Contents
Description
Baliospermum Solanifolium, also known as the “Black physic nut,” is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments such as rheumatism, constipation, and skin diseases.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Baliospermum |
Appearance
Baliospermum Solanifolium is a small tree or a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a length of about 10-20 cm and a width of 5-10 cm. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color, arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a 3-lobed capsule that contains black seeds.
Care Guide
- Water: Baliospermum Solanifolium requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
- Sunlight: Baliospermum Solanifolium requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Baliospermum Solanifolium is relatively disease-resistant, but it can be affected by spider mites and whiteflies. To control these pests, use a pesticide or insecticidal soap. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Habitat
Baliospermum Solanifolium is native to Southeast Asia, where it grows in tropical forests and scrublands. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
- What are the medicinal properties of Baliospermum Solanifolium?
Baliospermum Solanifolium has been used for centuries to treat various ailments such as rheumatism, constipation, and skin diseases. - How often should I fertilize Baliospermum Solanifolium?
The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. - What are the common pests that affect Baliospermum Solanifolium?
Spider mites and whiteflies can affect Baliospermum Solanifolium. - What is the hardiness zone for Baliospermum Solanifolium?
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Related Plants
- Baliospermum axillare
- Baliospermum montanum
- Baliospermum solanifolium
- Baliospermum yunnanense
References
- Akhtar MS, Athar M, Najmi AK, Ahmad FJ, Ahmad S. Baliospermum solanifolium: A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and ethnobotanical uses. Pharm Biol. 2016;54(9):1769-1782. doi:10.3109/13880209.2016.1150526
- Chopra RN, Nayar SL, Chopra IC. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants with Active Principles, Parts Used and Medical Uses. New Delhi: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research; 1956.
- Patil S, Kandhare AD, Bhise SD. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Baliospermum solanifolium root extract. Pharm Biol. 2013;51(3):352-358. doi:10.3109/13880209.2012.727586
