Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

193
Molluginaceae
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Seringe
(Syn: Pharnaceum cerviana Linn.)
English name:
Local name: Sindhi-
Hazar dani, Padu, Iran-ro.
Description:
An annual up to 15 cm tall erect or prostrate delicate herb with ascending stem and
glabrous wiry branches. Leaves linear. Flowers minute about 2 mm. across usually arise
from the axils of upper leaves, greenish or creamy white.
Flowering Period:
Spring season.
Habitat:
The species is commonly found in hot sandy and semidesert
areas, after Winter/Spring rains.
Uses:
The herb is considered stomachic, aperient and antiseptic.
Flowers and tender shoots are diaphoretic and given in
fevers. An infusion of the plant is given to promote lochial
discharge. Oil in which roots are boiled is used as an
application for gout and rheumatism. An alcoholic extract of
the plant shows antibacterial activity against Escherichia
coli.
Distribution:
TropicalAfrica,Australia, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan.