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Medicine- Used in Ayurvedic medicine for various purposes. It is considered to be the best remedy for the hair, an excellent treatment for a range of skin disorders, and is also used as a rejuvenator and liver tonic. In some cultures, considered sacred and used in religious ceremonies. Dye- A black dye is obtained from the plant. A bluish-black dye is obtained from the juice of the leaves. It is used as a hair dye and for tattooing
Temperate and Subtropical America
Thrives in wastelands, disturbed areas, and along roadsides.
It is annual herb commonly found in wastelands. Grows in two forms: erect or prostrate (creeping along the ground).
Stem is short, flat or round, brown with a velvety texture. Erect or prostrate depending on the variety. Stems are entirely covered in soft hairs and may root at the nodes where they touch the soil.
Leaves are oppositely arranged, stalkless with oblong, lance-shaped, or elliptic shapes. Leaves are green and measure 2.5-7.5 cm long.
Flowers are small, white, daisy-like with a central yellow disc. Borne on long stalks that rise above the foliage.
Fruit is dry, single-seeded – not typically showy but can be produced.