Heliotropium supinum

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

Botanical Name : Heliotropium supinum L.
Synonyms : Piptoclaina supina (L.) G.Don
Common Name : Prostrate Heliotrope, Spreading Heliotrope, Dwarf Heliotrope, Chediyo-Okhrad
Plant Family : Boraginaceae
Plant Form : Herb
Occurrence (Special Areas) : Indroda Park

Habit : A prostrate, much-branched spreading herb covered with soft white hairs.
Leaves : Broadly ovate, obtuse, strongly plicate, petioles distinct.
Inflorescence : Dense short scorpioid cymes.
Flower : Small, white, infundibuliform, sessile, densely hairy with white silky hairs.
Fruits : Densely hairy, ovoid.
Flowering and Fruiting Time : March - June
Significance :
- Used as a fodder plant.
- The dried plant made into ash and mixed with oil is applied on eczema.