આંકડો

• Outdoors: plant in well-draining soil matched to the plant's light and space needs, mixing in compost if the soil is poor.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as, but no deeper than, the root ball, planting too deep can harm the plant, and keep the top of the root ball slightly above ground level for drainage.
• Water thoroughly after planting, give it temporary shade for the first few weeks in strong sun or heat, and mulch around the base (kept a few inches from the stem) to hold moisture and suppress weeds.
• In containers: use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining mix, sized about 5cm larger than the root ball, terracotta dries faster than plastic.
• Keep the root ball level with the soil surface, add a slow-release fertiliser at planting, water carefully to avoid overwatering, and ensure good airflow to keep pests and disease at bay.

• The candied flower centre is eaten as a sweetmeat.
• Its milky latex coagulates when warmed and is used much like digitalis for cardiac effects, plus as an antiseptic, emetic, and purgative for conditions ranging from dysentery to asthma.
• The bark treats neurodermatitis; the powdered flowers ease coughs and colds; and the silky floss from the seeds is used to stuff pillows.
• In farming, its leaves work as mulch and green manure, and the plant is used to reclaim wasteland and stabilise drifting sand, one hectare of plants can yield 24 tonnes of green stems and 260-350kg of fibre.

These uses are documented for information only and are not medical advice. Always verify the species and the plant part before use.

• plantuse.org
• indiaflora-ces.iisc.ac.in
• gujarativishwakosh.org
• toptropicals.com