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Medicine - It is used for curing pulmonary infections, leucorrhea, piles and for dissolving bladder and kidney stones. In Ayurveda system of medicine it is commonly used as tonic, astringent, antiscorbutic, laxative, spleen enlargement, dysuria and ulcers. Ornamental - It is used in decoration, particularly the wall.
India, Nepal, Pakistan
It grows well in the rocky slopes and walls at altitudes of 1600-4300 m asl.
Called "Paashanbheda" in Sanskrit, which means "rock-piercing", reflecting its tendency to grow among rocks.
It is a slow-growing, clump-forming perennial typically grows to 30 cm tall and spreads to 60 cm wide.
Stem is short and the rhizome comes out from the cervices of rocks and hangs in the air.
Large, glossy green leaves emerge in spring, boasting long, hair-like fringes (cilia) along the edges. These ovate leaves reach 5-15 cm during flowering, then expand to 30 cm or more, turning vibrant red in fall.
Bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white emerge on slender stalks (up to 25 cm). These blooms, 1.5-2.5 cm long, feature five petals and a distinctive long style.
Fruits are typically small, dry capsules that develop after flowering and contain tiny seeds.
Flowering: March-July