| Marsh Barbel |
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| File size | 94340 |
| Original date | 19/10/06 9:22 AM |
| Resolution | 1024 x 683 |
| Flash | Flash did not fire, auto |
| Focal length | 6.0mm |
| Exposure time | 1/320s |
| Aperture | 4.0 |
| Focus Distance | |
| Metering Mode | Multi-segment |
| Camera make | SONY |
| Camera model | DSC-H1 |
| Sensor type |
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 ative |
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Botanical name: Hygrophila schulli Family: Acanthaceae (Barleria family)
Synonyms: Hygrophila auriculata
Marsh Barbel is a stout aquatic perennial herb, 1-2 m high. Erect unbranched stems are hairy near swollen nodes. Densely hairy, lance-like, stalkless leaves, 10-15 cm long, occur in whorls of 6 at each node on the stem. Straight, yellow, 4 cm long spines are present in the axil of each leaf. Flowers occur in 4 pairs at each node. The 3 cm long purple-blue flowers are 2-lipped - the upper lip is 2-lobed and the lower one 3-lobed with lengthwise folds. Flowers open in opposite pairs. Flowering: October-April.
Medicinal uses:
Kokilaksha, as it is known in sanskrit, was
extensively used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for various ailments like
rheumatism, inflammation, jaundice, hepatic obstruction, pain, etc.
| Photographed in Alibag, Maharashtra. |