There is some disagreement over the correct name for this species. We are following the treatment in the Flora of China[], but some other treatments use Boerhavia chinensis (L.) Rottb., as the correct name (treated here as a synonym)

Common Name: Thazhuthama

General Information

Commicarpus chinensis is a spreading, perennial plant with thick-stemmed branches up to 1 metre tall[]. An erect or rambling, sometimes climbing plant, usually to 1 metre but sometimes reaching 4 metres[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Open places and forests in southern China[]. The plant is found especially in regions with a distinctly seasonal climate, in dry localities, hedges, brushwood, field margins and monsoon forest, on sandy clay and limestone soils, up to 700 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Leaves and young shoots. They are cut into small pieces and cooked with salt and chilli, and garnished with mustard seeds, curry leaves and onions in oil[].

Medicinal

The leaves are crushed and applied to the skin as a remedy for scabies and itching body parts[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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