Boerhavia Diffusa
Contents
Description
Boerhavia Diffusa, commonly known as the Punarnava plant, is a species of flowering plant in the Nyctaginaceae family. It is native to India, Africa, and South America. This plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties. The plant is also used for treating urinary tract infections, liver diseases, and kidney disorders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Nyctaginaceae |
| Genus | Boerhavia |
Appearance
The Punarnava plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are simple, ovate, and alternate, with a length of 2-7 cm and a width of 1-4 cm. The flowers are small and pink or white in color. The fruit is a capsule that contains black seeds.
Care Guide
The Punarnava plant requires moderate watering and well-draining soil. It grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. The plant prefers warm temperatures and is hardy in zones 9-11. Fertilization is recommended during the growing season.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Punarnava plant is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Root rot and leaf spots are common diseases that affect this plant.
Habitat
The Punarnava plant grows in moist and shady areas, such as riverbanks, marshes, and wetlands. It is commonly found in India, Africa, and South America.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Punarnava plant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the Punarnava plant can be grown indoors in a well-lit area.
Q: How often should I water my Punarnava plant?
A: The Punarnava plant should be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Q: How long does it take for the Punarnava plant to flower?
A: The Punarnava plant typically flowers in the summer months.
Q: Is the Punarnava plant poisonous?
A: No, the Punarnava plant is not poisonous and is safe for human consumption.
Related Plants
- Boerhavia repens
- Boerhavia erecta
- Boerhavia diffusa var. diffusa
- Boerhavia diffusa var. repens
References
- Chopra RN, Nayar SL, Chopra IC. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. New Delhi: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research; 1956.
- Handa SS, Khanuja SPS, Longo G, Rakesh DD. Extraction Technologies for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Trieste: International Centre for Science and High Technology; 2008.
- Prajapati ND, Purohit SS, Sharma AK, Kumar T. A Handbook of Medicinal Plants: A Complete Source Book. Jodhpur: Agrobios India; 2003.
