Gurmar
Family
Asclepiadaceae
Origin
Asia & Africa
Description
Madhunashini is a climbing plant, producing stems up to 3 metres long. The leaves are green; the stems are hairy and light brown. The leaves are 2- 6 cm in length and 1 - 4 cm in width and are simple, petiolate and opposite, with an acute
apex and reticulate venation. They are pubescent on both surfaces . They have a characteristic odour; the taste is slightly bitter and stringent. The leaves also possess the remarkable ability to inhibit the perception of sweet tastes for a few hours .
Flowers are pale yellow, bell-shaped. Corona is single, with 5 fleshy scales. The stems scramble over the ground, climbing into the surrounding vegetation.
Gumar is a well-known Ayurvedic herb with a very good reputation in the treatment of diabetes. It is used particularly to reduce sugar levels in the blood and urine and is also used as a green vegetable.
Environment
Madhunashini prefers tropical and sub-tropical type of climate. It is found growing even in dry areas also. The areas with high or medium well distributed rainfall are suitable for its cultivation.
The crop is found growing on a variety of soil in different localities. Red sandy loam or medium deep black soil are reported to be ideal for this crop. The plant is sensitive to water logging and hence its cultivation on such soil should be avoided
The plant grows best in areas with a well-distributed rainfall
Landscape Uses
Specimen decoration along fences and trellises.
Herbs