Cissus quadrangularis L.

 

       Scientific Name: Cissus quadrangularis L.

Family: Vitaceae

Synonym: Vitis quadrangularis (L.) Wall. ex Wight

Vernacular name: Chanamparanda, Changalamparanda, Peranta

Habit: Climbing shrub

Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, also in the plains

Distribution: Widespread in the drier parts of Africa, Arabia and Indo-Malesia

Flowering and Fruiting: June-January

Key identification features: Shrubs; stems angular with ridges. Leaves simple. Inflorescence clustered in groups opposite the leaves; flowers with reddish calyx-tubes and yellowish-green petals. Each flower has four stamens with yellow anthers and a yellow disk. Fruit small, round berries containing smooth black seeds.

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

 

Uses: Cissus quadrangularis is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in promoting bone health and healing fractures. It is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat joint pain and inflammation, and aids in weight loss and improve digestive health. The plant is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress in the body.