Martynia annua L.

• Family: Martyniaceae
• Vernacular names: Kakka-chundu, Pulinakham, കാക്കചുണ്ട്, പുലിനഖം (Malayalam), Tiger's claw (English), Kakanasa (Sanskrit), Pulinakam (Tamil)
• Distribution: Tropical and subtropical America; naturalized in Indian subcontinent
• Description: Erect subshrubs. Leaves broadly ovate to suborbicular. Racemes 7-14 flowered, at the bifurcations of the branches. Flower pinkish-purple with yellow throat. Fruits drupaceous, ovoid, flattened somewhat dorso-ventrally.
• Habit: Shrub
• Habitat: Wastelands
• Flowering & Fruiting: July-August

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• Parts used: Leaves and fruits
• Properties & Uses: Leaves are reportedly used to treat epilepsy and are applied to tuberculosis glands of the neck. Leaf juice is used as a gargle to relieve sore throat. Fruit is useful in relieving inflammations. Paste form of the seed is used as a sedative; it is also used in the bites of venomous insects and scorpions.
• Systems of Medicines: Folk,
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