Nice pictures! In Gujarati, it is known as મામેજવો [Mameyjavo]. In Kachchh, where it thrives willingly at this time of the year, I have seen tribal folk using the leaves in a steam inhalation for cough and congestion, and the leaf juice mixed with ginger for alleviation of fever. A decoction of the bitter leaves and black pepper is useful in common cold; have tried this myself with good effect. Since it is a monsoon herb, the leaves are dried and preserved. Was told by a senior Ayurvedic physician from Bhavnagar that Mameyjavo is comparable to Kariyatu [*Andrographis paniculata *] as a bitter tonic.
I've known this herb as *Enicostema littorale*, the genus spelt with a single 'm'. I would like to know the correct spelling of the genus since several sources are at a variance. Best wishes, Viplav 2012/7/3 Prashant Awale <[email protected]> > > Dear Friends, > This small herb was seen by me at the out skirts of Mumbai. > Bot. name: * Enicostemma axillare* > Family: Gentianaceae. > > Thanks to Shrikant ji and Satish Pardeshi ji for validating the ID. > > (Response from Satish Pardeshi ji: yes Prashant ji > it is *Enicostemma verticillare* (Retz.) Baill., Hist. Pl. *10:* 131, > 1891; Almeida, Fl. Mah. *3:* 275, 2001. > *Synonyms:* *E. axillare* (Lamk.) A. Raynal, Adansonia *9:* 75, 1969; > Singh *et al,* Fl. Mah. St. *2:* 405, 2001. > > Regards > Prashant > >
