Scientific Name
Phytolacca latbenia (Moq.) H. Walter
Synonyms
Phytolacca acinosa Roxb.
Family
Phytolaccaceae
Local Name
Challaha Kafal
Habit Habitat
A perennial, very poisonous herb, up to 1-2 m tall, found in sub-alpine and alpine zones.
Taxonomic Features
Stem hollow. Leaves simple, lanceolate-ovate, dark green. Inflorescence a peduncled raceme. Flower actinomorphic, greenish and bracteate. Fruit a cluster of berries, green become dark-purple on ripening. Seed compressed, black and glabrous.
Flowering Fruiting
July- October
Harvesting Time
September-November
Medicinal Value
Externally paste of whole plant soothes arthritis, kills germs and leaves treats fungal infection. Half boiled leaves create mental uneasiness but long boiled can be used as vegetable.
Parts Used
Leaf and root
Future Prospective
Conservation, Chemical analysis, Herbal Pharmacy, Allopathic Pharmacy.
Plant Images
Phytolacca latbenia (Moq.) H. Walter