Helicteres isora L.

 

     

  

        Scientific Name: Helicteres isora L.

        Family: Sterculiaceae

        Synonym: Helicteres baruensis var. ovata DC.

        Vernacular name: Edampiri-Valampiri, Eeswaramoori, Kaivum, Kayinaru, Kayivoolam

        Habit: Shrub

        Habitat: Deciduous forests, also in plantations and plains 

       Distribution: Indo-Malesia, China and Australia 

       Flowering and Fruiting: September-March

Key identification features: Large shrubs or small trees; bark pale greyish. Leaves obovate to suborbicular, irregularly crenate-serrate. Flowers axillary, solitary or in few-flowered cymes; calyx tubular. Petals unequal, crimson. Follicles spirally twisted, stellate-tomentose. Seeds 2-3 mm long, angular, black, wrinkled.

 

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

Uses: Helicteres isora is used to treat digestive issues, such as diarrhea and dysentery, thanks to its antibacterial properties. The plant's leaves and bark are often used in herbal remedies, while its fruit can also be consumed. Additionally, Helicteres isora is recognized for its role in improving skin health and reducing inflammation.