Common Name: Salpani

General Information

Pleurolobus gangeticus is a very variable perennial plant. Usually much-branched, it can be erect or prostrate with stems that can range from herbaceous to woody and persistant. It can be just a few centimetres tall, or can occasionally reach up to 2 metres tall and look somewhat tree-like[, , ].
Salpani is frequently used as medicinal plant, especially in India where it is gathered in large quantities from the wild for local use and also for trade[].. The plant is also cultivated, especially in southeast Asia, where it is used as a green manure[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa, E. Asia - China, Japan, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia.

Habitat

A very common weed in Malesia, mainly found in anthropogenic habitats in the lowlands, under everwet or seasonal conditions. In Indo-China it is found in savannahs and deforested terrains, in hedges and along forest paths, at elevations up to 1,900 m[]

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Because of the abundant small uncinate hairs on most species, the seedpods cling most tenaciously to clothing, to any part of the human body, and also to the feathers and hair of various animals, thus ensuring a wide dispersal of the plants[]. The plant has often escaped from cultivation and is classified as an invasive weed in some areas[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots are considered to be alterative, astringent, bitter tonic, diuretic, expectorant and febrifuge[]. A decoction of the root is employed to treat kidney problems, oedema, swellings, chronic fever, coughs, biliousness, diarrhoea and dysentery; or as a sedative for children[].
The roots are applied to the gums as a treatment for toothache[]. A decoction is used externally to clean wounds and ulcers[].

A decoction of the leaves is used against stones in the gall bladder, kidneys or bladder[].
The leaves are applied as a poultice to the head as a treatment for headache[].

The whole plant is considered to be anthelmintic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant produces a heavy, matty growth in open sandy areas, making it useful as a weed-controlling ground cover[].
Used as a green manure in tea plantations[]. Conflicting information exists on the plants usefulness as a green manure[].
The plant has been recommended as a cover crop for rubber plantations and for erosion control[].

Other Uses

The fibrous stems are reported to be useful for paper production[].

An extract of the roots is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed develops a hard seedcoat and may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing.
The seed usually germinates within 1 - 4 months at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel.
Division. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on until they are rooting well.
Root cuttings.

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