Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

52
Asteraceae / Compositae
Sonchus oleraceus DC.
English name: Smooth Sow Thistle.
Local name: Gule furfun, Phastt, Bhather kandi waari, Bhattar.
Description:
An annual or perennial erect herb, up to 90 cm tall, heads homogamous, yellow,
arranged in corymbose manner . The species can be differentiated from S. asper by
the leaf base auricles of cauline leaves, which are rounded in S. asper and acute in
S. oleraceus.
Flowering Period:
October to February.
Habitat:
Most commonly found near villages, orchards and
cultivated land in moist soil.
Uses:
It was once highly valued as a galactogogue and in the
treatment of diseases of the liver. Its leaves and roots are
used in indigestion and as febrifuge. Stems are prescribed
as a sedative and tonic. Roots are used as a vermifuge. An
ointment made from the decoction is used to dress
wounds and ulcers. The brownish gum formed by
evaporation of the latex of milk thistle is a powerful cathartic
and is used in the treatment of ascites and hydrothora.
Distribution:
Tropical countries of the World.