Pergularia is a perennial twining herb, foul-smelling when bruised and with much
milky juice, stem hairy. Leaves are thin, broadly ovate, heart-shaped or
nearly circular, hairless above, velvety beneath. Greenish yellow or dull
white, and sweet-scented flowers are borne in lateral cymes which are at
first corymb-like, afterwards raceme-like. The five petals are hairy and
spreading outwards. Corona outer
and inner, outer truncate, inner curved high over the staminal column,
spur acute. Fruit is a follicle, with soft spines all over and a long
beak. Seeds are densely velvety on both sides. Flowering: August-February.
Medicinal uses: Pergularia has been used in folk medicine for
the treatment of liver disorders.
Identification credit: Nandan Kalbag
Photographed in Lodhi Garden & Garden of Five Senses, Delhi.
• Is this flower misidentified?
If yes,
Your name: Your email: Your comments
The flower labeled Pergularia is ...