Aerva javanica
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A. javanica
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| Aerva javanica |
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Achyranthes javanica Pers. |
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Aerva javanica (Hindi: बुई), the kapok bush or desert cotton, is a species of plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It has a native distribution incorporating much of Africa (including Madagascar), and the south-west and south of Asia.[2]
Contents
Description
The plant is herbaceous, multi-stemmed and soft-wooded and bears broad leaves; it often has an erect habit and grows to a height of about 1.6 metres (5 ft 3 in). In Western Australia it tends to grow in sandy soils especially along drainage lines. It flowers between January and October.[3] Diplospory, a type of Agamospermy, occurs during the development of female gametophyte in the ovule and hence reduction division does not take place in the Megaspore mother cell. The diploid egg is unfertilized and forms the embryo. Hence daughter plants are exactly clones of the mother.
Uses
This herb is deep rooted, and is used as soil binder in desert reclamation.[4] It is used for fuel and for fodder for goats. In traditional medicine this plant has many uses. It is used externally to remove swelling, relieve inflammation and promote healing of wounds and ulcers. The flowers and roots are used to alleviate kidney problems and rheumatism and the seeds are believed to cure headaches. A gargle is made from the plant to treat toothache.[5]
The plant has naturalised in northern regions of Australia, as an alien introduction, and is cultivated and utilised by the indigenous peoples. The thick, white inflorescences have traditionally been harvested in Arabia for stuffing cushions and saddle pads.[6][7] Today, the soft fibres are still used as kapok for pillows. It is called Bilhangga in the languages of the Yindjibarndi and Ngarluma people, the English term is Kapok Bush.[8]
References
- ↑ Aerva javanica at Tropicos
- ↑ Aerva javanica information from NPGS/GRIN
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ L R Burdak (1982): Recent advances in desert afforestation, Dehradun, p. 66
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ M.A. Zahran & A.J. Willis, The Vegetation of Egypt, Hong Kong 1992, pp. 187-188 ISBN 978-0-412-31510-7
- ↑ James P. Mandaville, Bedouin Ethnobotany - Plant Concepts and Uses in a Desert Pastoral World, University of Arizona Press 2011, p. 154, (ISBN 978-0-8165-2900-1)
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aerva javanica. |
- Aerva javanica Flowers in Israel
- Aerva javanica in West African plants – A Photo Guide.
