Rhazya stricta
Decne.
Harmal
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Summary
Source: WikipediaRhazya stricta (Persian: اشورک Eshvarak) is a native poisonous plant in Southern Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. The plant is an evergreen dwarf shrub of the family Apocynaceae.
Description
A shrubby plant. It grows 70 cm tall. It has a woody base and branches spread upwards. The leaves are 3-10 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are in dense groups at the ends of branches. The fruit follicles are in pairs and slender and 3-6 cm long. They have many seeds with short wings.
Edible Uses
The bitter leaves are used to make a cooling drink.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are bitter. They are used to make a cooling drink.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The leaves are used medicinally, and the seeds are processed for oil with medicinal applications.
Distribution
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in arid regions and the desert. It has some salt tolerance.
Where It Grows
Asia, Middle East, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, UAE,
Other Information
They are sold in markets.
Notes
It is used as medicine.
References (2)
- Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. ser. 2, 4:80. 1835
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 556
