Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

Fabaceae / Papilionaceae
Tephrosia purpurea (L.)Pers.
(Syn: Cracca purpurea Linn.)
English name: Wild Indigo.
Local name:
Sarphonka, Phar wal.
Description:
A much branched annual or short-lived perennial erect herb up to 1 m tall, base
woody. Leaves compound, usually 9 to 11 foliate odd in number. Flowers purplish
red. Pod flat, curved. Appreciable variation is noticed within the number of hairs on
stigma. Propagates by seeds.
Flowering Period:
Almost round the year.
Habitat:
Common in dry sandy areas, especially between sand
dunes.
Uses:
It is given in the treatment of bronchitis and bilious
febrile attacks, and also for treatment of boils, pimples
and bleeding piles, it is reported to be useful in cough
and in kidney disorders, the leaves are reported to be
useful in jaundice.
Distribution:
SouthernAsia,Australia, TropicalAfrica, southwards
to Natal. Introduced in TropicalAmerica.
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