USEFUL PLANTS OF THE DISTRICT OF LAKHIMPVR. 
395 
XLIX. MALVACEJ2. 
119. Malva Linn. 
143. M. verticillata Linn. F. B. I. i, 320 ; Beng. PL 25G ; D. E. 
P. v, 143. 
Dibrugarh. No. 23. 
Local name. — Lafa sag. 
Distrib.— Temperate Himalaya through Sikkim to Assam, and 
Nilgiris. Sometimes cultivated. Europe, the Mediterranean region, 
-Amoor land and China. 
One of the commonest and perhaps the most characteristic cold weather crop of Tipper 
Assam. The leaves are circular in outline and long-stalked. The flowers are in dense clusters. 
The seeds are sown in November and the leaves are ready for eating in February. This 
plant is such a favourite tag among the Assamese that we tried its uso as a vegetable but 
were disappointed in it. The plant abounds in slime. It is probable that the Assamese 
'never use it by itself. 
120. Sida Linn. 
.144. S. rhombifolia Linn. F. B. I. i, 323; Eng. & Prantl iii, G, 
43 ; Beng. PI. 259 ; D. E. P. vi, 2, 681. 
Dibrugarh. No. 354. 
Local name. — San bareil. 
Distrib — Widely distributed throughout India and the tropics of 
v both hemispheres. 
The roots are taken internally to help child-birth. The hor.A is also tied ronnd the 
abdomen for tho same purpose. It should lie borne in mind that the use of a plant as a 
charm is often .derived from the knowledge possessed at a former epoch of its medicinal 
.properties. As far as we know all plants used ns charms are pharmacologically active 
The interest of this plant is that it is both taken internally and used as a charm for the 
same purpose. 
121. Urena Linn. 
145. li. lobata Linn. F. B. I. i, 329; Eng. & Prantl iii, G, 45; 
Beng. PI. 261 ; D. E. P. vi, 4, 212 ; Pharmacog. tnd. i, 228. 
Sadiya. No. 379. 
Local name. — Okra guti, ban-okra (see Trinmfelta). 
Distrib.— Generally distributed throughout the hotter parts of In.l a 
and the tropics of both hemispheres, 
Ouo of the commonest wayside herbs. The leaves are nearly circular in outline and 
have from five to seven angles. The flowers are pink and t)h! f rnit , aro M uim unmeTnm 
short bristles so that they cling to “tho clothes. The root of this plant is a very popular 
diuretic. 
