Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps
Vernacular name: Rangoon creeper (Hindi: मधुमालती)
Species Name: Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps
Family: Combretaceae
Habit: Large woody climber
Stem: Slender, twining, quadrangular, 10+ m long.
Leaf: Opposite, elliptic 7-15×4-8 cm, petiolate, entire, hairy beneath.
Flowering: Summer-monsoon.
Flowers: Bracteate terminal panicles; 5 petals white→pink→red (tubular 2.5-5 cm), 10 exserted stamens (red anthers), inferior ovary (4-locular).
Fruit: Ellipsoid 4-winged nut 2-3 cm, 4 seeds.
Uses:
- Decoctions of the root, seed or fruit can be used as antihelmintic to expel parasitic worms or for alleviating diarrhea.
- Fruit decoction can also be used for gargling. The fruits are also used to combat nephritis.
- Leaves can be used to relieve pain caused by fever.
- Leaf juice is used to treat ulcers, boils and skin infections.
- The roots are used to treat rheumatism.
- Flowers are used to relieve headache
- The growth rate is generally fast, and the plant does not make heavy fertilizer demands. Rangoon creeper does like medium to bright light.
- Plant is used as a natural air purifiers.
- Plant attracts a variety of pollinators.
- Wood is used to make baskets and fish traps.
