Crinum asiaticum L.
Vernacular name: Poison bulb, Spider lily (Hindi: नागदमणि / सुघांटा)
Species Name: Crinum asiaticum L.
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Habit: Bulbous perennial herb
Stem: Leafless scape 60-120 cm tall, terete.
Leaf: Basal rosette, linear-lanceolate 60-100×5-12 cm, petiolate, leathery.
Flowering: Summer
Flowers: Bracteate umbellate (10-30 flowered); 6 white long petals (gamophyllous perianth, funnelform 7-10 cm tube + 6 linear lobes), 6 stamens (anthers versatile linear), inferior ovary (3-locular).
Fruit: Globose capsule 2-3 cm, 3-valved, black seeds.
Uses:
- Bulb paste serves as emetic and wound dressing in traditional medicine.
- Bulb extracts are applied over sprains, swellings and rheumatic joints.
- Poultice are used to treat superficial infections and itching.
- Leaves used for scorpion sting antidote where as for poisoned arrows, bulbs are used.
- Plant is a popular ornamental choice due to its white flowers.
- Also known as Ayurvedic vishalyakarani arrow-wound healer and Pacific Island spirit-repelling plant.
- Plant is highly toxic and can cause nervous system paralysis, vomiting, diarrhea.
