Botanical name: Aristolochia bracteolata    Family: Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort family)
Synonyms: Aristolochia kotschyi, Aristolochia abyssinica

Worm Killer is a herb mentioned in Ayurveda for the treatment of intestinal worms. It is a perennial, or rarely annual, mostly prostrate but occasionally climbing or nearly erect, unpleasantly smelling herb growing from 10-40 cm long. The stem is smooth and little twining. The branches are sharp and small. The leaves are 2-3 inches long, kidney shaped and membranous. The under-surface has small mesh like structure. The flowers are purple colored, single, 1.5-2 inches long. They are inflated and spherical at the base, continuing as a long flower tube, ending in a tongue-shaped, brightly colored lobe. There are no petals. The calyx is 1-6 1-3 whorled, and 3-6 toothed. The sepals are united. There are 6-40 stamens in one whorl. They are united with the style, forming a gynostemium. These flowers have a specialized pollination mechanism. The plants are aromatic and their strong scent attracts insects. The inner part of the flower-tube is covered with hairs, acting as a fly-trap. These hairs then wither to release the fly, covered with pollen. The fruits are oval to round shape, 1 inch long. The seeds are triangular and flat. Worm Killer is found in North and South India.
Medicinal uses: The paste of the leaf of Kitamari is applied over the wounds for helping in quick healing. The decoction of the leaf is consumed in a dose of 50 ml to treat dysmenorrhea and difficulty in labor. The decoction of the bark or whole plant is taken in a dose of about 40 ml to treat intestinal worm. The paste of the leaf of Kitamari is applied over eczema for its treatment. The powder of the seed is given with powder of black pepper to treat fever. The paste of the root is applied over the area over localized swelling for its treatment.

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The flower labeled Worm Killer is ...