Endangered Species 02 - Salacia reticulata

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae 

Family: Hippocrateaceae/ Celestaraceae 

Genus: Salacia 

Species: Salacia reticulata wight

Distribution

In dense evergreen forests throughout India especially southern India and Sri Lanka.

A woody climber grows on bushes and hedges. Bark smooth, greenish grey and thin. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate oblong, acuminate, coriaceous, crenate, glabrous and having shining surfaces. Flowers bisexual, yellowish green in woody axillary tubercles; fruits globose, pinkish orange, contain 1-4 seeds immersed in pulp.

 

Medicinal Properties

Roots contain salaretin and mangiferin which reduces the sugar level and protect the body from any secondary side effect of diabetes. Indian research has shown that active ingredients having hepatoprotective effects so used as a liver tonic. It is very effective in case of rheumatism, menstrual disorders, skin diseases inflammations, spermatorrhoea too.
 

Propagation

Propagated by seeds