Tuesday, 14 October 2025

Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC.

 





Scientific name: Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC.

Family: Oxalidaceae

Synonym: Oxalis sensitiva L.

Vernacular name in Malayalam: Mukkutti

Habit: Small, annual herb with a slender stem and a rosette of pinnately compound leaves at the apex.

Habitat: Commonly found in moist, disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and open forests.

Distribution: Native to tropical and subtropical Asia; widely distributed in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.

Flowering and Fruiting: Flowers from August to January; produces small, yellow, five-petaled flowers in umbels; fruits are capsules containing several seeds.

Key identification features: Slender stem with a rosette of compound leaves; leaflets fold inward upon touch; small, yellow flowers arranged in umbels.

Uses: Traditionally used in folk medicine for treating wounds, ulcers, diabetes, respiratory ailments, and inflammatory conditions.



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