March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Velipparuthi (Pergularia daemia) is a wild perennial climber with fleshy heart shaped leaves and bi-lobed fruits which bear several seeds, which are dispersed by wind with the help of silky fibers, which act as a parachute for the seed.

Velipparuthi literally means hedge-cotton. Velippadarthi is regional variation of the name of the plant.

The leaves have different medicinal properties. It is given to persons who have suffered from violent injury along with egg and preparatory medicines.

The plant is emetic and expectorant. A decoction prepared from the leaves in used in the treatment for asthma and diarrhea in children. The pulped leaves also are a component of medicinal paste to apply on rheumatic swellings.

Perularia daemia belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae.