Botanical Name: Pistia stratiotes Linn. var. cuneata Engl.
Family: Araceae
Introduction:
Even though this plant have Sanskrit name ‘jalakumbika’ may be due to its shape and habitat in water. I am opposing comparing and using this plant as ‘kumbika’ which is a recent trend, it is better to use Careya arborea as kumbika. Pistia grows as weed in ponds and water recourses, nowadays it is a serious threat.
Names in different Indian languages
| English | Water Lettuce, Tropical Duckweed |
|---|---|
| Hindi | |
| Kannada | |
| Malayalam | Akashatamara, kuda payyal |
| Sanskrit | Jalakumbhi, Vaariparni, Vaarimuuli. |
| Tamil | Agasatamarai. |
| Telugu | |
| Unani | |
| Folk |
Synonyms
Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata
| Charaka | |
|---|---|
| Susrutha | |
| Vagbhata |
Varieties & adulterants – (CV – controversy, AD – adulterants)
Morphology
It is a stalk less plant and grows in the pool or lakes.
Leaves – 2.6 cm. to l0cms. long, fleshy and round.
Flowers – homosexual, its frill like ovary contains many ovoid seeds. Flowering season is summer followed by fruits
Distribution & Habitat
Water bodies
Chemical constituents:
Vicenin, lucenin
Uses
diuretic, used for dysuria., antitussive, demulcent, antidysenteric, externally applied to haemorrhoids, ulcers, skin diseases.
Its ash useful to ringworm of the scalp.