Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Medicine - The juice of stem and leaves are applied to fresh wounds for stopping bleeding and fast healing in traditional medicines. The leaf paste is also applied to forehead to relive headache and used as sedative drug by the local people.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal
Thrives in roadsides, fields, and grassy slopes, at an elevation of 1200-2400 m.
It is tall succulent herb with an upright form growing 100-200 cm tall. Branches towards the top.
Stem is angular with four prominent corners, reaching 1 cm thick.
Leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, 10-20 cm long. Upper leaves: Stalkless, oblong-shaped with toothed edges. Lower leaves: Larger and wider, lance-like in shape.
Flowers are numerous orange to orange-yellow flower heads bloom in clusters (corymbs) on slender stalks. Flower head size: 1.5-2 cm in diameter. Bracts: A few small bracts present below the flower heads.
Fruit is dry, single-seeded with a pappus (hair-like structure) for wind dispersal. Not very showy.
Flowering: all year.