South-Indian Hoppea is a small branched herb with
leaves opposite, 4-8 x 2-5 mm, ovate, nearly stalkless. Flowers are
borne in cymes at branch-ends and in leaf-axils, carried on
flower-cluster-stalks up to 5 mm. Flower tube is 4 mm, petals unequal,
oblong, much protruding beyond sepals. Sepal-tube is 4 mm, teeth 2 mm,
lanceshaped, tapering. Stamens are 1 perfect, 3 sterile; ovary
ellipsoid, one celled, many ovuled, stigma 2 lobed. South-Indian Hoppea
is found in Peninsular India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Flowering:
September-October.
Medicinal uses: South-Indian Hoppea is used by
local communities for various brain-related ailments. The genus
possesses a unique class of compounds, xanthones, which are known for
their potential against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Identification credit: N Arun Kumar
Photographed in Bannerghatta, Karnataka.
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The flower labeled South-Indian Hoppea is ...