Sunday, June 28, 2009

Gardening in the Heat of Summer – NOT!

Here in Central Texas, summers are our most stressful season of the year unlike our northern neighbors who declare winter to be their season of distress for gardeners. Temperatures from June through October can easily exceed 100 for long durations which added to the strong sunlight intensity can make gardening activities stressful not only to the gardener, but to the plants in the garden. Here are some survival tips:

1. STOP FERTILIZING: With the exception of potted plant which lose nutrients every time they are watered (which is frequently in summer), most garden plants go into protective dormancy to survive the heat and drought of summer conditions in Central Texas. Oh yes, there are some that thrive on the high heat, but they are in the minority. Fertilizing during these stressful conditions encourages new growth which is the opposite of what the plant is trying to do during dormant periods. Most plants produce new growth in spring when temperatures are more moderate. If you have an organically enriched soil, there is sufficient nutrient to sustain all garden plants through summer.

2. STOP PRUNING: Like fertilizing, pruning encourages new growth when plants are struggling to grow. New growth wilts easily and draws energy away from root development. Fungus grow during hot and humid conditions and pruning opens wounds for them to enter. Prune spring flowering shrubs after blooming in late spring and summer flowering shrubs in fall.

3. STOP PLANTING: Oh, the garden looks so nice during spring thru fall, the temptation is always there to add new plants during summer. But, the reality is that the survival rate of new plantings drops significantly in high heat. The additional transpiration that occurs in heat adds stress to the plants and if roots are not watered more frequently, insufficient water is available for transpiration – bottom line, stresses on the plant that make it susceptible to disease and fungus. Plantings should be done in spring for evergreen and fall for deciduous plants when temperatures are moderate and there is sufficient rainfall to help a new plant get established. Any new planting requires almost a year to become fully established so you want to give them a good head start by planting during non-stressful periods.

4. STOP OVERWATERING: Yes, this sounds odd. One would think you could never provide enough water to outdoor plants during high heat summer periods. You can easily overwater plants in summer creating waterlogged soil that will squeeze out available oxygen in the soil and cause immediate harm to your plants. It depends on your soils composition. You need to water but in average organic well drained soils,frequency is more important than quantity and in xeriscape environments, a deep watering focused in the immediate area of the plants roots less frequently works best. If some plants are persistently wilting , try pinching off some of the foliage to reduce transpiration stress. This is a good argument for use of xeriphytic native plants as garden choices.

5. CUT BACK ON MOWING: If you are struggling to maintain a lawn in hot dry conditions, cut back on mowing allowing your grass to remain taller than might be aesthetically pleasing. Raise cutting height to 3” or more. This protects roots from drying and conserves water.

6. CUT BACK ON GARDENING CHORES: This suggestion is to help save the gardener as well as the plants. Have your garden construction work done before the heat hits, mulch heavily to prevent weed infestation, and follow the previous advice so that as plants go dormant during extremely hot summers, the gardener can go dormant as well. Oh yes, there are always a few things to do – weeds somehow find a way to defy all attempts to discourage them, etc, but good planning can minimize your need to stress yourself during summer.

In Central Texas, we really have two dormant periods in the garden, winter and summer, the latter being the most extreme. Even in shady areas, plants feel the stress of heat and take protective measures to survive. The gardener needs to do the same. Protect your health as well as your plants. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks when working outdoors, then hibernate indoors after 10AM to Noon depending on weather conditions.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Kalalavi | Gloriosa superba | Agnimukhi

Kalalavi (Agnimukhi)

classification of Gloriosa superba

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Liliales

Family: Colchicaceae

Genus: GloriosaBold
Common name: Malabar glory lily

Nature of Gloriosa superba

it is a climber on the leaves are elongated and their tips are modified as tendril.

this adaptation helps the plant in climbing. the flowers are large, orange red coloured and very attractive.

Special characteristics of Gloriosa superba
Leaf tips modified into tendrils and beautiful showy flowers.

Medicinal uses of Gloriosa superba
The roots and leaves used in snakebite. leaves given to cattle as antiworm treatment.
Colchicine, an alkaloid obtained from the tubers and seeds fetches high price in the market and used in scientific research.



position of Gloriosa superba
vulnerable in the wild.

Kuda | Kutaj | Holarrhena antidysenterica

kuda
Kuda(Kutaj)

Scientific name: Holarrhena antidysenterica

Family: Apocynaceae

Nature of Holarrhena antidysenterica

It is a tall shurb or small tree, evergreen in nature.
leaves are smooth large, ovate in shape; and about 15-31 cms. long and 10 cms. broad.
flowers are cream coloured, fragrant and borne in bunches .
the plant flowers profusely during February-March. fruits are thin and cylindrical, with two follicles attached together at distal ends.


Special characteristics of Holarrhena antidysenterica

Fragrant flowers and twin fruits.

Medicinal uses of Holarrhena antidysenterica

The roots and dried bark of the plant used as antidysentric drug. seeds are used in the treatment of fever and cold.
The plant is considered to be the best remedy for dysentery. the plant used in the ayurvedic preparation "Kutajarishta". it has a laxative property.



position of Holarrhena antidysenterica
Very common.

Helicteres isora | Indian screw-fruit | Murudsheng

Murudsheng (Murgshrung)

Scientific name: Helicteres isora

Common name: Indian screw-fruit

Family: Sterculiaceae

Nature of Helicteres isora

it is a shurb growing around 1.8 meters in height.
the leaves are ovate in shape with a serrate margin.
flowers are bright orange-red in colour when young and turn blackish before fruiting. fruits in a pod, five together forming a screw like structure.

location: mostly this plant Found in moist and deciduous forests

Special characteristics of Helicteres isora
Its orange red flowers and screw shaped fruits.

Medicinal uses of Helicteres isora
Fruits used in treating intestinal complaints, colic pains and flatulence.
roots used in diabetes and in convulsions.




position of Helicteres isora
common in moist forests during rainy season.

Gulvel | Tinospora cordifolia | Amruta

gulvel
Gulvel (Amruta)

classification of
Tinospora cordifolia

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Ranunculales

Family: Menispermaceae

Genus: Tinospora

Species: T. cordifolia

Family: Meni permaceae

Nature of
Tinospora cordifolia

It is a extensive perennial climber with grayish stem and tubercles on the surface.
it gives out hanging roots from the stem. the leaves are broad and heart-shaped.
the plant bears minute yellow flowers on long spikes


Special Characteristics of
Tinospora cordifolia

The stem is gray with tubercles and has bitter test to its exude.

Medicinal uses of
Tinospora cordifolia
The stem dried along with the bark is source of medicine.
It is a bitter tonic, useful in all types of liver problems. It is also given to reduce body heat (kadki).The plant is also useful in the treatment of jaundice.
Important ayurvadic preparation like "
Amrutarishta"and"Gelvelsatva" are obtained from this plant.



position of
Tinospora cordifolia : Common in the wild on trees.

Ashwagandha | Withama somnifera

Ashwagandha (Ashwagandha)

Scientific Name: Withama somnifera

Family: Solanaceae

Nature of Withama somnifera

It is aA erect perennial Herb growing on wasteland.
The stem and branches are covered with minute star-shaped hairs.
The leaves are ovate with acute apex and about 10 cms. long.


Special Characteristics of Withama somnifera
Its beautiful red fruits covered with membranous calyx.

Medicinal uses of Withama somnifera
The drug in the form of alkaloid, is obtained from the dried roots.
it is diuretic in function and used as a tonic for general weakness for all ages.
It is a common ingredient of many ayurvedic health tonics of commerce.

Sariva | Hmidesmus indicus | Anantmool | Indian sarsaparila

anantmool
Anantmool (Sariva)

classification of Hemidesmus indicus

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae

Genus: Hemidesmus

Species: H. indicus

Common name: Indian sarsaparila

Nature of Emidesmus indicus
It is a perennial prostrate climber with different shapes of leaves.
rootstocks are fragrant and penetrate deep in the soil.
leaves very greatly in size and shape and opposite in arrangement.
young leaves have whitish midrib.
the flowers are small yellow and purple in colour, borne in umbellate cymes.
fruits with with two follicles and split open when dry.


Special characteristics of Emidesmus indicus
Roots are scented.

Medicianl uses of Emidesmus indicus
Roots are used as diuretic.
It is a well-known plant as blood purifier.
it is also used for improving appetite. young leaves if chewed are refreshing. medicinal preparations like "Raktadoshantak", "Safee" and" Surakta" contain the extract of this plant.
it is also used in ayurvadic and yunani medicine system.

position of Emidesmus indicus: Fairly common in the wild.

Sarpagandha | Rauvolfia serpentina | Sarpakshi

Sarpagandha-Rauvolfia serpentina
Sarpagandha (Sarpakshi)

classificaion of Rauvolfia serpentina

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Subfamily: Rauvolfioideae

Tribe: Vinceae

Genus: Rauvolfia

Common name: Serpentina Roots

Nature of Rauvolfia serpentina

It is a perennial herb less than a meter in height.
the leaves are long, lanceolate and bright green in colour. they are borne on stem in whorl of three. the flowers are pink or white and are in clusters.
the fruits are small, globose; initially greenish purplbin colour but eventually turning blackish when ripe.


Special characteristics of Rauvolfia serpentina

Its white-pink flowers and berries.

Medicinal usus of Rauvolfia serpentina

Its roots contain several alkaloids. the drug is mostly used as a sedative and for reducing blood pressure.
Used in ayurdice preparations.

position of Rauvolfia serpentina

Due to its heavy demand in medicines, the plant has become extremely rarein the wild.

Kalalavi | Agnimukhi | Gloriosa superba

Gloriosa superba
Kalalavi (Agnimukhi)


classification of Gloriosa superba

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Liliales

Family: Colchicaceae

Genus: Gloriosa

Common name:
Malabar glory lily

Nature of Gloriosa superba:-
An extensive climber on the leaves are elongated and their tips are modified as tendril. this adaptation helps the plant in climbing. the flowers are large, orange red coloured and very attractive.

characteristics of Gloriosa superba: Leaf tips modified into tendrils and beautiful showy flowers.

medicinal uses of Gloriosa superba: The roots and leaves used in snakebite. leaves given to cattle as antiworm treatment.
Colchicine, an alkaloid obtained from the tubers and seeds fetches high price in the market and used in scientific research.


position of Gloriosa superba: vulnerable in the wild.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Rui | madar | Calotropis gigantea | Milkweed

Calotropis gigantea
rui(madar)

classification of
Calotropis gigantea

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae

Genus: Calotropis

Species: C. gigantea

Common name:
Milkweed, Rui (madar)

Nature of
Calotropis gigantea

A common shurb of wasteland and rode side. the leaves are thick, opposite, decussate in arrangement and coated with white powder. flowers are in umble and blue in colour.

Distribution: Throughout india on plains on wastelands.

Special characteristics of
Calotropis gigantea :
Its typical leaves and flowers, which are quite unique in structure.

Medicinal uses of
Calotropis gigantea :

Dry leaf powder used for treating wounds and boils. leaves found to be effective on elephantiasis.
flowers along with jaggery are useful against cough and improving appetite.
the mixture of latex, turmeric and sesame oil, useful in treating scabies.


Leaves and flowers used for worshiping lord Hanuman.
position : Very common.

Sadaphuli | Catharanthus roseus | | Periwinkle

image of sadafulli
 Sadaphuli

Sadaphuli

classification of
Catharanthus roseus

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Genus: Catharanthus

Common name: Periwinkle


Nature of classification of
Catharanthus roseus

it is a herb up to one-meter height. leaves are shinning green in clusters. flowers are white or pink in colour.

Distribution: The plant is a native of madagascar, but found throughout india.

Special characteristics of
roseus:
ornamental plant cultivated for its white and pink flowers.

Medicinal uses of Catharanthus roseus:
Roots and leaves are used in medicine. the plant contains alkaloids,which are used in the treatment of tumor, leukemia, hypertension and has a sedative property.

position: Very common; has least risk in the wild.

Halad | Haridra | domestica valenton

Halad(Haridra)

classificaton of domestica valenton

Kingdom Plantae

Division Magnoliophyta

Class Liliopsida

Order Urticales

Family Moraceae

Genus Curcuma

Species Longa

Common name: Turmeric



Nature of domestica valenton
It is a A small herb with long and scented leaves, growing in moist situations. the rhizome is a modified stem, which constitutes turmeric.

Distribution: Found mostly in peninsular india.

Special characteristics of domestica valenton
Its rhizome and leaves.

Medicianl uses of domestica valenton:
The plant contains alkaloid curcumin, used for treating cough and cold.
it is widely used as an antiseptic for clotting blood. turmeric is also used in cosmetic preparations.



position : A common plant under cultivation at various places in india.

Datura stramonium | Dhotra | Kanak

Datura stramonium -dhatura
Dhotra(Kanak)

classification of
Datura stramonium :

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Solanales

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Datura

Common name: Thorn apple

Family:
Solanaceae

Nature of
Datura stramonium

it is a herb with lot of branching and large leaves.
flowers are large, white and trumpet shaped.
the fruit is oval in shape, with short prickles all over its surface.

Distribution: Found all over india in plains, especially on wast places.

Special characteristics of
Datura stramonium

Its large flowers; and fruits, which split open when ripe.

Medicinal uses of Datura stramonium

drug consists of dried leaves and seeds.the leaves contain alkaloids hyoscyamine and atropine. the plant is useful in treating bronchitis and asthma, and also has antispasmodic properties.
The plant is used in ayurvedic preparations.


position: Common on waste places, as weed.

Bahava | Suvarnika | Cassia fistula

Bahava(Suvarnika)
Bahava(Suvarnika)

classification of
Cassia fistula

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: Rosidae

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae

Tribe: Cassieae

Subtribe: Cassiinae

Genus: Cassia

Species: C. fistula Cassia fistula

Common name:
Indian laburnum


Nature of
Cassia fistula
it is a medium sized tree with compound leaves.
leaflets larg and shining. flowers are bright yellow and borne in long hanging bunches.
pod is cylindrical and dark brown when ripe.

Distribution: It is found throughout india up to a certain altitude.
common in moist and evergreen forest.

Special characteristics of
Cassia fistula: Beautiful golden yellow flowers in hanging bunch.

medicinal uses of Cassia fistula: Seeds and fruit pulp used as mild laxative. tender leaves juice used in the treatment of scabies.
It's a very good avenue and garden tree.


position: Commonly found in the forest.

Aavla | Amalika | Emblica officinalis

Emblica officinalis-avala
Aavla(Amalika)

classification of Emblica officinalis

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Flowering plant

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Malpighiales

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Tribe: Phyllantheae

Subtribe: Flueggeinae

Genus: Phyllanthus

Species: P. emblica officinalis

Common name: Emblic myrobalan

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Nature of Emblica officinalis

This is a medium-sized deciduous tree, with pimiately compound leaves. it bears a small pale greenish yellow globose shaped fruit, marked with six lobes.

Distribution: Occurs throughout india in plains as well as in coastal districts.

Special characteristics of Emblica officinalis : Its globose fruit, which is larger when cultivated.

Medicinal uses of Emblica officinalis
fruits are s rich source of Vitamin C. it is an effective liver tonic and a mild laxative. it also helps in improving the appetite and digestion. it is one of the main ingredients of "Chavanprash".
The fruit is a great source of Vitamin C and used in ayurvedic preparations.



Status: A commonly occurring plant of deciduous forests.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Punarnava | Boerhaavia diffusa | Common hog-weed



Scientific name: Boerhaavia diffusa

Common name: Common hog-weed, Punarnava(Punarnava).

Family: Nyctaginaceae

nature of Boerhaavia diffusa: a herb sperading on ground and partly erect. nodes swoeen, with ovate leaves on both sides. flowers very small and pink coloured, growing in clusters.



characteristics of Boerhaavia diffusa

Entire plant has pink colourations on stem.

Medicinal uses of Boerhaavia diffusa

Leaves and roots have medicinal properties.
the drug contains alkaloid "punarnavin"
.it is diuretic and used in the treatment of drohapsy and jaundice.
An ayurvedic preparation "punarnavasava" obtained from this plan.



status of Boerhaavia diffusa: fairly common.

Asparagus racemosus

classification of Asparagus racemosus

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Asparagales

Family: Asparagaceae

Genus: Asparagus

Species: A. racemosu

Nature of Asparagus racemosus

It is a shurb.
leaves are small, linear with small stout spnious spur at the base. fruits are globose,3-5mmin diameter and turn bright red when ripe .

characteristics of Asparagus racemosus : This and oters species are used as ornamental plant.

Medicinal uses of Asparagus racemosus : Roots act as diuretic and increas appetite.
the mixture of long pepper, honey and root extract of this plant works as tonic.
It is extensively used in ayurvedic preparation e.g."shatavari kalp".
Cultivated/collected: Collected from wild and also cultivated.

Status of Asparagus racemosus : Fairly common in wild and gardens.

Flame of the forest | Butea monosperma | Palash

palash


classification of Butea monosperma

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Fabales

Family:
Fabaceae

Genus: Butea

Species: B. monosperma

Common name:
Palas (Palash), Flame of the forest.



Nature of Palash

It is a medium sized deciduous tree with big, smooth and trifoliate leaves.
Flowers are bright orange-red in colour and are in clusters. fruit is a thin and compressed pod.



characteristics of
Palash

Its beautiful orange coloured flowers brings colour to forest and hence the name flame of the forest.

Medicianl uses of
Palash: Flowers of this plant are diuretic. gum of the tree is known as "bengal kino" and contains tannin, used in the treatment of diarrhea. seeds are used anthelmintic, in the treatment of worms.
Gum "bengal" and flowers yield yellow dye.
provides excellent habitat for lac insect.
leaves used for making platesand bowls.



Status of
Palash: Very common.

Neerbranhi | Somyalata | Bacopa monnieri

Neerbranhi(Somyalata)


clasification of
Bacopa monnieri

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Lamiales

Family:
Scrophulariaceae

Genus: Bacopa

Species: B. monnieri

Common name:
Thyme leaves gratiola, Neerbranhi (Somyalata).


Nature

It is a herb with succulent stem and leaves, spreading on moist ground.
The flowers are very small, solitary and bluein colour.
this plant is mostly found near water bodies.


characteristics
Bacopa monnieri: It is a Moderately succulent plant.

Medicinal uses of Bacopa monnieri

every parts of the plant is used medicinally. it is a tonic for nevers and prescribed in mental diseases. the leaf juice is given to infants in bronchitis.
plant countains an alkaloid "
bramhin", which is a cardiac tonic.


position: Common on moist locations.

Kateshever | Red silk cotton | Bombax ceiba | Shalmali

Red silk cotton
Kateshever (Shalmali)


classification of
Bombax ceiba

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Malvales

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Bombax

Species: B. ceiba

Common name:
Red silk cotton,Kateshever (Shalmali) .



Nature

it is a tree with its entire bark surface covered with spines.
leaves aremostly palmately compound.
flowers are large, leathery and dark red in colour.

characteristics of
Red silk cotton

Beautiful large red flowers and stem armed with strong spines. the fruits contain white silky fibres.

Medicianl uses of
Red silk cotton: Its spines are used as antifugal.
gum is known as "mocharus".

Fruits yield slick cotton, used in stuffing mattresses and pillows.



position: Common in drier as well as coastal parts.

Neem | Azadirachta indica |

Indian Azadiracta Indica-nNeem Image of Azadirachta indica | Neem Tree with leaves

classification of Azadirachta indica | Neem

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Sapindalez

Family: Meliaceae

Genus: Azadirachta

Family: Meliaceae

Common name:
Neem, kaduneem, mahaneem.

Nature of
Neem tree

It is a tree with straight trunk and compound leaves, with serrated margin.
flower are small and white in colour . fruits are small and elongated and mostly turn yellow when ripe.

Distribution of of Neem tree

cultivated as roadside tree near habitations.

characteristics of
Azadirachta indica | Neem tree

Beautiful canopy of the tree and its leaves.

Medicinal uses of Azadirachta indica| Neem tree

This tree is known as Amrut Vruksha as all its parts are used medicinally. leaves and bark are useful in the treatment of skin problems. oil cake from seeds and gum are also useful. in the medicinal purpose.



position

Fairly common tree throughout the plains in india.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Bilva | Bel | Aegle marmelos |

Aegle marmelos-bel

clasification of Aegle marmelos


Kingdom: Plantae


Order: Sapindales


Family: Rutaceae


Subfamily: Aurantioideae


Tribe: Clauseneae


Genus: Aegle


Species: A. marmelos


Common name: Bilva



Habit

It is a tree with strong axillary thorns and trifoliat leaves. fruits are round in shape , woody with orang-coloured sweet aromatic pulp.


Distribution

Throughout india on plains and perfers dry climate.

characteristic of Aegle marmelos

Trioliat leaves used for worshipping'lord shiva'. fruits are edible.


Medicnal uses of Aegle marmelos

Leaves and fruits are used in medicine. fruits cotain mucilage and pectin; and are used in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. its pulp gives cooling effect, hence used for preparing "sharbat". unripe fruits used for improving appetite. Fruit pulp used in ayurvedic medicine.

position: Fairly common in in dry parts of india.

Kumari | Korphad | Aleo barbadensis


Korphad(Kumari)


Scientific name: Aleo barbadensis


Family: Liliaceae


Common name: Aloe


Habit

A shurb with thick succulent leaves, which contain lot of juicy and bitter pulp. theleaves are long and pale green in coiour, with horny prickles on the margin. flowers are borne on a scape about 60-90cms. longs.


Distribution

plant is distributed throughout india in dry climate. thrives weel in sandy saline soil, near coasts.


characteristics of Aleo barbadensis

Leaves thick with pulp. leaf border with spines.


Medicinal uses of Aleo barbadensis

Juice of leaves along with turmeric used in the treatment of spleen problem. leaves also used in cosmeticsas moisturizer.
A popular plant these days, for its cosmetic value. a drug called "kumari asav" is prepared from the leaves of this plant, used in curing cough, specially in children.

position: Not a common plant in wild.

Punarnava | Boerhavia diffusa

classification of Boerhavia diffusa

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Caryophyllales

Family: Nyctaginaceae

Genus: Boerhavia

common name is ghetului, punarnava.

useful part of Boerhavia diffusa;-its seeds, root and leaves are useful.

medicinal uses of Boerhavia diffusa ;-it is useful in inoedema, cardica disorders, liver and spleen diseases.

Sinduri | bixa orellana

 Sinduri-Bixa orellana
SENGERI



clasisification of Bixa orellana



Kingdom: Plantae



Order: Malvales



Family: Bixaceae



Genus: Bixa



Species: B. orellana



common name is sinduri, shengeri.



useful part of Bixa orellana;-its seeds, root, leaves and fruits are useful



medicinal uses of Bixa orellana;-it is useful in astringent,purgative, antipyretic, gonorrhoea and jaundice.

Kanchanar | Baunhinia variegata

kanchanar-bauhinia veriegata

classiication of Baunhinia variegata


Kingdom: Plantae


Division: Magnoliophyta


Class: Magnoliopsida


Order: Fabales


Family: Fabaceae


Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae


Tribe: Cercideae


Genus: Bauhinia


Species: B. variegata


common name is kanchan, kanchanar.


useful part of Baunahina variegata;-its bark and flowers are useful in the medicinal purpose.


medicinal uses of Baunhinia variegata ;-it is useful in anti bacterial and diseases.

Shwet kanchan | Baunhinia racemosa.

classification of Baunhinia racemosa

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae

Tribe: Cercideae

Genus: Bauhinia

common name is kachanal, shwet kanchan.

useful part of Baunhinia racemosa;-its bark and leaves are useful .

medicinal uses of Baunhinia racemosa;-it is useful in headache, malaria, astringent and diarrhea.

Rakta kanchan | Bauhinia purpurea

kanchan

classification of Bauhinia purpurea


Kingdom: Plantae


Division: Magnoliophyta


Class: Magnoliopsida


Order: Fabales


Family: Fabaceae


Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae


Tribe: Cercideae Genus: Bauhinia


Species: B. purpurea


common name is rakta kanchan,dev kanchan.


useful part of Baunhinia purpurea ;-its root and leaves are useful.


medicinal uses of Baunhinia purpurea;-it is useful in catarrh, infection of childern, boil, glandular andswelling.

Potki | Basella albavar



scientific name:-Basella albavar .


common name is Potkai.


useful part of Basella albavar;-its leaves are useful in the medicinal purpose.


medicinal uses of Basella albavar;-it is useful in diuretic, gonnorhea, urticari and constipation.

Danti | Baliospermum solanifolium.

danti-spermum -solanifolium.

scientific name:- Baliospermum solanifolium.



common name :- Danti, hakun, dantimul, jamalagota.



Useful part of Baliospermum solanifolium;-its root is useful .



Medicinal uses of Baliospermum solanifolium;-it is useful in purgative.

Ingla | Balanites aegyptica

 ingla-Balanites-aegyptica

scientific name:-Balanites aegyptica


Common name is gaudi, hingan, hingot,ingla


Useful part of Balanites aegyptica ;-it is seeds, bark, fruit, seed oil and leaves are useful in the medicinal purpose.


Medicinal uses of Balanities aegyptica;- It is ueful in anti bacterial, loss of appetite, pain in abdomen.a

Adulsa | Vasaka | Adhatoda vasica nees

Adulsa(Vasaka)-Adhatoda

classification of Adhatoda vasica nees

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Lamiales

Family: Acanthaceae

Genus: Justicia

Species: J. adhatoda

Common name: Adulsa (Vasaka)


Habit

It is a evergreen shrub about 2.2-3.5 meters high, wich have long leaves and white flowers in axillary spike.


Distribution

This plant occurs throughout india except mountian regions.
characteristics of Adhatoda vasica : Leaves are long and dark green in colour. cattle do not eat this plant as the leaves emit an unpleassant smell.


Medicinal uses of Adhatoda vasica nees

Both leaves and flowers are used medicinally. juice of leaves given along with honey, for treating cough and asthma. it contains durg vasacine, which is brancho-dialator.
most ayurvedic cough mixtures cotain juice extracted from the leaves of this plant. leaves are used as green manur, and for packing purposes.
position
very common in konkan region.