Family: Amaranthaceae
Synonym: Achyranthes lanata L., Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
Vernacular name: Shiva arya (Shimaore, Mayotte)Hanga motti (Kibushi, Mayotte)
Habit: Herb/ shrub
Habitat: Waste and disturbed ground, deserted cultivation and coastal scrub
Distribution: Tropical Africa, South Africa, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia and tropical Asia.
Flowering and Fruiting: November-April
Key identification features: Aerva lanata is a dicotyledonous herb whose habit is erect. The stem is branched and covered with a whitish felting. The inflorescence is axillary and forms glomerules or false erect spikes. The flower has 5 white tepals. The fruit is a circular and compressed capsule with kidney-shaped, black, shiny seed.
Uses: Whole plant of Aerva lanata is used in infusion against the miscarriages and against the female sterility.
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