Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

22
Amaranthaceae
Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex J. A. Shultes
(Syn: Iresine javanica Burm.f.)
English name: Kapok bush.
Local name: Booh.
Description:
An erect perennial much branched herb up to 70 cm tall. Leaves narrow elongated ashgrey
in colour, flowers minute, off-white, greenish white or pink-tinged, in dense
terminal inflorescence.Seeds minute black or brown. Reproduces through Seeds.
Flowering Period:
Almost throughout the year.
Habitat:
Found in sandy-gravelly places.
Uses:
Inflorescence and paste of leaves is externally applied
to heal the wounds and inflammation of human being as
well as livestock. The mature fluffy inflorescence is used
for stuffing pillows in some areas.
Distribution:
Throughout the drier parts of the tropics and sub-tropics
of the old world.