Synonyms: 

Baliospermum axillare Blume

Baliospermum indicum Decne.

Systematic Position

Kingdom:  Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Malpighiales Juss. ex Bercht. & J. Presl

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Native: SE Asia

Common Names

English – Red physic nut

Malayalam – ചെറിയദന്തി

Description: A plant species that is characterized by its broad leaves and round seeds. A stout under-shrub 0.9-1.8 m in height with herbaceous branches from the roots. Leaves are simple, sinuate-toothed, upper ones small, lower ones large and sometimes palmately 3-5 lobed. Inflorescences bisexual or sometimes unisexual, thyrsiform, borne on main leafy branches, sparsely appressed pilose. Fruit is a capsule 1-1.5cm long.

Habitat: Moist deciduous forests and field borders; also shaded places.

Distribution: China to tropical Asia.

Uses: Purgative, anti-inflammatory, digestive, anthelmintic and diuretic. The roots are used for the treatment of constipation, jaundice, hemorrhoids, leprosy, anemia and skin diseases. The leaves are good for asthma and bronchitis. Seed are used as a purgative.