Hedyotis is a very problematic genus or group of genera. Neither the overall identity and limits of this lineage, nor the evolutionary patterns within it, are at all understood or delineated. Widely differing treatments have long been used in different regions and floras. The situation is far from resolution or even general consensus and so many authors treat the genus very broadly[]. In line with several recent (up to 2013) molecular and phylogenic studies, the Kew ‘World Checklist of Selected Plant Families’ has recognised a number of distinct genera and this is the treatment we are adopting here[].
This species has very often been confused with Oldenlandia diffusa (Willd.) Roxb., which is also a common weed, and which possibly has comparable uses and properties[].

Common Name:

General Information

Oldenlandia brachypoda is a slender, prostrate to erect annual plant growing up to 50cm tall. The stems are usually diffusely branched from the base[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines.

Habitat

Usually found in humid or swampy locations such as rice fields and along streams; at elevations up to 1,100 metres, occasionally to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.35 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used for poulticing, apparently against lumbago. In India, a decoction of the whole plant is used to treat biliousness, fever and gonorrhoea[].
Topical uses for this species are common and could be related to the presence of antiinflammatory iridoids[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: Type the digit seven into the box