Scientific Name
Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines
Synonyms
Carissa spinarum Lodd.ex A.DC.
Family
Apocynaceae
Local Name
Garanda
Habit Habitat
An evergreen branched shrub with straight spines, 3m or more tall, found in sub-tropical zone.
Taxonomic Features
Young shoot with milky juice. Leaf simple, opposite, elliptic, ovate or round, shinning, green above. Inflorescence in terminal cymes. Flower white or light rose, sweet scented, 2cm across. Calyx lobes lanceolate. Corolla tube slender. Fruit a berry, elliptic-oblong, dark purple when ripe, with white milky juice.
Flowering Fruiting
April-June
Harvesting Time
Throughout the year
Medicinal Value
Locally whole plant decoction is used for curing Jaundice, Hepatitis A, B and C. Two month continuous use of decoction kills the virus. Fruit has antioxidant properties and useful in kidney disorders. Fruit and leaves are cardiac stimulants.
Parts Used
Whole Plant
Future Prospective
Collection, Formulation, Packing, Herbal Pharmacy.
Plant Images
Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines