Chamber bitter is a small annual herb growing up to 2 ft tall. Leaves are
alternately arranged along the erect, red stem, resembling those of the
mimosa tree, disposed in two ranges. However, the leaves are not compound,
but simple. The leaves are oblong or oblong-obovate, 7-18 mm long, 3-7 mm
wide, rounded with a sharp point., obliquely rounded at base, nearly
stalkless, pale beneath. The leaves are large at the tip and smaller
towards the petiole. When touched, the leaves fold in automatically.
Flowers are greenish white, minute and appear at axiles of the leaves, as
well as the seed capsules. Numerous small green-red fruits, round and
smooth, are found along the underside of the stems.
Medicinal uses: It is used against colic, and as an effective
remedy to eliminate gall - and kidney stones, urinary tract infection,
bladder inflammation and for other kidney and liver problems in general
such as acute - and chronic hepatitis B, which explains the origin of its
species name urinaria.
Identification credit: Dinesh Valke
Photographed at Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra & Imphal, Manipur.
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The flower labeled Chamber Bitter is ...