Ceropegia pusilla
Wight. & Arn.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCeropegia pusilla is a species of herb in the family Apocynaceae.
Description
A herb. It grows 15 cm tall. It has erect tuberous roots. These are 3-5 cm across. The leaves are 8 cm long by 0.4 cm wide. They narrow at the base into a short leaf stalk. The flowers are greenish and occur as 3-5 together.
Edible Uses
The tubers and roots are eaten.
Medicinal Uses
The tuber of this plant is edible and contains the alkaloid ceropegin. In Ayurveda, it is used in formulations effective against various ailments, particularly diarrhea, dysentery, and syphilis. It is rich in nutritive starch and possesses tonic and blood-purifying properties.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in the Western Ghats.
Where It Grows
Asia, India,
Notes
There are about 160-200 Ceropegia species. Probably now in Apocynaceae.
References (2)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 118
- Singh, H.B., Arora R.K.,1978, Wild edible Plants of India. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. p11
