Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Medicine - The seeds yield a fatty oil and are used as an anthelmintic and alexipharmic; they are said to be quite effective against roundworms and threadworms. They are also given for coughs, flatulence, intestinal colic and dysuria and for leucoderma, psoriasis and other chronic skin-diseases. The seeds are made into a paste with lime juice and used for destroying pediculi.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan
Thrives in upland crop areas, waste places and roadsides, including the Himalaya.
It is annual or short-lived perennial herb growing up to 50 cm tall has a bushy appearance with branching stems.
Stem is erect that branch repeatedly near the top, creating a cluster of flower heads.
Leaves are ovate-shaped, 2-3.5 cm long and 1.2-2.5 cm wide, including the leaf stalks, green and arranged alternately on the stem.
Flowers are small, cylindrical flower heads in a purple color. Borne on short stalks (0.3-1 cm long) at the tips of the branches.
Fruit is dry, single-seeded. Each achene has a white pappus (hair-like structure) that aids wind dispersal.
Flowering: throughout the year.