Mukkutti (Biophytum Sensitivum) -Flowers of Kerala

March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Mukkutti (Biophytum sensitivum) is a very small flowering plant, which has only a few pinnate leaves with 8-10 leaflets on either sides spreading out from a common base. Each leaflet measures 4-5 mm and the total length of the leaf is less than five cm. Each plant produces five to ten small flowers with yellow petals. Mukkutti is an important flower for the people of Kerala.

The flower is used in athapoo, special floral formation that adores courtyards and public places during Onam, the national festival of Kerala.

Ayurveda also see this little herb as a good medicine, used as a tonic, stimulant and in the treatment of stomachache, diabetes and asthma.

Biophytum sensitivum belongs to the family Oxalidaceae.