- Helminthostachys
Taxobox
name = "Helminthostachys zeylanica"
regnum =Plant ae
divisio =Pteridophyta
classis =Psilotopsida
ordo =Ophioglossales
familia =Ophioglossaceae
genus = "Helminthostachys "
species = "H. zeylanica"
binomial = "Helminthostachys zeylanica"
binomial_authority = (L.) Hook."Helminthostachys zeylanica" is a terrestrial,
herb aceous,fern -like plant of southeasternAsia andAustralia , commonly known as Kamraj and Tukod-langit. The genus is monotypic and, just like the other members of its family, it has clusters ofsporangia on stems of fertile, spike-likefrond s.The
rhizome of thisannual plant is short, creeping, underground, and stout. They can bear either a solitary frond or several fronds. Leaves are lanceolate with the margins entire or irregularly serrate.The frond spike arises from the base of the leaves with its own stipe. Below the spike is a sterile leafy segment (the trophophore). Both it and the sporophore arise from a common petiole.
Uses
The roots of this plant are a popular medicine in
China , where they are known as "Di wu gong". The roots are harvested during the wet season in July-August. Only wild plants are harvested. InMalaysia , the leaves are dried and smoked to treat bleeding nose.References
* [http://www.tfeps.org/helminthostachys_zelaynica.htm "Helminthostachys zeylanica" - photos and info]
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