N. 0. FICOIDEÆ.
558. Trianthema monogyna, Linn, h.f.b.i., ii. 660,
Syn. :— T. obcordata, Roxb. 385.
Sans. : — Punarnaavi.
Vern. : — Sabuni (B.) ; Nasurjanghi (Dec.) ; Sharunnay (Tam.) ; Gheli jehroo (Tel.) ; Bishkapra (Pb.) ; Narmah (Sind.) ; Kháprá (Bomb) ; Swet, Sabuni ; illat sabuni (H.) ; Muchu-gôni (Kan.).
Habitat: — Throughout Tropical India ; low country Ceylon, common.
A prostrate, somewhat succulent herb. Steins rather angular, glabrous or slightly pubescent, much branched. Leaves obliquely opposite, very unequal, the upper one larger ¾-lin., the lower smaller, ¼-½in. obovate, tapering to base, rounded, often apiculate at apex ; petiole ¼in. ; connate, very much dilated and membranous at base, especially of the smaller leaves, which form a deep triangular axillary bunch, containing the solitary sessile flowers. Calyx-segments ovate, acute. Calyx-tube scarious, thin, closely sheathed by the base of the petiole (Trimen). C. B. Clarke says that the Calyx-lobes are obtuse, cuspidate. Stamens 10-20. Ovary truncate, style simple. Capsule small, almost concealed in the stipular branch, about 8-seeded ; cap exserted, truncate, carrying away with it 3 seeds. Seeds reniform, black, dull, muriculate (Trimen).
Use : — The root which is bitter and nauseous, is given in powder in combination with ginger as a cathartic ; when taken fresh it is somewhat sweet (Ainslie).
559. T. pentandra, Linn., h.k..b.i., ii. 660.
Vern. — Bish Kapra ; Narma (Sindh and Pb.) ; Fasarláni (Sind.)
Habitat: — Punjab, Sindh, and the plains of North-West India.
Diffuse, prostrate, branched herbs ; papillose or nearly glabrous. Leaves opposite, 1-1½in., oblong or elliptic ; petiole ¼in,
