Mountain knotgrass

Aerva lanata / Ouret lanata

छोटी बुइ

Native

Commonly known as Gorakhdi, Sani Bur, Kapurimadhuri, Polpola.

A perennial herb that grows more or less woody at the base, with stems ranging 30-200cm that can stand erect, sprawl along the ground, or scramble up into neighbouring plants for support. It's commonly eaten as a vegetable in Sri Lanka and is one of Ayurveda's most trusted remedies for kidney and bladder stones.

The plant

Habit Herb

Origin Native

Flowering Winter

Edible Yes

Growing it

Life it supports

No specific wildlife-relationship data recorded for this species.

The story

No cultural-significance data recorded for this species.

What it is used for

Leaves are cooked and eaten like spinach; young shoots go into curries in India, and both are a reliable famine food.
A decoction is considered highly effective against bladder catarrh and gonorrhoea, and is described as one of the best-known remedies for kidney and bladder stones, Ayurvedic practice recommends taking it for a few days to help dissolve stones and clear the urinary tract.
Leaves steeped in hot water are applied to swellings, and juice from crushed leaves is applied to the eyes.
Roots treat headache, work as a demulcent and cough remedy, and are used for snakebite and constipation.

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

Where it is found

Widespread across the tropics and subtropics of Africa through Asia to the Philippines and New Guinea.

Sources

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