Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

Menispermaceae
Cocculus hirsutus (L.)Diels
(Syn: Menispermum hirsutum Linn.)
English name: Ink berry.
Local name: Sindhi- Kursan, Vasanvel. Urdu- Jamti-ki-bel. Punjabi-
Faridbuti.
Description:
A climbing or straggling shrub, often densely pubescent-tomentose with cylindrical
branches. Leaves very variable in shape and size. Flowers minute, unisexual,
greenish, and inconspicuous. Male and female flowers on separate plants, i.e.
dioecious. Fruits globose.
Flowering Period:
February to March.
Habitat:
Usually found in calcareous rocks.
Uses:
The plant is useful in fractures, urethral discharge, cures
chronic rheumatism and venereal diseases. The juice
is used for skin diseases. Stem is used for making
basket-work, chairs and settees.
Distribution:
India, Pakistan, and tropical Africa.
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