Morphological information

An erect shrub 1.8-  2.4 m high young parts clothed with white cottony tomentum. Bark soft, corky, and spongy. Leaves sub sessile, usually 5.7- 15 by 4.5- 8.2 cm broadly ovate,ovate- oblong, elliptic or obovate, with a short abrupt acumination, cottony pubescent when young, at length cottony pubescent when young,, at length  pubescent when young at length glabrous. Umbellate cymes. Flowers which are at first tomentose, but becoming nearly glabrous; peduncles 2.5- 7.5 cm long, lateral; Pedicels 6 mm long; buds globose. Calyx divided to the base, glabrous; sepals ovate, acute. Corolla glabrous, about 2.5 cm across divided about 2/3 of the way down; lobes usually erect, ovate, acute, 1 cm long; lobes of the corona 6 by 4- 5 mm compressed, equaling or exceeding the staminal column, the bark nearly straight or sometimes slightly curved away from the column above the up curved sub acute spur, usually glabrous but sometimes slightly scabrous- pubescent along the outer margin, the apex obliquely truncates. Follicles subglobose, ellipsoid or ovoid. Seeds broadly ovate, acute, flattened, narrowly margined, minutely tomentose, light brown, corna 3.2 cm long.

Flowering                    : February -November

Fruiting                       : November

History                       :

Parts                          : Root bark, leaves and flower.

Status                        : Low risk.

 

Agro cultivation

The plants can be propagated through seeds. Even root and shoot cuttings are recommended. They do not require specific cultivation practices or irrigation. They are good soil binders and are recommended for deserts.

 

Ayurvedic

The plant relieves stangury; cures ulcers, the ashes  act  as an expectorant. The leaves are applied hot to the abdomen to cure the pain inside. The flower is tonic, appetizer, stomachic, antisialogogue, strengthening, cures piles and asthma

 

Others

Root bark is used for leprosy. The flowers have detergent properties. They are given in cholera. In Hausas and Northern Territories people use this plant greatly in medicine. The leaves are used to cure headache. The plant is also used in treating eye troubles. The leaves and fruits are boiled together and are used in the extraction of guinea worm, by the immersion of the infected limb, either for several hours or on two or three consecutive days. It is used as an enema. A strong fibre (Madar) is obtained from the stem and used for thread, fishing lines and nets. The milky sap is used as medicinally and an intoxicating liquor. Can be produced from the sap.

 

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