Maerua oblongifolia

Maerua oblongifolia
Maerua oblongifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Brassicales
Family: Capparaceae
Genus: Maerua
Species: M. oblongifolia
Binomial name
Maerua oblongifolia
Forssk. (A.Rich.)

Maerua oblongifolia (syn. Maerua arenaria, Niebhuria arenaria) is a low woody bushy under-shrub sometimes scandent to 2-3 meters high, with a thick root stock and thick leaves, and strongly scented flowers, occurring in India, Pakistan, Africa and Saudi Arabia.

The root of this plant, which tastes like coconut pulp, is edible and is eaten with sugar. In Telugu this plant is called by name Bhoochakra dumpa or Bhoochakra gadda. Tribes harvest this tuber in summer. The tuber is medicinal and is eaten to quench thirst. Traditionally, the fleshy roots of this plant is used as alternative tonic and stimulant. The plant is also used for treatment of Snake bite and Scorpion sting [1]

References

  1. ^ K.R.Kirthikar, P.D Basu, "Indian Medicinal Plants", The Indian Press, Allahabad, p 101, (1918)
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