). dysentery and inflammation of the liver. Tender ends of the aerial roots Ficus exasperata Vahl are an effective remedy for obstinate Syn. F. asperrima Roxb. vomiting. Mal : Tharakam Distribution : Mostly seen in the Ficus dalhousiae Miq. Southern secondary most mixed deci- Mal : Kallal duous forests.

130 Description : A small to medium Uses : The plant is useful in the sized tree; bark pale grey, smooth. treatment of ulcers, biliousness, Leaves simple, alternate, ovate or psoriasis, anaemia, piles. jaundice oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or acumi- and haemorrhage of the nose and nate, rounded at base, rarely 3-5 lob- mouth. ed, scabrid and hispid on both sur- faces 8-1 5 x 2.5-6 cm. Fruits pedun- cled, in axillary pairs, globose, scabr- Ficus microcarpa Linn. f. ous hispid, yellow, 1.3-2 cm in Syn. F. retusa Linn. diameter. Mal : Kallithi. San : Plaksha Uses : Bark arid juice of the Distribution : West coast semi- plant are recommended in cases of evergreen and Southern moist mixed enlargement of liver and spleen. The root is used against the burging sen- deciduous forests. Soil requirements : Variety of sation of bowels (Van Reede, 1679 ) soils ranging from shallow and dry soils on hill top slopes and alluvium Ficus hispida Linn. f. along stream banks. Mal : Erumanakku, Parakam, Description : A medium sized to Peyathi large tree with numerous thin aerial Distribution : Mostly seen in the roots; bark brown, fairly smooth, secondary forests. latex milky. Leaves simple. alternate, Soil requirements : Variety of ovate, obtuse, shortly acuminate, soils. in the slopes. slightly acidic narrowed at base; 5-10 x 2 5-5cm. with low potash, medium phosphate Fruits in axillary sessile pairs, glo- and high organic carbon contents. bose, greenish yellow, about 1 cm in Description : A small tree; bark diameter. grey or brown. rough. exudes milky Properties : The plant is pungent, latex when cut. Twigs with hollow bitter, and aphrodisiac. internodes. Leaves simple. opposite, Uses : The plant: is used in the elliptic or oblong, shortly acuminate, treatment of leucoderma, ulcers, lep- rounded or subcordate at base, entire rosy, itching and biliousness. Bark or serrate, scabrous on the upper sur- is recornmended in cases of liver dise- face, 10-30x 5-10 cm Figs ovoid ases. Powdered leaves and bark are or subpyriform, hispid, yellowish given against rheumatic headache. Leaves and root bark are applied for when ripe, clustered on mature stem or on elongated branches arising wounds and bruises. In China the from mature stem (Plate XIX, Fig. 1) aerial rootlets are considered to be a remedy for toothache. Properties : All parts of the plant are cooling, acrid, astringent to the bowel and antidysenteric. Powdered Ficus racemosa Linn. bark is antiperiodic and acts as a Syn. F. glomerata Roxb. tonic. Fruit, seeds and bark are pur- Mal : Athi gative and emetic. San : Sadaphala. Udumbara

131 Distribution : West coast semi- age slightly acidic, high in potassium evergreen and Southern moist mixed and organic carbon and low in phos- deciduous forests. phate. Soil requirements : Variety of Description A large tree, some- soils with adequate moisture supply, time with few aerial roots; bark green- usually in alluvial, low-lying moist ish, smooth, exudes milky latex when soils. cut. Leaves simple, alternate, nar- Description : A large tree; bark rowly elliptic to broadly ovate. shortly reddish grey, smooth, latex milky. caudate-acuminate, narrowed at base. Leaves simple, alternate, elliptic- Fruits obovoid, sessile, 0.6 cm in lanceolate. ovate or ovate-oblong. diameter, greenish yellow. acute, obtuse at base, 10-17 x 3.5-6.5 Uses : Decoction of the bark is cm Fruits clustered on short leaf- used in the treatment of ulcers,ven- less branches arising from the mature eral diseases, diarrhoea and leprosy. stem, reddish when ripe, about 3 cm in diameter. (Plate XVIII, Fig. 4) Properties : All parts of the Ficus tinctoria Forst. f. ssp. parasitica plant are cooling, vulnerary and anti- (Koen. ex Willd.) Corner dysenteric. Bark is astringent. hae- Syn. F. gibbosa BI. mostatic, improves complexion and Mal : Ithi, Kal-ithi cleanses and heals wounds. Milky Distribution : Southern moist juice is aphrodisiac. Unripe . fruit mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing acts as a tonic and styptic. and West coast semievergreen forests. Uses : The plant is used in the Soil requirements : Sandy soils treatment of biliousness and usually in the slopes, well drained. diseases of the vagina. A decoction Description : A medium sized of the bark is equally effective in tree; bark greyish or yellowish green, menorrhagia and also in haemorrhag- smooth. exudes a milky latex when es and diabetes (Mooss, 1977).Leav- cut. Leaves simple alternate, elliptic- es are given against menorrhoea and ovate to lanceolate, obtuse, acute or haemoptysis. Galls of the leaves are cuspidate. cuneate or acute at base. given to prevent pitting in small pox. usually one side more or less gib- Unripe fruit is recommended for leu- bous, scabrous beneath. Fruits in corrhoea. The juice of the fully ripe pairs or fascicled on the twigs, sub- and fresh fruits with a little honey is globose 0.5-1 cm in diameter. yellow, effective in excessive thrist. burning scabrid. sensation and haemorrhages (Mooss, Properties : Root bark IS sto- 1977). machic and aper ient. Ficus talbolti King Uses : Leaf juice is given in Mal : Ithi, Kal-ithi burning fevers (Van Rheede, 1679). Distribution : West coast tropi- A decoction of the root is used as an cal evergreen forests. aperient. It is an excellent remedy Soil requirements : In the slopes against any kind of diseases in the in sandy loam soils with good drain- mouth (Van Reede, 1679).

132 Streblus asper Lour. female flowers in the upper axils. Mal: Paruva (Plate XIX. Fig. 3) Distribution : West coast semi- Uses : Leaves are used against evergreen, Southern moist mixed headache and swollen joints. A deco- deciduous and Moist teak bearing ction of leaves is given in cases of forests. fever Description : A small tree; bark grey. irregularly ribbed. exudes a Laportea crenulata Gaud. .milky latex when cut. Leaves simple, Mal : Anachoriyanam alternate. ovate or rhomboid, acute, Distribution : West coast tropi- margin irregularly toothed, 2.5-10 x cal evergreen and Southern hill-top 1-2.5 cm. Flowers small, greenish tro pica I evergreen forests. yellow; male in axillary heads; female Description : A large shrub to a on slender pedicels. Fruits an yellow small tree; bark greyish white smoo- berry. 1- seeded. th. Leaves simple, alternate, crowded towards the apex of the branchlets, Properties : Milky juice is ast- oblong-lanceolate, acute or acumi- ringent and antisepti ; nate. narrowed or obtuse at base, Uses : Plant is useful in the tre- crenate or entire with small stinging atment of leprosy, piles, diarrhoea, hairs towards the base of the lamina, dysentery, elephantiasis and tuber- 12-30 x 5-10 cm. Flowerssmall, pale culous glands. Decoction of the bark green, in dichotomously branched is used against fever, dysentery and cymes. Fruit small, black, shining. diarrhoea. Roots are applied to un- (Plate XIX, Fig. 4) healthy sinuses and ulcers. Uses : Seeds are used in the same way as coriander. Root juice is Urticaceae given against continuous fevers. Oreocnide integrifolia (Gaud ) Miq. Girardinia divesifolia (Link) Friis Syn. Villebrunea integrifolia Miq. Syn. G. zeylanica Dcne. Distribution : West coast tropical Mal : Anachoriyanam evergreen and West coast semiever- Distribution : Southern hill-top green forests. tropical evergreen forests. Soil requirements : Variety of Soil requirements : Clayey slight- soils, loam to sandy loam, strongly ly acidic soils, high in potash and acidic with high organic carbon cont- organic carbon. ents. Description An undershrub with Description : A small, much stinging hairs. Leaves alternate, 3-7 branched tree; brown, smooth. Leaves lobed, acuminate, serrate, truncate or simple, alternate, lanceolate or oblan- cordate at base, 3-ribbed, adpressed ceolate, acuminate, obtuse or acute hairy. Flowers small, greenish yel- at base, entire or somewhat crenu- low, in pedunculate racemose cymes; late, pubescent on the nerves benea- the male flowers in the lower and th, 10-18 x 3.5-6 cm. Flowers very

133 small, in globose clusters on shortly catkins. Fruit a capsule. ovate, 0.5 peduncled dichotomous cymes. usua- cm long; 4-6 seeded. lly from the axils of fallen leaves. Properties : Bark is a febrifuge. Uses : In Java, the plant juice is taken for the retention of urine, also Gnetaceae used as eyewash and for pimples. I n Gnetum ula Brogn. Sumatra, poultice of the leaves is applied against headache. Syn. G. scandem Roxb. Mal : Karuthaodal. Ula Distribution : West coast tropical Pouzolzia zeylanica (Linn.) Benn. evergreen and West coast semiever- Syn. P. indica Gaud. green forests. Mal : Kallurukki Description : A large woody cli- Distribution : Occurs in forest mber, branchlets with thickened plantations and in open areas in the nodes. Leaves simple. opposite. forests. ovate-oblong or elliptic. Flowers Soil requirements : Variety of small, whorld in solitary or panicled soils; favours sandy loam soils, well s p ike s F ru its r edd ish - or a nge , o bl ong . drained, slightly acidic, medium in apiculate, 3-4 cm long. (Plate XX, organic carbon. Fig. 4) Description : A small slender Properties : Stem and roots are herb. Leaves simple, alternate or antiperiodic. opposite, ovate or ovate-lanceolate. obtuse, acute or acuminate at apex. Cycad aceae acute or rounded at base 2-3.5 x 0.8-1.5 cm. Flowers very small, in Cycas circinalis Linn. axillary clusters. Mal : Intha, lntalappana Uses : Plant is used in the treat- Distribution : Southern moist ment of syphilis and gonorrhoea. mixed deciduous forests Soil requirements : Loose soi Is Salicaceae with good drainage Description : A small palm-like Salix tetrasperma Roxb. tree; stem with tessellated diamond Mal : Attupala, Vanchi shaped scars of fallen leaves. Leaves Distribution : West coast semi - pinnate, 1 5-3 m long; leaflets 80-100 evergreen forests, mostly seen along pairs, linear, acuminate. 15-30x1 cm. the banks of rivers. Flowers dioecious; male collected in Soil requirements : Loamy soils erect cone consisting of short axis with impeded drainage. with imbricate scales bearing 3-5 Description : A medium to large anthers, female cone with carpophylls tree; bark rough with vertical fissures, bearing 6-10 ovules. Seeds ovoid, greyish brown, thick. Leaves simple, orange-red, 2.4-3.5 cm long. alternate, lanceolate, acuminate. Propties : Gum is an antidote narrowed or rounded at base, serrate, to poison (Van Reede, 1679). Pollen 5-15 x 2.5-5 cm. Flowers small in is narcotic.

134 Uses : Juice of tender leaves is used as a nutrient and demulcent. given against flatulence and vomiting. The juice from the pod is used agai- Bark and seeds are ground to a paste nst ear ache (Joseph, 1977). and applied as poultice for sores and swellings. Female cone is made into Dendrobium ovatum (Willd.) Krzl. a paste and applied to the joints to Syn. D. barbatulam auct. non remove nephritic pains and to miti- Lindl. gate involuntary flow of semen in Distribution : Southern moist gonorrhoea (Van Reede, 1679). mixed deciduous and Moist teak bearing forests. Orchidaceae Description : An epiphytic herb, stem terete, elongated. Leaves lan- Acampe praemorsa (Roxb.) Rlatt. & ceolate, acute 7-10 x 0.5-1.3 cm. Mc Cann Flowering stem without leaves, Flo- A. wig h tiana Li nd I. wers white with a pinkish tinge, in Mal : Valia-maravazha many flowered terminal and lateral Distribution : Southern moist s t ou t racemes. mixed deciduous, West coast semi- Properties : Plant is emollient. evergreen and Moist teak bearing Plant juice is stomachic and laxative. forests. Also frequent in teak plant- It excites the flow of bile. ations. Description : An epiphytic herb Eulophia epidendraea (Retz.) Fischer with stout elongated stem and thick Distribution : Southern moist velamin roots. Leaves 'distichous. mixed deciduous, West coast semi- linear-oblong, ligulate, irregularly evergreen and Moist teak bearing 2-lobed at apex, thickly coriaceous, forests. 10-20 cm long. Flower perianth Soil requirements : Variety of yellow with red, lip white with red soils, well drained, medium acidic stripes, in supra-axillary corymbose and medium in organic carbon. panicles. Description : A terrestrial herb Properties : Plant act as a tonic. with pseudobulb. Leaves linear. Uses : Plant is used is the treat- 15-70 cm long, I-ribbed. Flowers ment of r he u ma tism. greenish white, in 30-75 cm long racemes. Leafless at the time of flo- Cymbidium aloifolium (Linn.) Sw. wering. Distribution : West coast semi- Uses : Tubers are used as vermi- evergreen and Southern moist mixed fuge. deciduous forests. Description : An epiphytic herb. Eulophia nuda Lindl. Leaves disticho us. linea r-o b Io ng, Distribution : West coast semi- slightly obliquely notched at apex, evergreen forests and grassland above 30-50 x 2-3.5 cm. Flowers yellowish 500 m elevations. red in pendulous racemes. Description : A terrestrial herb Properties : Plant is emetic and with spherical tuberous rhizome. purgative. Furnishes salep which is Leaves elliptic-lanceolate. acute, pli-

135 cate, base narrowed into a long tub- minate, 5-12 x 2.5-5 cm, the upper ular sheaths, 20-35 cm long. Flowers smaller and sheathing, passing into greenish purple, in 30-50 cm long leafy bracts. Flowers white, large. racemes. (Plate XX. Fig. 1) with a long spur, fragrant. Uses : Tubers acts a vermifuge. Properties : Tubers are used as Tubers are applied to tumours and a cure for blebs or bullae, especially tuberculous glands of the neck. They those occurring on the palm of the are used to treat bronchitis and dise- hand. ases of blood. Luisia tenuifolia Bl. Flickingeria macraei (Lindi.) Seidenf. Distribution : Southern moist

S y n , Ephem erantha macraei mixed deciduous forests. (Lindl.) Hunt &Summerh. Description : An epiphytic herb. Desmotrichum fimbriatvm B I. Leaves terete, 10-18 cm long, very Distribution : West coast tropi- variable in thickness. Flowers yellow- cal evergreen forests above 600 rn ish with purple tinge, in few flowered aititude; sometimes growing along short spikes. with moss on rocks. Properties : Plant acts as an Description : An epiphytic herb emollient. with creeping rhizome and pendulous Uses : Plant is applied as poult- nodose stem bearing narrowly fusi- ice to boils, abscesses and tumours. form pseudobulbs. Leaves 2, linear- oblong, obtuse, terminal on the pseudobulbs. Flowers white or pink- Pholidota pallida Lindl. ish, 1-3, from below the base of the Syn. P. imbricata Lindl. leaves. Distribution : Southern moist Properties : Plant is stimulant mixed deciduous and West coast 1000 and de mu Ice nt , aIte ra tive , ast ri ng ent semievergreen forests below m to the bowels, aphrodisiac and elevation. expectorant. Fruit is aphrodisiac Description : An epiphytic herb. (Joseph, 1 977). Leaves with large oblong-ovate pseu- Uses : Plant is used in the treat- dobulb, solitary, elliptic-lanceolate ment of asthma, bronchitis, consump- or oblanceolate, 10-18 x 2-6 cm. tion, fever, burning sensations, bili- Flowers white with yellow or pink ousness and diseases of the blood. shade, 6 mm long, closely set with conspicuous bracts on long pendu- Habenaria susannae (Linn.) R. Br. lous raceme arising from the top of Syn. Platanthera susannae (Linn,) the pseudobulb. Lindl. Uses : Pseudobulbs finelymacer- Distribution : Grasslands above ated with mustard oil and applied to 700 m elevations. joints to remove rheumatic pains. Description : A stout herb with Water extracts of crushed pseudobul- tuberous roots. Leaves ovate-oblong bs have curative property if taken to oblong-lanceolate, acute or acu- internally (Sarkar & Agarwal, 1978).

136 Rhynchostylis retusa (Linn.) BI. Uses : Plant juice is given to Distribution : Southern moist temper bile and to abate phrenzy. mixed deciduous and West coast Flowers are given against tuberculo- semievergreen forests. Also frequent sis, asthma and mania. on teak in plantations. Description : An epiphytic herb Vanda tessellata (Roxb.) Hook. ex with elongated stout stem. Leaves G. Don linear oblong, deeply channelled, un- Syn. V. roxburghii R. Br. equally 2-lobed at apex, very thick, Mal : Maravazha 15-45 x 1-2.5 cm. Flowers pale pink Distribution : Southern dry mix- with dark spots, 1.2 cm long,in many ed deciduous forests. flowered I ong pendulous racemes. Description : An epiphytic herb Properties : Plant is an emollient with scandent stem. Leaves linear- (BSI, 1960). oblong, apex 3 toothed, keeled, thickly coriaceous. 15-20 x 1-2 cm. Satyrium nepalense D. Don Flowers yel lowish, tessellated with Distribution : Southern montane brown, in 6-10 flowered axillary, up wet scrub and Southern montane wet to 25 cm long racemes. (Plate XX, grasslands. Fig. 2) Properties : Root is alexiteric Soil requirements ; Variety of soils; loam, clay loam, poorly drained, and antipyretic. medium acidic. Uses : A paste of the leaves is Description : An erect leafy applied to the body during fever. herb with tuberous roots, stem up to Leaf juice is instilled into the aural meatus as remedy for otitis media. 65 cm high, sheathed above. Leaves a very variable, lanceolate, ovate, Root enters into the composition of oblong or suborbicular. Flowers pink various medicated oils for external or white, in many flowered dense application in nervous disorders and spikes. rheumatism. It is used to treat bron- Uses : The tuberous roots are chitis. inflammations, hiccough, piles, used in tonic preparations. boils on the scalp etc.

Zingiberaceae Vanda spathulata Spreng. Mal : Ponnampon-maravazha Alpinia allughas Rosc. Distribution : Mostly confined Mal : Mala-inchikoova to the Southern dry mixed deciduous Distribution : West coast semi- forests. evergreen and West coast tropical Description : An epiphytic herb, evergreen forests. sometimes terrestrial. Leaves ovate Soil requirements : Clayey soils or linear-oblong, obtuse or subacute with poor drainage, strongly acidic, at apex, 5-10 1-3 cm. Flowers gol- high in potash and low in phosphate. den yellow, in leaf opposed racemes Description : A perrenial stout up to 5 cm long. herb with scaly rhizomes. Leaves

137 linear or oblong-lanceolate, acumin- Properties : Rhizome is used ate, cuspidate, 20-35 x 4.5-10 cm. against rheumatism, fever, catarrhal Flowers pink in erect terminal pani- afflictions, especially in bronchial cles. Fruit black, globose, 1.5 cm catarrh, diabetes, burning sensation in diameter; seeds many, small, black, of the liver and tubercular glands. angular. Hakims use the rhizome against Properties : The properties and impotency. As a drug it is supposed uses are the same as those of to improve the voice. A. galanga. Alpinia malaccensis (Burm. f.) Rosc. Alpinia calcarata Rosc. Distribution : West coast tropi- Distribution : West coast tropical cal evergreen and West coast semi- evergreen and West coast semiever- evergreen forests. green forests. Soil requirements : Clayey soils, Soil requirements : Clay loam poorly drained, strongly acidic with soils well drained, slightly acidic with high potash and organic carbon and low potash, high phosphate contents. low phosphate contents. Description : A perennial herb, Description : A perennial herb, stem 50-125 cm tall, with horizontal leafy stem 2-3 m high, rhizomes rhizome. Leaves linear-lanceolate or horizontal. Leaves narrowly-oblong linear, finely acuminate. 15-30 x or oblong-lanceolate, acurninate, 2.5-4.5 cm. Flowers white, lip vari- pubescent beneath, up to 90 cm long egated with red and yellow, in termi- long and 18 cm broad. Flowers nal, narrow, dense-flowered panicles white, lip yellow with red stripes, in Fruit red. terminal racemes. Fruit globose, pub- escent, yellow, about 2.5 cm in dia- Uses : Used as a substitute for meter. A. galanga. Properties : Fruit is emetic Uses : In Java rhizomes are app- Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Willd. I ied to sores. Mal : Aratha, Chittaratha San : Rasna Costus speciosus (Koen.) Sm. Distribution : West coast tropical Mal : Anakoova, Channakoova evergreen forests. Often cultivated. Distribution : West coast semi- Soil requirements : Variety of evergreen, Southern moist mixed soils, with good drainage; favours deciduous and Moist teak bearing slightly acidic soils, low in potash forests. and high in phosphate. Soil requirements : Variety of Description : A tall herb with soils, sandy loam to loam, medium horizontal rhizomes. Leaves oblong- acidic. lanceolate, acuminate, 18-40 x 3.5-1 0 Description : A tall herb with cm. Flowers greenish white, lip horizontal rhizome and spirally twist- striped with red, in terminal panicles ed stem. Leaves oblong or oblong- or racemes. Fruit a berry, orange-red. lanceolate, acuminate, 12-30 x 5-7.5 (Plate XX. Fig. 3) cm. Flowers white or pinkish white

138 in dense terminal spikes. Fruit glo - below, 25-60 x 5-7.5 cm. Flowers bosely trigonous, red, about 2 cm white, in large panicles which dire- in diameter; seeds black with a white ctly arises from the rootstock. Fruits aril. (Plate XXI, Fig. 2) subtrigonous, about 1 cm long; seeds Properties : Root is bitter. obovoid-angular with a pleasant aro- astringent,purgative, depurative, sti- matic odour. mulant. tonic and anthelmintic (Nada- Properties : Seeds are aromatic, karni, 1954). The drug 'Diosgenin' is stimulant. stomachic, carminative and extracted from the rhizome. diuretic. Esseniial oil from seeds in- hibit pathogenic bacterial activity. Curcuma aromatica Sal isb. The antibacterial activity is reported Mal : Kasthuirimanjal, Kattumanjal to be comparable to that of standard Distribution : West coast tropi - antibacterial drugs (Narayan et. al., cal evergreen forests. Also cultivated. 1980). Soil requirements : Variety of soils with impeded drainage. Zingiber montanum (Koen.) Link ex Description : A tall herb with A. Dietrich palmately branched rootstock and Syn. Z. casumunnar Roxb sessile annulate tubers.Leaves oblong- Mal : Eri-channa Distribution : West coast tropi - elliptic or oblong-lanceolate, c a ud ate~ acuminate, pubescent below, often cal evergreen forests variegated above, 30-60 x 10-18 Soil requirements : Variety of Flowers yellow, subtended by large soi Is red or pink bracts. in dense spikes. Description : A perennial herb (Plate XXI. Fig. 1) with tube ro us hor izo n tal rootstock . Properties : Rhizome is tonic arid Leafy stem 1.2-2 m tall. Leaves carmi native. oblong-lanceolate, acute or acumi- Uses : Rhizome is externally nate, pubescent beneath, 15-20 x applied to bruises and sprains and to 2.5-7 cm. Flowers whitish, lip yello-

promote e ruptions. . wish, in dense bright red or greenish bracteate spikes. Elettaria cardamomum (Linn.) Maton Properties : Rhizorne is a stimu- Ma1 : Elam lant, carminative and flavouring agent. San : Ela Uses : Rhizome is given in cases Distribution : West coast tropi- of dyspepsia and flatulent colic. It is cal evergreen forests aobve 800 m prescribed as an adjunct to many altitude. Also cultivated. tonic and stimulating remedies. Soil requirements : High rainfall areas where .the soils are hightly aci- Zingiber zerumbet (Linn.) Rosc. ex dic, high in potash and organic car- Sm. bon and low in phosphate. Mal : Kattinchi Description : A tall herb with Distribution : Southern moist horizontal root stock. Leaves linear- mixed deciduous and West coast lanceo late. acum i nate, pubescent semievergreen forests.

139 Soil requirements : Variety of Dioscorea hispida Dennst. soils in the moist places, sandy loam Distribution : West coast semi- to loam, medium acidic. evergreen and Southern moist rnixed Description : A perennial herb, deciduous forests rootstock not much branched, yello- Soil requirements : Variety of wish inside. Leafy stem 1-1.5 m tall. soils usually in the moist areas, medi- Leaves o b lon g - I a rice o I a te or I a nceo - um acidic. late, acuminate, 20-30 x 5-7 cm. Description : A large climbing, Flowers pale yellow, in greenish, more or less prickly herb with lobed ovate-oblong bracteate spikes. root tubers. Leaves 3-foliolate; leaf- Uses : Used for the same pur- Ie ts cuneate-obovate, cusp idate Iy pose as that ot Zingiber officinale. caudate - ac u m i na t e , the I a ter a I I e a f I e ts sometimes shortly 2- lobed. Male flowers in dense clustered spikes; Dioscoreaceae female distant. in solitary spikes. Properties : Milky juice of Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. underground stem possess narcotic Mal : Kattukachil properties. San : Alukabheda Uses : Milky juice of under- Distribution : Southern moist ground stem along with juice of Anti- mixed deciduous forests. . aris toxicaria is used as art-ow poison. Soil requirements : In moist areas, slightly acidic loamy soils. Description: A large unarmed Dioscorea oppositifolia Linn. Distribution : Southern moist climbing herb with axillary warted bulbils; tuber large, elongated or glo- mixed deciduous and Moist teak bose. Leaves simple, opposite and bearing forests. alternate, broadly ovate, acuminate, Description : A large climbing cuspidate or caudate, deeply cordate herb with slender unarmed stems; at base, membraneous, 7-20 cm on rootstock with many long cylindrical either way, Flowers small in axillary tubers. Leaves simple, opposite or spikes. subopposite. very variable in shape. Male flowers in dense shortly pedun- Properties : Undergronnd stem culate spikes; female distant, in soli- is bitter, tonic, alterative, aphro- tary or fasciculate axillary spikes. disiac, stomachic, anthelmintic and Uses : Underground stem is used expectorant. It improves appetite and for external application to reduce complexi on. swellings. Uses : Underground stem is used to treat dyspepsia, urinary discharges, leucoderma, bronchitis, biliousness. Dioscorea pentapnylla Linn. strangury, piles, dysentery, syphilis Mal : Nurankizhangu and ulcers. In Guinea the skin and Distribution : Southern moist the juice of this yam are used as mixed deciduous, Moist teak bearing vesi cator ies. and West coast semievergreen forests.

140 Soil requirements : Variety of Asparagus racemosus Wil ld. soils; favours well drained medium Mal : Sathavari acidic. sandy loam soils. San : Abhiru, Sathavari Description : A slender twining Distribution : West coast semi- herb. prickly towards the base, often evergreen and Southern moist mixed bulbils present in the leaf axils; root deciduous forests. tubers oblong, very long. Leaves Soil requirements : Loamy soils alternate, 3-5 foliolate; leaflets elliptic with good drainage, slightly acidic, or ovate-lanceolate, pubescent bene- low in potash and phosphate and ath, 5-10 x 2.5-5 cm. Male flowers medium in organic carbon contents. small, greenish, in racemes; female in Description : A subscandent pendulous spikes. undershrub armed with spines, main Properties : Underground stem stem terete, branchlets striate. Leaves possesses narcotic and tonic proper- minute, scaly. Cladodes very slender, ties. 2-2.5 cm x 1 mm. Flowers white, Uses : Tubers are used for dis- fragrant, small, in simple racemes. persing swellings. Properties : Root is refrigerant. demulcent, diuretic, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, alterative, antidysenteric LiIiaceae and galactagogue. It improves the intellectual faculties, digestive power Asparagus gonocladus Baker and physical strength (Mooss, 1 977), Mal : Sathavari Uses : Root is used in the Distribution : Southern moist treatment of biliousness, throat com- mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed plaints, tuberculosis. leprosy, epil- deciduous and Moist teak bearing epsy, diseases of blood, kidney and forests. liver, gleet and gonorrhoea. A deco- Soil requirements : Loamy soils, ction of tubers in milk is very bene- well drained, medium acidic, low in ficial in strangury. The expressed potash and phosphate arid high in juice of the fresh roots with a little organic carbon honey is given against colic (Mooss, Description : A much branched 1977). subscandent shrub with short recur- ved spines; roots tuberous, much Crinum defixum Ker-Gawl. elongated. Leaves very minute, scaly. Mal : Velutha-polathali Cladoaes, narrowed at both ends, Distribution : West coast semi- flat, usually falcate. 2-6 together, evergreen and Southern moist mixed 2-2.5 cm x 2 mm. Flowers small, deciduous forests. white, in 2.5-7 cm long racemes. Description : Herb with tuni - Properties : Root is an aphro- cate ovoid bulbs with a fusiform disiac base, 5-7.5 cm in diameter. Leaves Uses : Root is used against cut- 6-8to a bulb, linear, deeply channel- aneous diseases. Root is used for the led down the face, obtuse or acute, same purposes that of A. racemosus. concave, thick, 50-90 x 2-2.5 cm.

141 Flowers white, 6-7.5 cm long, in 6-12 Soil requirements : Variety of flowered umbels; scapes 40-75 cm soils, sandy loam to loam, well drain- long. Fruits subglobose, 2.5-3.5 cm ed, medium to strongly acidic. in diameter; seeds 1-2, rugose. Description : Herb with elon- Properties : Bulb is nauseant, gated tuberous rootstock. Leaves emollient, emetic and diaphoretic. linear, plicate. membraneous. gla- It is toxic to cattle. brous or sparsely hairy, the base Uses : Bulb is used for the treat- sheathing, 12-2.5 cm. Flowers bright ment of burns, whitlow and carbun- yellow, about 1 cm long, in short cle. A few drops of the leaf juice racemes. Fruit 1.2 cm long, hypoge- are instilled into the ear in cases of ous, 1-4 seeded; seedsoblong. deeply otitis. grooved in wavy lines. (Plate XXII, Fig. 3) Crinum latifolium Linn. Properties : Root is bitter, viri- Mal : Chuvanna-polathali, Kat- ligenic, roborant, not easily digestible tulli and rejuvenative. Distribution : West coast semi- Uses : A decoction of the roots evergreen and Southern hill-top tro- in milk is often prescribed in the cases pical evergreen forests. of leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea. general Soil requirements : Well drained debility (Mooss, 1977). piles, jaun- mdium acidic, loamy soils. dice, asthma and bronchitis. Roots Description : Herb with sub- are used as a poultice for itch and globose tunicate bulb, 12-16 cm in skin diseases diameter. Leaves numerous to a bulb, lorate, acuminate, membraneous, mar- Gloriosa superba Linn. gins slightly scabrous, 30-60 x 7-12 Mal : Menthonni cm. Flowers slightly fragrant, white, San : Lamgali, Visalya streaked with purple, 7.5-1 5 cm long, Distribution : Southern moist in 10-20 flowered umbels, scapes mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed 30-50 cm long. Fruit subglobose. deciduous and West coast semiever- 3.5-5 cm in diameter, green forests. Uses : Bulbs are used as a Soil requirements : Clay loam rubefacient in rheumatism. Also app- soils well drained medium acidic with lied to piles and abscesses to cause low potash and phosphate and medi- suppuration. Leaf juice is used in um organic carbon contents. cases of earache. Description : A herbaceous clim- ber with cylindric bifurcately branch- Curculigo orchioides Gaertn . ed rootstock. Leaves sessile, ovate- Mal : Nilappana lanceolate, acuminate, the tipends San : Musali in a spiral tendril, cordate at base, Distribution : Southern moist 7-15 x 2-4 cm. Flowers large, showy, mixed deciduous, West coast semi - axillary, solitary or subcorymbose to- evergreen forests and Southern mon- wards the ends of branches, greenish tane wet grasslands. yellow at first, becoming red. Fruit a

142 linear-oblong capsule, 4.5 cm long. Smilax zeylanica Linn. (Plate XXII, Fig. 1) Mal : Kareelanchi Properties : Root is tonic, sto- Distribution : Southern moist machic, purgative, cholagogue and mixed deciduous, West coast semi- anthelmintic. evergreen and Moist teak bearing forests. Uses : Used in the treatment of Description : A prickly climbing leprosy, parasitial affections of skin, shrub. Leaves alternate, ovate-oblong piles and colic. Srarch from the root is given internally in gonorrhoea but or orbicular, acute or acuminate. 5-7 ribbed, 7-15 x 3.5-7 cm; leaf sheaths according to Mooss (1 977) it is not generally used internally, considering at base often forming tendrils. Flow- ers white. in pedunculate, many flo- it as poisonous. wered umbels. Fruit a globose berry, red when ripe, about 0.8 cm. (Plate Hypoxis aurea Lour. XXII, Fig. 4) Distribution : Southern montane Uses: Root is used as a sub- wet grasslands. stitute for Hemidesmus indicus in the Description : Small herb with treatment of venereal diseases. App- subglobose or elongated rootstocks. lied for rheumatism. Given in cases of Leaves radical, 6-12, narrowly linear, bloodless dysentery. subcoriaceous, acute, keeled, 9-30 cm x 2-4 mm. Flowers yellow, in 1-2 Commelinaceae flowered filiform scapes. Fruit a thin walled oblong capsule, 0.5-1 cm Aneilema scapiflorum Wight long, crowned by the erect perianth Distribution : West coast tropical segments. evergreen forests. Uses : Plant is used as tonic and Description : A herb with elo- aphrodisiac in China and Malaysia. ngated tuberous roots. Leaves radi- cal, linear, acuminate. ensiform, Smilax aspera Linn. 10-20 x 1 cm. Flowers pale blue, in erect elongate panicles or terminal Distribution : Southern montane leafless scapes. wet scrub, Southern hill-top tropical Properties : Root is an astringent evergreen and Southern montane wet and possesses tonic properties. temperate forests. Uses : Root is used to treat Description : A climbing shrub, colic, piles, infantile convulsions, often prickly. Leaves simple, alter- asthma and spermatorrhoea. nate. ovate. deltoid or broadly cor- date, 5-9 ribbed. leaf sheaths at base Commelina benghalensis Li nn. often forming tendrils. Flowers white, Distribution : Southern hill-top in sessile umbels on axillary pedun- tropical evergreen forests. cles. Soil requirements : Clayey sli- Uses : Used as a substitute for ghtly acidic soils, high in potash, Hemidesmus indicus. phosphate and organic carbon.

143 Description : A herb with slen- cm long ovate or ovate-lanceolate der dichotomously branched stem, spathe. creeping and rooting below. Leaves Uses : Plant is used to treat alternate, ovate or oblong, obtuse. burns, itches and boils. Leaves are unequal at base, 2.5-7 x 1-3.5 cm, used for poulticing sores. leaf sheath short or long. Flowers blue in sessile, 2-3 flowered cymes Palmae with conspicuous auricled bracts. Properties : Plant is bitter,emoll- Calamus travancoricus Bedd. ex ient, demulcent, refrigerant and lax- Hook. f. ative. Mal : Arichural, Cheruchural Uses : Plant is used in the treat- Distribution : West coast tropical ment of leprosy. evergreen and West coast semiever- green forests. Cyanotis tuberosa Schult. f. Soil requirements : Clayey soils Distribution : Growing in humus with poor drainage, strongly acidic, on moist rocks and crevices in trees, low in phosphate and high in potash. in evergreen forests. Description : Slender clustering Description : A suberect or prost- climbing palms. Leaves pinnate, up to rate herb, nodes swollen and hirsute, 40 cm long, with sheathing bases roots fusiform. Leaves sessile, linear covering the stem; leaflets grouped or broadly ensiform, often purple into 3-4, 25 x 2 cm; petiole and beneath, 10-25 x 1.5-2.5 cm. Flowers sheaths covered with spines. Plants bluish purple, in densely hirsute, axi- dioecious, inflorescence up to 60 cm llary pedunculate cymes; bracts shor- long, terminating into a flagellum. ter than the cymes and falcately cur- Fruit covered with scales, 0.5 cm in ved. diameter. Uses : Root is used in the treat- Uses : Tender leaves are used in ment of continued fever. the treatment of biliousness, worms, dyspepsia and ear diseases. Murdannia nudiflora (Linn,) Brenan Syn. Commelina nudiflora Linn. Caryota urens Linn. Distribution : In grasslands Mal : Anappana, Choontappana, Soil requirements : Side of Olattippana swamps, medium acidic with Distribution : West coast tropical medium potash, low phosphate and evergreen and West coast semiever- high organic carbon contents. green forests. Description : A slender diffuse Description : A large palm, trunk herb with fibrous roots. Leaves sim- 12-18 m high and 25-45 cm in dia- ple, sessile, lanceolate or ovate-Ian- meter, with prominent leafscars. Lea- ceolate, acute or acuminate, 3.5-7 x ves bipinnate, 5-6 x 3-5 m, primary 1-2 cm. with prominent leaf sheaths. divisions 2.5-3 long; leaflets 10-20 Flowers dark blue, in axillary, 1-3 cm long, fasciculate or alternate, flowered cymes, subtended by 2-3 cuneiform, obliquely truncate, irregu-

144 larly serrate. Inflorescence 2.5-4 m 4-8 branches, densely packed with long, with many drooping branches. imbricate flowers. Fruit ellipsoid Fruits 1.5-2 cm in diameter, reddish 1.2-2 cm long. when ripe. Uses : Fruit is used as a substit- Properties : Fruit is acrid and ute for betel-nut. cooling. Uses : Fruit is used in the treat- Araceae ment of hemicrania. Freshly drawn toddy is laxative. Acorus calamusLinn. Mal : Vayampu Phoenix pusilla Gaertn. San : Vacha Mal : Chitteenthal Distribution : In marshy places Distribution : in grasslands. at altitudes above 800 m. (Munnar) Soil requirements : Sandy loam Soil requirements : Damp marshy soils slightly acidic with low potash places, strongly acidic to slightly and phosphate and high organic alkaline soils. carbon contents. Description : A stout herb with Description : A small palm, stem creeping rootstock. Leaves distich- very short, bulbiform, 15-25 cm in ous, ensiform, linear, very long. diameter, covered with bases of the Flowers in sessile, densely flowered petiole. Leaves pinnate 50-150 cm cylindric spadix. long; leaflets linear, 25-50 x 1-1.5 Properties : Rhizome is pun- cm, fasciculate; petiole-about 20 cm gent, promotes digestive power, long. with stiff spines. Inflorescence improves voice and intellectual capa- 15-25 cm long, spadix branched. cities, causes vomiting when given bearing many flowers. Fruit oblong- in large doses. Considered to be an ellipsod. purplish when ripe, about antidote to poison. It is a very 1.5 cm long. powerful insecticide (Mukherjee and Properties : Fresh juice is cooling Govind, 1960). and laxative. Uses : Rhizome in the form of Uses : Gum is used against a paste is administered to young diarrhoea and geni to- ur inary diseases. children for improving the mental faculties. It is used to treat dyspe- Pinanga dicksonii (Roxb.) Scheffer psia, colic, remittent fevers, bronch- Mal : Kanakkamuku, Kattukam- itis, asthma and dysentery in children. u ku, Ma I a -ad a kk a Distribution : West coast tropical Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott. evergreen and Southern hill-top trop- Distribution : Southern hiI I - top ical evergreen forests. tropical evergreen and Southern Description: A slender palm, montane wet scrub forests. trunk green, reaching to a height of Soil requirements : Moist clay 5-7 m and 2.5-5 cm in diameter. loam soils in the slopes, strongly Leaves pinnate, about 1.2 m long; acidic. leaflets numerous, sessile, 30-60 x Description : A tall herb with 2-2.5 cm cm. Inflorescence with spherical tubers, up to 10 cm in diameter. Leaves 2 or 3, pedatisect, Pothos scandens Linn. 30 cm to 1 m, the sheath often mot- Mal : Anapparuva, Paruvakodi tled with purple; leaflets sessile or Distribution : West coast tropi- petiolate, ovate-lanceolate or linear- cal evergreen and West coast semi- lanceolate, caudately acuminate, al- evergreen forests. most radially arranged. Peduncle Soil requirements : Variety of 60-120 cm long; spathe green outside, soils well drained, medium acidic. purple inside, tube as long as the Description : A slender climb- ovate-oblong limb, berry 4-5 seeded, ing shrub. Leaves simple, ovate, red when ripe. (Plate XXII, Fig. 2) elliptic or lanceolate, acute or acu- Uses : Seeds and roots are used minate, 5-20 x 1-5 cm; petiole in veterinary medicine. broadly winged. Spathe very small, axillary. Cryptocoryne spiralis (Retz.) Fisch. Uses : Powdered leavesare ap- ex Wydl. plied to the body in case of small Mal : Nattathividayam pox. Stem is used for smocking in Distribution : Grows in marshy cases of asthma. areas and along the margins of ponds. Description : A herb with creep- Remusatia vivipara (Roxb.) Schott. ing tuberous rootstock. Leaves Mal : Maravaarachempu radical, linear. acute or acuminate. Distribution : West coast tropi- 7-20 x 0.5-2 cm. Spathe deep green cal evergreen forests. outside, purple and transversely Description : A tuberous herb lamellate inside. with long bulbiferous shoots, bearing Uses : Rhizome in combination small scaly bulbils. Leaves peltate. with other drugs is used to treat orbicular-ovate or cordate, acute or infantile vomiting, cough. fever and acuminate, 10 x 8 cm to 45 x 30 cm. abdominal complaints. Spathe 10-12 cm long, coriaceous, tube oblong, greenish, limb broadly Lagenandra toxicaria Dalz. Distribution : West coast tropi- orbicular-ovate, golden yellow. Uses : Juice of the plant mixed cal evergreen and Myristica swamp forests. with cow's urine is considered to be Description : A herb with thick alexipharmic. The root with turmeric creeping rootstock, about 5 cm in is made into an ointment and used as thickness. Leaves elliptic-oblong, a remedy for itch. obtuse or acute; midrib very stout; 15-30 x 5-10 cm, petiole as long Gramineae as the lamina. Spathe 7.5-22 cm long, tubular below, the limb ovate- Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Roxb. lanceolate, acuminate. Syn. B. bambos Druce Properties : Plant is very poison- Mal : Mula ous and insecticidal. San : Vamsa Uses : Plant is used as a remedy Distribution : Southern moist for itch. mixed deciduous, Southern dry mixed

146 deciduous forests and in 'Bamboo Uses : An infusion of fresh leaves b ra kes . is administered as a diaphoretic and Soil requirements : Variety of stimulant in catarrh and febrile con- soils, medium acidic. ditions. The oil is used as a carmi- Description : Tall thorny bamboo. native and as an application in chro- Stem many, crowded; tufted on a nic rheumatism and other painful rootstock; culms 20-30 m long, cove- affections. The lemon grass oil is ered with prominent culmsheaths used in the perfume industry. when young. Branches horizontal with spines at the nodes. Leaves Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers. linear-lanceolate; acuminate 10-20 x Mal : Karuka 1.5-2.5 cm. Flowers in large panicles San : Durva often on the entire branches. Distribution : Mostly seen in Properties : Leaf is emmenagogue. forest plantations and openings in all Bamboo manna has tonic properties. types of forests. Stem and leaves are cooling and lax- Soil requirements : Sandy loam ative. Seeds are sweet, aphrodisiac soils, well drained, with medium and alexiteric. Root also is used as acidic, low potash and phosphate a tonic. and high organic carbon contents. Uses : Bamboo manna is used to Description : Slender prostrate treat fevers, cough, leprosy; jaundice. herb, rooting at nodes. forming matt- anaemia, and strangury. Stem and ed tufts. Leaves narrowly linear or leaves are used in the treatment of lanceolate, finely acute, pungent, diseases of blood, biliousness, leuco- 2-10 cm x 1-3 mm. Spikes 2-6, radi- derma, inflammations. strangury and ating frorn the top of slender pedun- wounds and piles. Juice of the flower cle. is instilled into the ear for ear-ache Properties : Plant juice is astri- and deafness. Seeds are used against ngent and diuretic. A decoction of biliousness. Root is applied against the root is also diuretic. ringworm and bleeding gum. Uses : Plant juice is applied to fresh cuts and wounds. It is used in the treatment of dropsy, anasarca, Cymbopogon flexuosus (Steud.) Wats hysteria, epilepsy, insanity, chronic Mal : lnchipullu diarrhoea, dysentry and catarrhal oph- Distribution : In grasslands, also thalmia. An infusion of roots is reco- seen in forest plantations. mmended for chronic gleet. A Soil requirements : Variety of decoction of the root is given in cases soils, favours loamy sand, medium of dropsy and secondary syphilis. acidic soils, low in potash and phos- phate. Dactylocteniom aegyptium (Linn.) P. Description : A densely tufted, Beauv 1-2 m tall aromatic herb. Leaves flat, Distribution : Mostly seen in scabrous, 20-100 x 1-1.5 cm. Spike- forest plantations and open places in lets in long slender flexous panicles. the forests.

147 Soil requirements : Sandy loam Properties : Root is stimulant soils with good drainage, slightly and diuretic. acidic, medium in potash and low in phosphate and organic carbon. Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. Description : Annual prostrate Mal : Varaku herb, stem profusely branched, root- San : Kodrava ing at nodes. Leaves linear, acumi- Distribution : In forest plant- nate, glabrous or hairy, 2.5-10 cm x ations, mostly seen in moist places. 2-4 mm. Spikes 2-6, digitatively Soil requirements : Loamy soils, radiating, 1-3.5 cm long, rachis dors- medium acidic with medium potash, ally flattened. low phosphate and high organic car- Uses : Grains are given to bon contents. women after childbirth. Decoction of Description : An annual tufted seeds is renowned in Africa as an herb. Leaves bifarious, linear, finely alleviator of pain in kidney. acuminate, 10-30 cm x 2-8 mm. Spikes 2-6, distant and spreading, Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees 2.5-12 cm long; spikelets 2 ranked, Mal : Kal-mula sessile. Distribution : Southern moist Properties : Plant acts as a tonic mixed deciduous and Southern dry and alexiteric. It occasionally deve- mixed deciduous forests. lops narcotic properties. Soil requirements : Variety of Uses : Plant is used in the treat- soils favours loamy soil, slightly ment of ulcers. acidic low in potash and phosphate and high in organic carbon. Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash. Description : A densely tufted S y n. An dropogon m urica tus bamboo with strong culms which are Retz. solid or with a small cavity, 5-15 m Mal : Ramacham high and 2.5-7.5 cm in diameter. San : Usiram Culm sheaths covered with golden Distribution : In grasslands and brown stiff hairs. Leaves oblong, Southern dry mixed deciduous forests. with twisted acumen, scabrous along Soil requirements : Low lying the margins, 2.5-7.5 (-15) cm by poorly drained lands where the soils 0.6-30 mm. Spikelets in dense glo- are generally sandy loam to clay, bose heads. strongly acidic to slightly alkaline. Properties : Silicious matter acts low in phosphate, medium in potash, as a tonic and astringent. Leaves and niedium in organic carbon. are ecbolics to animals. Description : A coarse perennial Heteropogon contortus (Linn.) grass, 1-2 m tall, rhizome stout with P. Beauv spongy aromatic roots, culms more Distribution : In grasslands. or less compressed below. Leaves Soil requirements : Sandy loam, narrow, distichous at base, 30-90 cm medium acidic soils, low in potash by 3-10 mm. Spikelets in terminal and phosphate and high in organic panicles. carbon. Properties : An infusion of roots Description : A perennial herb, is considered refrigerant, febrifuge, stem slender, densely tufted, erect or diaphoretic, stimulant, stomachic, decumbent below. Leaves linear, anthelmintic and emmenagogue. acuminate, flat, 15-25 cm x 2-5 mm. Uses : It is applied externally for Spikelets in racemes, 3-7 cm long, cooling in fevers. In Trinidad roots awns of the racemes often twisted are used in the treatment of pleurisy together. (Wesley Wong, 1976).

148

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166

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161

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Plate XIX 1. Ficus hispida 2. Antiaris toxicaria 3. Girardinia zeylanica 4. Laportea crenulata

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Plate XXIII Medicinal Plant Garden Plate XXIV Medicinal Plant Garden Bibliography

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177 Glossary of Medical Terms

Abortifacient - An agent that causes Antispasmodic - Opposing spasms abortion or convulsions Acrid - Biting. pungent Aperient --A laxative or mild cat- Ague - A burning fever hartic Alexipharmic - Antidote to poison Aphthae - Ulcer on the surface of a Alexiteric - Protective to infectious mucous membrane diseases Arthritis .- Inflammation of a joint Astringent - Having power to con- Alterative - Causing a favourable tract organic tissues change in the disordered funct- Aural Relating to the ear ions of the body or .metabolism - Bilious Affected by or pertaining Amenorrhoea Failure of menstru- - - to bile ation Bleb --A collection of fluid beneath Amnesia - Partial or total loss of the skin memory Blennorrhogia - Discharge of muc- Anaemia - Lack of enough blood ous causing paleness Bubo - Inflammatory swelling of the Analgesic - An anodyne gland Anasarca - Diffused dropsy in the Cachexia - Depressed habit of mind skin and subcutaneous tissue Calculus - A concretion formed in Anodyne - A medicine that allays any part of the body usually co- pain mpounds of salts of organic or Anthelmintic - Destroying or expe- inorganic acids lling worms Carminative- Drug curing flatulence Antiemetic - Preventing vomiting Cataplasm - Poultice Antilithic - An agent which prevent Catarrh - Inflammation of a mucous the formation of caliculi or pro- membrane mote their dilution Cathartic - Having the power of Antiperiodic - Preventing the regu- cleansing the bowels, purgative lar recurrence of a disease Cephalalgia - Headache Antiphlogistic --Acting against heat Chilblains - Itching or burning esp- or inflammation ecially on the fingers, toes, heel. Antipruritic -. Preventing or reliev- nose and ears on exposure to ing itching extreme cold Antipyretic - Counteracting fever Cholagogue --A drug which causes Antiscorbutic - Acting against scu- increased flow of bile into the rvey intestine

178 Cicatrice -- Scar over a healed Galactagogue - Medicine that pro- wound motes secretion of milk Colic --- Relating to the colon Gastralgia - Pain in the stomach Colon -- The division of the large Gieet - Chronic discharge of thin intestine extending from the mucous from the vagina cecum to the rectum Gravel - Small concretions, usually Conjuctivitis - Inflammation of con- of uric acid. calcium oxalate or juctiva phosphates formed in the kidney Cystitis Inflammation of a bladder. - Gripe- A Sharp pain in the stomach especially urinary bladder Demulcent - Soothing Haematemesis - Vomiting of blood Haematenia Presence of blood in Deobstruent --Relieving or remov- - the urine ing obstruction Deodorant - Removing the odour Haemoptysis - Spitting of blood Depurative - Puritying Haemostatic - Styptic Diaphoretic - Promoting sweating Hemicrania - Headache confined to Diuretic -- Promoting the discharge one side of urine Hemiplegia -- Paralysis of one side Dropsy - An excessive accumulation of the body of clear or watery fluid in any of Hiccough - A diaphragmatic spasm the tissues or cavities of the body causing a sudden inhalation Dysmenorrhoea - Difficult or pain- which is interrupted by a spas- ful menstruation modic closure of the glottis. Dyspepsia - Indigestion producing a noise Dysphonia - Difficulty or pain in Hydragogue - Removing water or speaking serum Dysuria -- Difficulty or pain in pass- Hypochondriasis -- A morbid con- ing urine cern about one's own health and Ecbolic - Accelerating childbirth exaggerated attention to any un- Embrocate- - To moisten and rub usual bodily or mental sensations Emetic - Causing vomiting lpetigo - A skin diseases character- Emmenagogue - Medicine intended ised by thickly set clusters of lo restore the merises pustules Emollient - Soltening Laxative - Having the action of Emphysema- Inflation of stomach loosening the bowels etc. Leucoderma - Absence of pigment Errhine S ter nu tatory in the skin Erysipelas - An inflammatory dise- Leucorrhoea- An Abnormal mucous ase. generally on the face.marked discharge from the vagina by a bright redness of the skin Lithiasis - The formation of calculus Febrifuge -. That which drives off of any kind fever Lithontriptic - An agent that effects Febrile -- Feverish. relating to fever the dissolution of calculus Flatulence - Distention of stomach Lumbago - Pain in mid or lower by gases formed during digestion back Micturition- The desire to urenate Roborant - A strengthening agent Nauseant - An agent that causes Rubifacient -- An external applicat- nausea ion that reddens the skin Oleaginous - Oily. greasy Sciatica - Neurites of the sciatic Opacity - An apaque or non.trans- nerve parent area Sialaqogue -Anythingthat stimul- Otitis media - Inflammation of the ates the flow of saliva middle ear Slough - Dead tissue in a sore Paraplegia - A stroke in one side Soporific -- Inducing sleep Perthisis - Hemiplegia Spermatorrhoea - Involuntary se- Pharyngitis - Inflammation of the minal discharge Sternutatory -That causes sneezing mucous membrane and underly- Stomachic Anything that is good ing part of the pharynx - for the stomach.' Phlegmatic - Generating phlegm Styptic-Astringent, checking bleed- Plasy - Loss of control in the mu- ing scles of the body Strangury - Difficulty in discharg. Poultice .- A soft mush prepared by ing urine various substances with oily or Sudorific - Diaphoretic watery fluids Tympanitis - Inflammation of the Psoriasis - A condition character- tympanic membrane ised by the eruption of circum- Vermifuge - Drug that expels worms scibed. discrete and confluent- Vertigo - Dizziness reddish, silvery scaled leisions Vesicant - Blistering Purigo - An eruption on the skin Vulnerary -Useful in healing wounds causing great itching

180 Index to Botanical Names

Abarema bigemina (Linn ) Kosterm. A. lebbeck (Linn.) Benth. 58 57 A. marjinata (Lamk.) Merr. 58 Abrus precatorius Linn. 42 A. odoratissima (Linn. f.) Benth. 58 Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet 14 A. procera (Roxb.) Benth. 59 Acacia caesia (Linn.) Willd. 57 A. stipulata Boiv. 58 A. intsia Wight &Arn. 57 Allophylus cobbe (Linn.) Raeusch 37 A. rugata (Lamk.) Merr. 57 A. rheedii Radlk. 37 Acalypha fruticosa Forsk. 118 Alpinia allughas Rosc. 137 A. indica Linn. 118 A. calcarata Rosc. 138 A. paniculata Miq. 118 A. galanga (Linn.) Willd. 138 A. racemosa Wall. ex Baill. 118 A. malaccensis (Burm. f.) Rosc. 138 Acampe praemorsa (Roxb.) Blatt. & Alstonia scholaris (Linn.) R. Br. 88 Mc Cann 135 A. venenata R. Br. 88 Amoora rohituka A. wightiana Lindl. 135 (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. 29 Achyranthes aspera Linn. 110 Ampolocissus araneosa (Dalz. & A. bidentata BI. 111 Gihs.) Planch. 35 Acorus calamus Linn. 145 A. arnotti na Planch. 35 Acron ychia laurifolia BI. 23 A. tomentosa (Heyne ex Roth) A. pedunculata (Linn.) Miq. 23 Planch. 35 Adenia hondala (Gaertn.) de Wilde Anamirta cocculus (Linn.) Wight & 66 Arn. 3 A. palmata Engl. 66 A. paniculata Colebr. 3 Adina cordifolia (Roxb.) Hook. f. ex Andrographis paniculata (Burrn. f ) Brandis 73 Wall. ex DC. 102 Aegle marmelos (Linn ) Corr. 23 A. subspathulata 102 Aerva lanata (Linn.) Juss. 111 Andropogon muricatus Ageratum conyzoides Linn. 77 Retz 148 Aglaia elaeagnoidea (Juss.) Benth. Aneilema scapiflorum Wight 143 29 Anisochilus carnosus (Linn. f.) Wall. A. roxburghiana Miq. 29 108 Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. 27 Anisomeles indica (Linn.) Ktze. 108 A. malabarica DC. 27 A. malabarica (Linn.) R. Br 108 A. triphysa (Dennst.) Alston 27 A. ovata R. Br. 108 Alangium salvifolium (Linn. f.) Anodendron paniculaturn (Roxb.) DC. Wang 70 88 Albizia amara (Roxb.) Boiv. 57 Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. ex DC.) A. chinensis (Osb.) Merr. 58 Wall. ex Guill. & Perr. 61 Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. 71 Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Roxb. A. chinensis (Lamk.) Rich. ex Walp. 146 71 B. bambos Druce 146 A. indicus A. Rich. 71 Barleria cristata Linn. 102 Antiaris toxicaria (Pers.) Lesch. 128 Barringtonia acutangula (Linn.) Antidesma bunius (Linn.) Spreng. Gaertn. 64 118 Basella alba Linn. 111 A. ghaesernbilla Gaertn. 119 Bassia longifolia Koenig 83 m l Apa a si iquosa Larnk. 113 B. malabarica Bedd. 83 Aphanamixis poystachya (Wall.) Bauhinia malabarica Roxb. 56 Parker 29 B. racemosa Larnk. 52 Aphananthe cuspidata (BI.) Planch. Biophytum sensitivum (Linn ) DC. 22 127 Bischofia javanica BI. 120 Aporusa lindleyana (Wight) Baill. Blumea lacera (Burrn. f.) DC. 78 119 Bccagea dalzellii Hook. f. &Thorns. 2 Ardisia solanacea Roxb. 82 Argyreia fulgens Chois. 97 Boerhavia diffusa Linn. 110 Bombax ceiba Linn. 17 Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott B. malabaricum DC. 17 145 Aristolochia indica Linn. 113 Borreria articularis (Linn.) F. N. Will. Artanema sesarnoides Benth. 99 71 B. hispida K. Schum. 71 Arternisia nilagirica (Cl.) Pamp. 78 Bragntia wallichii R. Br. 113 A. vulgaris auct. non Linn. 78 Preynia rhamnoides (Retz.) Muell- Artocarpus gornezianus Wall. ex Arg. 120 Trecul ssp. zeylanicus Jarrett Breynia vitis-idaea (Burm. f.) C. E. C. 128 Fischer 120 A. heterophyllus Lamk. 128 Bridelia retusa Spreng. 120 A. hirsutus Larnk 129 B. scandens Willd. 120 A. integrifolius auct. non Linn.f. 128 B. stipularis auct. non BI. 120 A. lakoocha auct. non Roxb. 128 B. squamosa (Lamk.) Grah. 120 Asparagus gonocladus Baker 141 Brynopsis laciniosa auct. non Linn. A. racernosus Willd. 141 Buchanania lanzan Spreng. 39 Asteriastigma macrocarpa Bedd. 8 B. latifolia Roxb. 39 Atalantia malabarica (Rafin.) Tanaka B. lanceolata Wight 39 24 Buddleia asiatica Lour. 94 A. monoph ylla Corr. 24 Butea frontosa Koen. ex Roxb. 43 Atylosia barbata Bal. 43 B. rnonosperrna (Larnk.) Taub. 43 A. goensis (Dalz.) Dalz. 43 Caesalpinia bonduc (Linn ) Roxb. 53 Azadirachta indica A Juss. 29 C. crista Linn. 53 Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Wettst. 100 Calamus travancoricus Bedd. ex Baliospermum axillare B I. 11 9 Hook. f. 144 B. rnontanum (Willd.) Muell.-Arg. Calamintha umbrosa (Bief.) Fisch. & 119 Mey. 108

182 Callicarpa lanata Linn I05 Celtis cinnamomeaLindl. ex. Planch. C. tomentosa (Linn.) Murray 105 127 Calophyllum apetalum Willd. 10 C. orientalis Linn. 127 C. decipiens Wight 10 C. timorensis Spanoghe 127 C. elatum Bedd. 11 Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban 69 C. polyanthum Wall. ex Choisy 11 Ceriscoides turgida (Roxb.) Tiruven- gadam 72 C. tomentosmm auct. non Wight 11 Chaslia curviflora Thw. 72 t um C. wigh ianun Wall. ex Planch. & C. ophioxyloides (Wall.) Craib 72 Triana 10 Chavica roxburghii Miq. 113 Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R. Br. 91 Chenopodium arnbrosioides Linn. Calycopteris floribunda (Roxb.) Poir. 112 61 Chloranthus brachystachys BI. 114 Canscora diffusa (Vahl) R. Br. 95 C. glaber (Thunb.) Makino 114 Canthium dicoccum (Gaertn.) Teys. Chloroxylon swietenia DC. 24 & Binn. 71 Chomelia asiatica 0. Ktze. 76 C. didymum Gaertn. 71 Chonemorpha tragrans (Moon) Capparis grandis Linn. f. 6 Alston 89 Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr. 61 C. macrophylla G. Don 89 C. integerrima DC. 61 Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss. 30 C. lucida Roxb. 61 Reinw. 115 Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. C. macrocarpurn Hook. f. 115 38 C. verum J. S. Presl 115 Careya arborea Roxb. 64 Cissampelos pariera Linn. 3 Carissa spinarum Linn. 88 Cissus adanta Roxb. 36 Caryota urens Roxb. 144 C. quadrangularis Linn. 36 Casearia elliptica Willd. 7 C. repens Larnk. 36 C. esculenta Roxb. 7 Citrus medica Linn. 24 C tomentosa Roxb. 7 Cleistanthus collinus. (Aoxb). Benth. Cassia absus Linn. 53 121 C. fistula Linn. 53 Clematis gouriana Roxb. 1 C. occidentalis Linn. 54 Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. 105 C. mimosoides Linn. 54 C. serratum (Linn.) Moon 105 C. rhombifolia Roxb. 53 C. viscosum Vent. 105 C. tora Linn. 55 Cocculus cordifolius (Willd.) DC. 5 Cassine glauca (Rottb.) Ktre. 32 C. hirsutus (Linn.) Diels 3 Catunaragum spinosum (Thumb.) C. macrocarpus Wight & Arn. 4 Tirvengadum 71 C. malabaricus DC. 5 Cayratia carnosa (Wall.) Gagnep 36 C. villosus (Lamk.) DC. 3 C. mollissima (Wall.) Gagnep 36 Cochlospermum gossypium DC. 7 C. pedata (Larnk.) Juss. ex Gagnep C. religiosum (Linn.) Alston 7 36 Colebrookea oppositifolia Sm. 109 Cedrela toona Roxb. 31 Commelina benghalensis Linn. 143 Celastrus paniculatus Willd. 32 C. nudiflora Linn. 144

183 Connarus monocarpus Linn. 42 Dendrobium barbatulum auct. non Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. 96 Lindl. 135 C. myxa auct. non Linn. 96 D. ovatum (Willd.) Krazl 135 C. wallichii G. Don 96 Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) 148 Coleb. 4 Dendrophthoe falcata (Linn.f.) Ett- Cosmostigma racemosum (Roxb.) ingh. 117 Wight 91 Derris trifoliata Lour. 45 Costus speciosus (Koen.) Sm. 138 D. uliginosa Benth. 45 Crateva nurvala Buch. - Ham. 6 Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. C. religiosa Hook. f. &Thoms. 6 45 Crinum defixum Ker-Gawl. 141 D. gyrans DC. 46 C. latifolium Linn. 142 D. heterocarpon (Linn.) DC. 46 Crotalaria retusa Linn. 43 D. latifolium DC. 47 C. verrucosa Linn. 44 D. motorium (Houtt.) Merr. 46 Croton caudatus Geisel 121 D. polycarpum DC. 46 C. oblongifolius Roxb. 121 D. pulchellum (Linn.) DC. 49 C. reticulatus Heyne 122 D. retroflexum (Linn.) DC. 46 C. roxburghii Balak. 121 D. styracifolium (Osb.) Merr. 46 Cryptocoryne spiralis (Retz.) Fisch. D. triflorum (Linn.) DC. 46 ex Wydl. 146 D. triquetrum (Linn.) DC. 47 Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. .I42 D. velutinum (Willd.) DC. 47 Curcuma aromatica 'Slaisb. 139 Desmotrichum fimbriatum BI. 136 Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. 97 Dillenia indica Linn. 1 Cyanotis tuberosa Schult. f. 144 D. speciosa Thumb. 1 Cyathula prostrata (Linn.) Bl. 111 Dimocarpus longan Lour. 38 Cycas circinalis Linn. 134 Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. 140 Cyclea peltata (Lamk.) Hook. f. & D. hispida Dennst. 140 Thoms. 4 D. oppositifolia Linn. 140 Cymbidium aloifolium (Linn.) Sw. D. pentaphylla Linn. 140 135 Diospyros candolleana Wight 84 Cymbopogon flexuosus (Steud.) D. embryopteris Pers. 85 Wats. 147 D. montana Roxb. 85 Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers. 147 D. paniculata Dalz. 85 Cynometra iripa Kostl. 55 D. peregrina (Gaertn.) Gurke 85 C. mimosoides sensu Gamble 55 D. toposia Ham. 85 Dactylocteniurn aegyptium (Linn.) P. Diploclicia glaucescens (BI.) Diels Beauv 147 4 Daemia extensa R. Br. 93 Diplocyclos palmatus (Linn.) C. Dalbergia lanceolaria Linn. f. 44 Jeffery 67 D. latifolia Roxb. 44 Dipteracanthus prostratus (Poir.) D. multiflora Heyne ex Wall. 45 Nees 103 D. sympathetica Nimmo ex Grah. 45 Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.) DC. 79 D. volubilis Roxb. 45 Embelia ribes Burm. f. 82

184 E. tsjeriam-cottam (Roem. & Schult.) F. drupacea Thunb. var pubescens DC. 83 (Roth) Corner 130 Entada pursaetha DC. 59 F. exasperata Vahl 130 E. scandens auct. non Benth. 59 F. gibbosa El. 132 Ephemerantha macraei (Linn.) Hunt F. glomerara Roxb. 131 & Sumrnerh. 136 F. hispida Linn. f. 131 Ervatarnia heyneana (Waii. exA.DC.) F. microcarpa Linn. f. 131 T. Cooke 90 F. mysorensis Heyne 130 Erycibe paniculata Roxh. 97 F. racemosa Linn. 131 Erythroxylum acuminatum (Arn.) F retusa auct. non Linn. 131 Walp. 21 F. talboti King 132 E. monogynum Roxb. 21 F. tinctoria Forst. f. ssp. parasitica E. moonii Hochr. 21 (Koeri. ex Willd) Corner 132 Eugenia caryophylaea Wight 64 F. tsiela Roxb. 129 Eulophia epidendraea (Retz.) Fischer Garcinia cambogia (Gaerin.) Desv. 135 11 E. nuda Lindl. 135 G. gummigutta (Linn.) Robs. 11 Euodia lunuankenda (Gaertn.) Merr. G. indica Choisy 11 24 G. morella (Gaertn.) Desv. 11 E. roxburghiana Benth. 24 G. tinctorla (DC.) Dunn 12 Euphorbia antiquorum Linn. 123 G. xanthochymus Hook. f. ex T. E. hirta Linn. 123 Anders. 12 E. laeta Heyne ex Roth 123 Gardenia montana Roxb. 72 E. rothiana Spreng. 123 G. turgida Roxb. 72 E. thymifolia Linn. 123 Garuga pinnata Roxb. 28 E. tirucalii Linn. 124 Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. 81 Geophila reniformis D. Don 72 Euphoria longan (Lour.) Steud. 38 Evolvulus alsinoides (Linn.) Linn. 97 G. repens (Linn.) I. M. Johnston 72 t Exacum bicolor Roxb. 95 Girronniera cuspida a (Bl.) Planch. Feronia elephanturn Corr. 25 ex Kurz 127 t F. limonia (Linn.) Swingle 25 G. reticula a Thw. 127 Flemingia graharniana Wight & Arn. Girardinia diversifolia (Lihk) Friis 47 133 G. zeylanica Dcne. 133 F. strobilifera (Linn.) Ait. 48 Glochidion zeylanicum (Gaertn,) Flickingera rnacraei (Lindl.) Seidenf. Juss. 124 136 Gloriosa superba Linn. 142 Fluggea us leucopyr Willd. 125 Glycosmis cochinchinensis auct. non F. microcarpa El. 125 Pierre ex Engi. 25 Ficus amplissima J.E. Srn 129 G. pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. 25 F. arnottiana (Miq.) Miq. 129 Gmelina arborea Linn. 105 im F. asperr a Roxb. 130 Gnetum scandens Roxb. 134 F. benghalensis Linn. 129 G. ula Brogn. 134 F. dalhousiae Miq. 130 Gnidia glauca (Fres.) Gilg 116

185 Gomphia angustifolia Wall. 28 H. pentandra (Buch-Ham.) Oken 8 G. serrata (Gaertn.) Kanis 28 H. wightiana BI. 8 Grewia microcos Linn 19 Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn. 69 G. tiliifolia Vahl 19 H. javanica Thunb. 70 G. villosa Willd. 19 H. rotundifolia Roxb. ex DC. 70 Gymnema sylvestre (Retr.) Roem. & H. sibthorpioides Lamk. 70 Schult. 91 Hygrophila angustfolia acut. non. R. Gymnostachyum febrifugum Benth. Br. 103 103 H. salicifolia (Vahl) Nees 103 Habenaria susannae (Linn.) R. Br. Hymenodictyon excelsum (Roxb.) 136 Wall. 73 Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale H. orixense (Roxb ) Mabberley 73 73 Hypericum japonicum Thumb. ex Hardwickia pinnata Roxb. ex DC. 55 Merr. 10 Helicteres isora Linn. 18 Hypoxis aurea Lour. 143 Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) R. Br. lchnocarpus frutescens (Linn.) R. Br. 92 89 Herpestris monniera (Linn.) H. B. & Impatiens chinensis Linn. 23 K. 100 Indigofera cassioides Rottl. ex DC. Heteropogon contortus (Linn.) P. 48 Beauv 148 I. ennaeaphylla anct. non Linn. 48 Heynea trijuga Roxb. 31 . I. linnaei Ali 48 Hibiscus furcatus Roxb. 14 I. pulchella auct. non Roxb. 48 H. lampas Cav. 17 I. tinctoria Linn. 48 Hiptage benghalensis (Linn.) Kurz 22 lonidium suffruticosum (Linn.) Ging H. madabolta Gaertn. 22 6 Holarrhena an tidysen terica (Roth ) lpomoea cymosa Roem. 98 Wall. ex DC. 89 I. pes-tigridis Linn. 98 H. codaga G. Don 89 lxora arborea Roxb. ex Sm. 73 H. pubescens (Buch-Ham.) Wall. I. coccinea Linn. 73 ex DC. 89 lparviflora Vahl 73 Holigarna arnottiana Hook. f. 40 Jambosa hemispherica Walp. 64 Holoptelia integrifolia (Roxb.) Jasminum angustifolium Vahl 86 Pianch. 127 J. bignoniaceum Wall. ex DC. 86 Holostemma adakodien Schult. 92 J. humile Linn. 86 H.annulare (Roxb.) K. Schum. 92 J. ritchiei CI. 87 Hornonoia riparia Lour. 124 J. rottlerianum Wall. ex DC. 87 Hugonia rnystax Linn. 21 Jussiaea suffruticosa Linn. 66 Humboldtia vahliana Wight 55 Justicia procumbens Linn. 103 Hybanthus enneaspermus (Linn.) f. v. Kalanchoe lacinicate auct. non (Linn.) Muell. 6 Pers. 60 Hydnocarpus laurifolia (Dennst.) K. schweinfurthii Penzig 60 Sleumer 8 Kingiodendron pinnatum (Roxb. ex H. macrocarpus (Bedd.) Warb. 8 DC.) Harms 55

186 Kydia calycina Roxb. 14 Mammea suriga (Buch-Ham. ex Lagenandra toxicaria Dalz. 146 Roxb.) Kosterrn. 12 Lagerstroemia flosreginae Retz. 66 Mangifera indica Linn. 40 L. reginae Roxb. 66 Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Hubard L. speciosa (Linn.) Pers. 66 84 Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Marsdenia voIubilis T. Cooke 93 Merr. 40 Melastoma rnalabathricum Linn. 65 Lantana aculeata Linn. 106 Melia azadirachta Linn. 29 L. camera Linn. var. aculeata (Linn.) M composita Wilid. 30 Moldenke 106 M. dubia Cav. 30 Laportea crenuiata Gaud. 133 Melothria heterophyla Cogn. 67 Lasiosiphon eriocephalus (Grah.j M. maderaspatana (Linn.) Cogn. 67 Decne. 116 Memecylon angustifolium Wight 65 Leea crispa Linn. 37 M. edule Roxb. 65 L. indica (Burrn. f.) Merr. 37 M. umbellatum Burm. f. 65 L. macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem 37 Menispermum cordifolium Wi I Id. 5 L. robusta Roxb. 37 Merrernia umbellata (Linn j Hallier f. L. sambucina Willd. 37 98 Leucaszeylanica R. Br. 109 Mesua ferrea auct. non Linn. 12 Litsea chinensis iamk. 115 M. nagassarium (Burm. f.) Kosterm. L. glutinosa (Lour.) C. B. Robins 115 12 L. sebifera Pers. 115 Michelia chempaca Linn. 1 L. stocksii (Meissn.) Hook. f. 116 M. nilagirica Zenk 2 paniculata L. zeylanica Nees 116 Micracos Linn. 19 Lobelia excelsa Lesch. 81 Micromera capitellata Benth. 109 Mimosa pudica Linn. 59 L. leschenaultiana (Presl) Scotsb. 81 Mimusops elengi Linn. 84 L. nicotianifolia Roth ex Roem. & M. hexandra Roxb. 84 Schult. 81 Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth. Loranthus longiflorus Desv. 117 74 Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) Raven Mollugo pentaphylla Linn. 69 ssp. sessiliflora (Mich.) Raven M. stricta Linn. 69 66 Monniera cunifolia Michx. 100 Luisia tenuifolia BI 136 Morinda coreia Ham. 74 Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Muell- M. tinctoria Roxb. 74 Arg. 124 M. umbellata Linn. 74 Machilus macrantha Nees 1 16 Moullava spicata (Dalz.) Nicholson Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) Mc 56 Bride 83 Mucuna monosperma DC ex Wight M. neriifolia (Moon) Lam 83 49 Maesa indica (Roxb.) DC. 83 M. purita Hook. f. 49 M. perrottetiana DC. 83 M. pruriens (Linn.) DC. 49 Mallotus philippensis (Lamk.) Muell- Murdannia nudiflora (Linn.) Brenan Arg. 125 144

187 Mukia maderaspatana (Linn.) Roem. 0. secamone (Linn.) Krst. 92 57 Paramignya monophylla Wiyht 26 Murraya exotica Linn. 26 Paspalum scrobiculatum Linn. 148 M. koenigii (Linn.) Spreng. 25 Passiflora foetida Linn. 67 M. paniculata (Linn.) Jack 26 Pavetta indica Linn. 75 Mussaenda frondosa Linn. var. laxa Pavonia odorata Willd. 14 Hook. f. 75 Pergularia daemia (Forsk.) Chiov. 93 M. glabrata (Hook. f.) Hutch. P. extensa N. E. Br. 93 ex Gamble 75 Persea macrantha (Nees) Kosterm. M. laxa (Hook. f.) Hutch. ex. Gam- 116 ble 75 Phoenix pusilla Gaertn. 145 Myristica malabarica Lamk. 115 Pholidota imbricata Lindl. 136 Myxopyrum serratulum A. W. Hill 87 P. pallida Lindl. 136 M. smilacifolium BI. 87 Phyllanthus emblica Linn. 122 Naregamia alata Wight & Arn. 31 P. fraternus Webster 126 Neolitsea cassia (Linn.) Kosterm P. niruri auct. non Linn. 126 116 Phyllodium pulchellum (Linn ) Desv. N. Zeylanica (Nees) Merr. 116 49 Nephelium longana Gamble 38 Physalis peruviana Linn. 98 Nilgirianthus ciliatus (Nees) Bremk. Piliostigma malabaricum (Roxb.) 104 Benth. 56 Notonia grandiflora DC. 79 Pimpinella heyneana Wall. 70 Ochna obtusata DC. 28 Pinanga dicksonii (Roxb.) Scheffer 0. squarrosa auct. non Linn. 28 145 Ochrocarpus longifolius (Wight) Piper attenuatum Buch: Ham. 114 Benth. ex T. Anders. 12 P. longum Linn. 113 Odina wodier Roxb. 40 P. nigrurn Linn. 114 Olea dioica Roxb. 87 P. irioicum Roxb. 114 0. glandulifera Wall. 87 Pithecellobium bigeminum auct non Ophiorrhiza mungos Linn. 75 (Linn.) Mart. ex Benth. 57 Opuntia dillenii (Ker: Gawler) Pittosporum floribundam Wight & Haworth 69 Arn. 8 Oreocnide integrifolia (Gaud.) Miq. P. nepalensis (DC.) Rehder & Wilson 133 8 Oroxylum indicum (Linn.) Vent. 101 Plantago asiatica Linn. 110 Orthosiphon grandiflorus Boldingh. P, major Hook. f. 110 109 Platanthera susannae (Linn.) Lindl. 0. stamineus Benth. 109 136 Osbeckia cupularis D. Don ex Wight Plumbago zeylanica Linn. 82 &Arn. 66 Polycarpaea coryrnbosa (Linn.) 0. parvfolia Arn. 66 Lamk. 9 Ouratea angustifolia Gilg. 28 Polygala arvensis Willd. 9 Oxalis corniculata Linn. 23 P. chinensis auct. non Linn. 9 Oxystelma esculentum R. Br. 92 P. sibirica Linn. 9

188 Polygonum glabrum Willd. 112 Salacia oblonga Wall. 33 Pongamia glabra Vent. 50 Salix tetrasperma Roxb 134 P. pinnata (Linn.) Pierre 50 Salmalia malabarica (DC.) Schot, & Pothos scandens Linn. 146 Endl. 17 Pouzolzia indica Gaud. 134 Samadera indica Gaertn. 28 P. zeylanica (Linn.) Benn. 134 Santalum album Linn. 117 Premna herbacea Roxb. 106 Sapindus laurifolius Vahl 39 P. tomentosa Willd. 107 S. trifoliatus auct. non Linn. 39 Pseudarthria viscida (Linn.) Wight & Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde 56 Arn. 50 S. lndicd auct. non Linn. Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. 50 56 Sarcandra chloranthoides Gardn. 114 Pterygota alata (Roxh.) R. Br. 18 Pueraria tuherosa (Roxb.) DC. Sarcostigma kleinii Wight &Arn. 32 Satyrium nepalense D. Don Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. 122 137 Qussia indica (Gaertn ) Nooteb. 28 Sauropus quadrangularis (Willd.) Radermachera xylocarpa (Roxb.) Muell. - Arg. 125 K.Schum. I01 Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken 39 Randia dumatroum Lamk. 72 S. trijuga Willd. 39 R. uliginosa (Retr.) DC. 76 Scoparia dulcis Linn. 100 Securenega leucopyrus (Willd.) Rauvolfia serpentina (Linn.) Benth. Muell. - Arg. 125 ex Kurz 90 Remusatia vivipara (Roxb.) Schott. S. virosa (Roxb. ex Willd.) Baill. 126 146 Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f. 41 Rhamnus wightii Wight & Arn. 33 S. travancoricus Bedd. 41 Rhinacanthus communis Nees 104 Sida acuta Burm. f. 15 R nasutus (Linn.) Kurz 104 S. althaefolia Swartz 15 Rhododendron arboreum Sm. 81 S. cordata (Burm. f.) Borss. 15 R. nilagiricum Zenk. 81 S. cordifolia Linn. 15 Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk. S. herbacea Cav. 15 63 S. humilis Cav. 15 Rhynchostylis retusa (Linn.) Bl. 137 S. pilosa Retz. 15 Rotula aquatica Lour. 99 S. rhombifolia Linn. ssp. retusa Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Alston 42 (Linn.) Borss. 16 R. santaloides (Vahl) Wight & Arn. S. retusa Linn. 16 42 S. rotundifolia Cav. 15 Rubia cordifolia Linn. 76 S. spinosa Linn. 16 Rubus moluccan us auct. non Linn. S. veronicaefolia Lamk. 15 60 Siegesbeckia orientalis Linn. 79 R. rugosus Sm. 60 Smilax aspera Linn. 143 Ruellia prostrate Poir. 103 S. zeylanica Linn, 143 Rumex nepalensis Spreng. 112 Solanum ferox auct. non Linn. 99 Rungia parviflora Nees 104 S. indicum Linn. 98 R. pectinata (Linn.) Nees 104 S. stramoniifolium N. Jacq. 99 Sageraea dalzellii Bedd. 2 Solena heterophylla Lour. 67

189 Sopubia delphinifolia (Roxb.) S. cumini (Linn.) Skeels 63 G. Don 100 S. hemisphericum (Walp.) Alston 64 Spathalobus parviflorus (Roxb.) S. jambolanum DC. 63 0.Ktze. 51 Tabernaemontana heyneana Wall. ex S roxburghii Benth. 51 A. DC. 90 Spilanthes acmella auct. non (Linn.) Taraxacum officinale Weber. 80 Murr. 79 Tarenna asiatica (Linn.) 0. Ktze. ex S. calva DC. 79 Schurn. 76 mangifera Spondias Wiild. 41 Tectona grandis Linn. f. 107 S. pinnata (Linn. f). Kurz 41 Teramnus labialis (Linn.) Spreng. 51 stachytarpheta indica Vahl 107 T. parvifiorus Spreng. 51 S. urticaefolia (Salisb.) Sirns. 107 Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Stellaria media (Linn.) Vlll. 10 61 Stephegyne parvifolia Roxb. 74 T. chebula (Gaertn.) Retz. 62 Sterculia alata Roxb. 18 T. crenulata Heyne ex Roth 62 S. foetida Linn. 18 T. paniculata Roth 63 S. urens Roxb. 18 Tetracera akara (Burrn. f.) Merr. 1 Stereospermum chelonoides auct. T. laevis auct. non Wall 1 non (Linn. f.) DC. 102 Tetrameles nudiflora R. Br. 69 S. chelonoides (Linn. f.) DC. 101 Thespesia larnpas (Cav.) Dalz. & S. colais (Buch - Ham ex Dillw.) Gibs. 16 Mabberley 102 Thottea siliquosa (Larnk.) Ding Hou S. suaveolens DC. 101 113 S. tetragonum DC. 102 Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers S. xylocarpum Benth. & Hook. f. ex Hook. f. &Thorns. 5 101 T. malabarica (Larnk ) Miers 5 Streblus asper Lour. 133 T. sinensis (Lour.) Merr. 5 Strobilanthes ciliatus Nees 104 Toddalia aculeata Pers. 26 Strychnos aenea A.W. Hill 94 T. asiatica (Linn.) Lamk. 26 s. bourdillonii Brandis 94 Toona ciliata Roem. 31 S. colubrina Linn. 94 Torrenia asiatica (Linn.) Ktze. ex S. nux-vornica Linn. 94 Schurn. 100 S. potatorum Linn. f. 95 Tragia hispida Willd. 126 Swertia affinis CI. 95 T. involucrata Linn. 126 S. angustifolia Buch.-Ham. var. Trema orientalis (Linn.) 127 pulchella Burkil 95 Trewia nudiflora Linn. 126 S. corymbosa (Griseb) Wight ex Tribulus terrestris Linn. 22 CI. 96 Trichilia connaroides (Wight & Arn.) Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) Bent. 31 S. Moore ssp. laurina (Retz.) Trichodesrna indicum (Linn.) Leh- Nooteb. 86 mann 97 Sspicata Roxb. 86 Tricholepis glaberrirna DC. 80 Syzygium caryophyllaturn (Linn.) Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn 68 Alston 64 T. palmata Roxb. 68

190 T. tricuspidata Lour 68. V. nepalense Spreng. 117 Triumfetta rhomboidea N. Jacq. 20 Vitex leucoxylon Linn. f. 107 Turraea villosa Benn. 31 Vitis adnata (Roxb.) Wall. 36 Tylophora asthmarica Wight & Arn. V. carnosa Wall. 35 93 V. indica Wight & Arn. 35 T. indica (Burm. f.) Merr. 93 V. rnollissima Wall. 36 T. tenuis BI. 93 V. pedata (Lamk.) Wall. ex Wight 36 T. tenuissima (Roxb. ex Schult.) V. quadrangularis (Linn.) Wall. ex Wight & Arn. 93 Wight 36 Uraria hamosa Wall. 52 V. repens (Lamk.) Wight & Arn. 36 U. lagopodioides (Linn.) Desv. 52 V. tomentosa Heyne ex Roth 35 Urena lobata Linn. ssp. lobata 17 Wagatea spicata Dalz. 56 Uvaria narum (Dunal) Wall. ex Wight Walsura piscidia Roxb. 32 &Arm. 2 W. trifolia (A. Juss.) Harms 32 Valeriana arnottiana Wight 76 Waltheria indica Linn. 19 V. beddomei CI. 77 Wattakaka volubilis (Linn. f.) Stapf 93 V. hookeriana Wight & Arn. 77 Webera corymbosa Willd. 76 V. leschenaultii DC. 77 Wedeiia calendulacea Less, 80 Vallaris solanacea (Roth) 0. Ktze. 90 W. chinensis (Osb.) Merr. 80 Vanda roxburghii R. Br. 137 Wrightia antidysentrica Grah. 89 V. spathulata Spreng. 137 W. tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. 90 V. tessellata (Roxb.) Hook.. ex G. Xeromphis spinosa (Thumb.) Keay Don 137 71 Vateria indica Linn. 13 X. uliginosa (Retz.) J, K. Mahes. 76 Ventilago calyculata Tul. 33 Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. 60 V. denticulata Willd. 33 Zanonia indica Linn. 68 V. maderaspatna Gaertn. 33 Zanthoxylum budrunga Wall. 27 Vepris bilocularis (Wight & Arn.) Z. rhetsa (Roxb.) DC. 27 Engl. 26 Zingiber casumunar (Roxb.) 139 Vernonia cinerea (Linn.) Less. 80 Zmontanum (Koening) Link ex A. Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash Dietrich 139 148 Z zerurnbet (Linn.) Rosc. ex Sm. Vigna trilobata (Linn.) Verd. 52 139 Villebrunea integrifolia Miq. 133 Ziziphus glabrata Heyne ex Roth 43 Viola betonicifolia J. E. Sm 6 Z. jujuba (Linn.) Gaertn. 34 V. patrinii auct. non Ging. 6 Z. mauritiana Lamk. 34 V. pilosa Bl. 7 Zoenoplia (Linn.) Mill. 34 V. serpens Wall. ex Roxb. 7 Z. rugosa Lamk. 34 Viscum articulatum auct. non Burm.f. Z. trinervia Roxb. 34 117 Zornia diphylla (Linn.) Pers. 52

191 Index to Malayalam Names

Adakkapanel 47 Attukanila 65 Adakodien 92 Attunochi 107 Adapathiyan 92 Attupala 134 Akasavalli 97 Atrupezhu 64 Akkaramkolli 9 Attuthekku 71 Alakkucheru 41 Attuvanchi 56, 71 Alpam 113 Aval 127 Amalpori 90 Avilpori 76 Amari 48 Avukkaram 41 Amathali 127 Ayani 129 Ambazham 41 Azhinjil 70 Amrthu 5 Basala 111 Anachoriyanam 133 Belippuvu 111 Anacchunta 99 Bhuthiyunarthi 127 Anachuvadi 78 Brahmi 100 Anakoova 138 Chadachi 19 Anamullu 45 Chadayan 67 Anappana 144 Chakkarakolli 91 Anapparuva 146 Champakam 1 Anathonti 18 Chandanam 117 Ankolam 70 Changalamparanta 36 Amakkara 28 Channakoova 138 Anjili 129 Chathurakalli 123 Appa 77 Chathuramulla 87 Appakudukka 7 Chathuravalli 87 Appupponthadi 89 Chattukakalli 69 Arampuli 66 Cheeni 98 Aranjili 127 Cheevakka 57 Aratha 138 Chemmaram 28 Arichural 144 Chemmaru 66 Arippu 106 Chemparavalli 35 Ariveppu 29 Chempunna 38 Arya poriyan 117 Chenkolli 126 Asokam 56 Cheru 40 Athampuvalli 51 Cheruchural 144 Athi 131 Cheruchunta 98 Attilippa 83 Cherukadali 66 Cherukadaladi 111 lrinjil 70 Cherukanjiravalli 94 lrippa 55. Cherukolpanachi 120 lrul 60 Cherula 111 lrumparappi 71 Chorumulchedi 88 lrumpiathali 97 Cherumullu 45 lswaramooli 113 Cheruparuva 15 lswaramulla 113 Cherupullati 46, 48 lthi 132 Cherupunna 10 lthil 117 Cheruthakara 54 Jeerakappullu 95 Cheruthekku 105 Jelavaka 59 Cheruthutali 34 Kaasavu 65 Cheruveetti 44 Kachapatta 8 Cheruviri 96 Kadapananth 107 Chethi 73 Kadaladi 110 Chithrappala 123 Kadali 65 Chittamrthu 5 Kadampu 71 Chittaratha 138 Kadaplavu 128 Chitteenthal 145 Kadukka 62 Chorivalli 35 Kaippan-padavalam 68 Choriyanam 41, 126 Kakkapoovu 100 Choontappana 144 Kakkathonti 68 Churuli 12 Kakkathurali 26 Chuvanna akil 30 Kalampetti 65 Chuvanna - polat hal i 142 Kalasu 40 Edana 87 Kallakaruva 115 Eetti 44 Kallal 130 Elam 139 Kallarayal 129 Elavu 17 Kal lurukki 134 Erichanna 139 Kallithi 131. 132 Erikku 31 Kal-mula 148 Erumanakku 131 Kaloorvanchi 96, 124 Ezhilampala 88 Kalppakku 57 Ganapathi narakam 24 Kalpayin 13 Garudakodi 113 Kalthamara 6 ldampiri valampiri 18 Kamalu 48 llanji 84 Kammatti 45 llantha 34 Kampili 25 llavangam 115 Kanaksitha 2 lncha 57 Kanakkamuku 145 lnchipullu 147 Kanala 25 lntha 134 Kanikkonna 53 lnthalappana 134 Kanjikottam 120 lrattani 37 Kanjiram 94 Kara 20, 21, 72.76 Kattulli 142 Karakii 26 Kattumallika 86 Karalakam 113 Kattumanjal 139 Karamavu 20 Kattumuthira 53 Karamullu 26 Kattunarakam 24 Karanavalli 113 Kattuniruri 120 Karantakam 3 Kattupadavalam 68 Karapongu 55 Kattuparathi 17 Kattu-payar 52 Kareelanchi 143 Kattupoovarasu 17,81 Karilavu 40 Kattupukayila 81 Karimaram 84 Kattupunna 11 Karimaruthu 62 Katturam 15 Karimkurinji 104 Kattuthekku 107 Karimthumpa 108 Kattuthrithavu 109 Karimulli 126 Kattuzhunnu 43, 51 Karimurukku 27 Kavalam 18 Karimuthakku 66 Kayampu 65 Karinkolla 53 Kazhanchi 53 Karinjotta 28 Keezhanelli 125 Karintholi 115 Kilitheeni panji 32 Karivella 86 Kilukilukki 43 Kariveppu 25 Kilukiluppa 44 Karkataka maram 34 Kinikini pala 92 Karpuravalli 108 Kireethi 83 Karuka 147 Kiriyathu 102 Karutha odal 134 Kiyavu 66 Karuva 115 Kodampuli 11 Karuvali 32 Kodithuva 126 Kasthurimanjal 139 Kongini 106 Kattamara 47 Konna 53 Kattamrthu 5 Koovalam 23 Kattavanakku 14 Koratta 63 Kattayamodakam 112 Kottam 19 Kattilippa 83 Kottavalli 34 Kattinchi 139 Koyali 129 Kattuchampakam 2 Krishnakranthi 97 Kattuchethi 76 Kydakan 69 Kudakappala 89 Kattujathi 115 Kudalchurukki 74 Kattukachil 140 Kudangal 69 Kattukamuku 145 Kottukara 20 Kulamavu 39, 116 Kattukarayampu 66 Kulavvu 56 Kattukonna 57 Kumbil 105 Kurnizhu 105 Maravazha 137 Kundalappala 90 Marotti 8 Kunkumapoovu maram 125 Maruthu 63 Kunnan pala 90 Matti 27 Kunni 42 Mayirmanikkam 16 Kunnivaka 58 M azhukkanjiram 61 Kupparnanjal 79 Meenankanni 100 Kuppameni 118 Menthonni 142 Kurangu rnanjal 125 Moodillathali 97 Kuriel 42 Moongapezhu 39 Kurumulakukodi 114 Moovila 50. 52 Mothi ra kkanni 21 Kurunthotti 16 Mrthi 45 Lantha 34 Mukkalpeeram 67 Madagiri vernbu 31 Mukkannanpezhu 37 Madhavi 22 Mukkutti 22 Mala-atakka 145 Mula 146 Mala-inchikoova 137 Mulkurinji 102 Malarnanchadi 59 Mullenkaini 120 Mala rnavu 39 Mullanvenga 120 Malarnpavatta 7 Mulli 34, 88 Malankalli 73 Mullilam 27 Malankara 72. 104 Mullilavu 17 Malankurnbil 126 Mural 39 Malankummatti 8 Malanthalli 49 Muthakku 66 Malanthutali 34 Muthassari 26 Malathangi 3 Muthil 69 Malaveppu 30 Muttanari 23 Malayakathi 85 Muyalr hevi 79 Manali 48 Nagadanthi 119 Manchatti 76 Nagamulla 69. 104 Mandaram 52 Nagapoovumaram 12 Manimaruthu 66 Naikorana 49 Maniperanti 37 Naithekku 107 Manjakadambu 73 Nallakdra 20 Manjakurinji 80 Nanchu 117 Manjakurumozhi 86 Nanchuvalli 3 Manjanjara 2 Nangu 12 Manjanathi 74 Nanku 117 Mavu 40 Nannari 92 Maramanjal 4 Naranampuli 14 Marappuli 11 Narumonal 2 Mara-uri 128 Narunanti 92 Maravara chempu 146 Nasakarn 25 Nathramthakara 54 Panachi 85 Nattahividayam 146 Panal 25 Nattilippa 83 Pannikkata 76 Navathi 21 Pannikizhangu 51 Ncechankadampu 73 Parakam 131 Neela amani 48 Paranta 59 Neerkadambu 74 Parpadakappllu 69 Neermathalam 6 Paruva 133 Neervetti 124 Paruvakodi 146 Nelli 122 Pasakkotta 39 Nellivaka 58 Pathalagarudakkodi 3 Nenmenivaka 58 Pathiri 102 Nennelvalli 1 Pavatta 75 Nevunni 67 Pazhamunpala 84 Nikida kodi 1 Pemaruthi 108 Nilamparanta 46 Peral 129 Nilanarakam 31 Perillappacha 32 Nilappala 90, 123 Perintholi 73 Nilappana 142 Perinjara 63 Nilathuvara 46 Peruku 105 Nilaveppu 102 Perumaram 27 Nirpezhu 64 Perumklavu 125, 126 Njallu 37 Peruvelam 105 Njara 63, 64 Peyamrthu 5 Njaval 63 Peyathi 131 Njerinjampuli 67 Pezhu 64 Njerinjil 22 Pinampuli 11 Njotta 28 Pinarpuli 11 Njottanjodien 98 Plasu 43 Nurankizhangu 140 Plavu 128 Odal 32 Polla 3 Odiyamadantha 103 Pongu Oduku 121 60 Pongiliyam 27 Olattippana 144 Ponkoranti 33 Orila 45. 47. 52 Ponnampon-maravazha 137 Orilathamara 6 Pachapuli 14 Ponnamthakara 55 Pachotti 86 Ponnaveeram 54 Padakizhangu 4 Ponvetti 119 Padathali 4 Poochakkurumaram 127 Padukurkka 108 Poochapazham 67 Pala 88 Poochedi 106 Palakapaiyani 108 Poola 17 Palvalli 89 Pooppathiri 101 Pambarakumbii 126 Poothilanji 122 Poovam 39 Thonli 18 Poovamkarunthal 80 Thiontitherakani ,, 105 Porippuvam 38 Thottavadi 59 Pootakavalam 18 Thozhukanni 46 Pottamrthu 5 Thuniyangam 105 Pottavaka 58 Thutali 26, 34 Pulichuvadi 98 Udi 40 Pulivaka 58 Ula 134 Puliyarila 23 Ungu 50 Pulla maruthu 63 Unnam 19 Pullani 61 Urakam 14 Punamkara 76 Uravu 116 Punyava 29 Urvuanchi 39 Putharichunta 98 Utliiram 17 Puzhavanchi 124 Uzhinja 38 Ramachain 148 Vairappuli 12 Ramanamappacha 46 Vaka 58 Sarpagandhi 90 Valamkadikkaya 42 Sathavari 141 Valermani 28 Seemapanjimaram 7 Vaiiaithikanni 117 Shoorampunna 12 Valiakara 20 Sivavalli 67 . Valiakattuvellari 68 Syalitha 1 Valia kuppameni 118 Thakara 55 Valia kurumthotti 15 Than kab hasmac hed i 60 Valia maravazha 135 Thanni 61 Valiabharn 61 Tharuthaval 71 Vall ichoriyanam 36 Thavizhama 110 Vallikanjiram 94 Thazhuthama 110 Valliukkrumthotti 15 Thechi 73 Vallippala 93 Theepala 88 Vanchi 134 Theetiplavu 128 Varachi 57 Thekku 107 Varaku 148 Thernpavu 62 Varangu 61 Thenkotta 41 Varicheera 116 Therakam 130 Varimararn 24 Thettamaram 95 Vathamvoatti 99 Thettamparal 95 Vatoli 4 Thetti 73 Vatta 124 Thintanazhi 22 Vatrakkakka kodi 93 Thippali 113 Vatturam 17 Thirunithripacha 78 Vattuvalli 91 Thirukkalli 124 Vayampu 145 Thontappala 90 Vayana 15 Veempu 74 Velluthakoduveli 82 Veetti 44 Velutha devatharam 21 Vedankorana 101 Velutha-polathali 141 Vedivempu 31 Vempadam 33 Velipparuthi 93 Venkana 116 Vella akil 30 Venappacha 78 Vellachadachi 14 Venkurunthotti 14 Vella aini 13 Venga 50 Vella kattumulla 87 Veppu 29 Vella kurinji 72 Vetti 119 Vellanjama 61 Vidana 87 Vellapayin 13 Vilarmaram 25 Vellavaka 59 Viri 96 Velleetti 44 Vishappala 90 Vellila 75 Vishnukranthi 97 Vellodal 32 Vizhal 82 Velluram 15 Vrali 38 Index to Sanskrit Names

Abhiru 141 Dunduka 101 Alukabheda 140 Durva 147 Amalaki 122 Ela 139 Ambashtha 41 Garjanam 13 Amlavethasa 67 Gathasoka 56 Amra 40 Girisanrnalika 7 Amrtha 5 Gokshura 22 Anjalikari 22 Guluchi 5 Ankola 70 Gunja 42 Apamarga 110 Hareethaki 62 Aragwadha 54 Harithamanjari 118 Arka 91 Hemapushpika 86 Asana 50 Hrsvajambu 64 Asrnabheda 124 lswari 113 Asphota 86 Jeevanthi 92 Asthisamhara 36 Kadabhee 64 Athibala 14 Kadaka 95 Athimukthaka 85 Kalasakah 25 Athmaguptha 49 Kamsamara 21 Bakula 84 Kandukari 49 Bala 16 Karanjah 50 Balika 18 Karaskara 94 Bhadra 111 Karkka 34 Bharngi 105 Karkkandhu 34 Bhulavanga 66 Kasmari 105 Bhunimba 102 Katvenga 27 Bhuthagandhi 7 Kochura 126 Brahmaparni 52 Kodrava 148 Brahrni 100 Kolah 34 Chakramarda 55 Krimighna 82 Champaka 1 Krishnamlika 28 Chandana 117 Krishnasara 44 Charmasahua 57 Kshudrabrhati 99 Charngeri 23 Kshudrajambu 64 Chathurangi 106 Kuberakshi 53 Chagakarna 62 Kudaja 89 Chithraparni 52 Kukkirradru 78 Danthi 119 Kulsi-hanga 71 Daruhareedra 4 Kupilu 25 Dathipushpika 49 Kurudaka 93 Dharakadamba 73 Lajja'u 59 Dhathri 122 Lamgali 142 Dhava 61 Lathakaranja 53 Dinesavalli 33 Lodhra 86 Madana 72 Rohithaka 29 Madhavi 22 Rujakara 41 Madhukam 83 Sadaphala 13 1 Madhunasini 91 Sahadevi 80 Mahajambu 63 Saka 107 Mghamoolam 3 Sakam 107 Mahanimba 30 Sakralatha 38 Mandookaparni 69 Samudraphala 64 Manjishta 76 Sanapushpi 43 Mareecha valli 114 Sanmali 17 Mathujamga 24 Saptachada 88 Meshasringi 91 Sariba 92 Mulgaparni 52 Sarpagandha 90 Mukulaka 39 Sasasruthi 79 Musali 142 Sa:havari 141 Nagapushpa 12 Sinsapa 44 Sirisa 58 Nakulashta 113 Sreeparni 75 Nandivriksha 31 Sushami 61 Neela 48 Sweta chithraka 82 Neelalalli 2 Syamalatha 89 Neelasahachara 103 Syodaka 101 Neelika 48 Thamalakee 125 Nikumbha 119 Nikunjika 57 Thapasavriksha 43 Nimba 29 Thikshnaksha 26 Nyagrodha 129 Thriputa 37 Pada 4 Thwaku 115 Tripadi 46 Padal 101 Udakirya 147 Padala 101.102 Udumbara 131 Padalee 102 Upodaka 111 Padola 68 Upopika 111 Palasa 43 Usiram 148 Panasa 128 Vacha 145 paphana 19 Vajrakantaka 123 Paranti 73 Valkala vriksha 128 Parisa 17 Vamsa 146 Pathalagarudi 3 Pippali 113 Vanarnallika 86 Vanapunnaga 11 Pishamushti 77 Varana 6 Peethabringaraja 80 Vibheethaka 61 Peethathaila 32 Vidula 64 Plaksha 131 Vilva 23 Poothi-karanja 127 Vipareetha lajjalu 22 Parkirya 50 Priyala 39 Virala 85 Prsniparni 45 Visalya 142 Punarnava 110 Vishnukrantha 97 Raktabinduchada 123 Vrikshadani 117 Rasna 138 Vyaghranakhi 98

200 Errata

Page No Line No. For Read 6 5 S yn, religiosa 22 31 Tribulus terestris 34 24 Syn. jujuba 71 22 Canthium dicocum 112 22 Chenopodium ambrosiodies 114 22 Mareedha-valli 184 37 Diploclicia glaucesens 187 19 Mesua ferra 189 14 Qussia indica 189 15 Randia dumatroum