Hellenia speciosa (J.Koenig) S.R.Dutta

     

              Scientific Name: Hellenia speciosa (J.Koenig) S.R.Dutta

Family: Costaceae

Synonym: Costus speciosus (J.Koenig) Sm., Banksea speciosa J.Koenig

Vernacular name: Aanakoova, Channakoova, Malavayambu, Narumchanna, Nuchanna

Habit: Herb

Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, also in the plains

Distribution: Indo-Malesia

Flowering and Fruiting: July-October

Key identification features: Rhizome tuberous, highly branched, with oblong leaves, sparsely hairy lower surface, and terminal spikes bearing white flowers. Capsule bright red, dehiscing loculicidally, with black seeds.

 

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

Uses: Hellenia speciosa is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional herbal medicine. The plant is often used to treat various ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin irritations due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.