Herb's Introduction
Murdannia nudiflora, also known by common names like Naked-Stem Dewflower and Doveweed, is an annual or perennial herb belonging to the spiderwort family, Commelinaceae. It's a small, sprawling plant that grows low to the ground, often forming dense mats. Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia, it has become naturalized in many other warm climates, including parts of the Americas. While it's often considered a weed in agricultural and urban areas due to its rapid growth and prolific seeding, it's also recognized for its traditional uses in some cultures, particularly as a food source and for its potential medicinal properties.
Name in Different Countries
Common Name (English): Naked-Stem Dewflower, Doveweed Hindi: Kansura Malayalam: Tali-pullu Manipuri: Tandal pambai Mizo: Dawng Sanskrit: Koshapushpi Nepali: काने झार (Kane jhar), मसीनो काने (Masino kane) Uganda: Mickey Mouse (due to its flower shape) Vietnam: Ya Pak King (used in traditional medicine)
Terminology
Murdannia nudiflora has a complex history of classification, leading to a large number of synonyms. These are other scientific names that have been used to refer to the same plant over time. This reflects the challenges in botanical classification and the process of refining our understanding of plant relationships. The provided list of synonyms, such as Commelina nudiflora and Aneilema nudiflorum, shows how botanists have reclassified the plant as new information became available. The current accepted name is Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan. The "L." stands for the botanist Carl Linnaeus, who first described the species, and "Brenan" refers to John Patrick Micklethwait Brenan, who reclassified it into the Murdannia genus.
Availability
Murdannia nudiflora is widely available in its native range of tropical and subtropical Asia, and it has spread to many other parts of the world with similar climates. It thrives in open, disturbed, or lightly shaded areas, making it a common sight in lawns, gardens, agricultural fields, and along roadsides. It is particularly well-suited to hot, wet conditions and can be found in areas with high soil moisture, such as drainage ditches and low-lying spots. Its ability to reproduce both by seed and by rooting at its nodes allows it to spread quickly and colonize new areas, making it a persistent and often problematic weed.
External Look
This plant is a prostrate, sprawling herb that typically grows low to the ground, though it can have ascending stems. Stems: The stems are slender and can root easily at the nodes when they touch moist soil, allowing the plant to form a dense mat. The common name "naked-stem" refers to the long, leafless flower stalks that emerge from the plant. Leaves: The leaves are alternately arranged, sessile (without a stalk), and can be linear, linear-lanceolate, or lanceolate-oblong in shape. They are often pointed at the tip and have a broad base that clasps the stem with a sheath. They are typically a bright green color. Flowers: The small, three-petaled flowers are the plant's most notable feature. They are often pinkish-purple or violet and are found in loose clusters on long, slender stalks. The flowers have a slightly irregular, bilateral symmetry and are generally less than a quarter of an inch wide.
Healing Properties
Traditional medicine and preliminary scientific studies suggest that Murdannia nudiflora possesses several healing properties. Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory: Research has indicated that extracts from the plant may have significant analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects. This is attributed to the presence of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. Antioxidant: The plant is known to contain compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. External Applications: Traditionally, the plant has been used for various external ailments. The leaves are often made into a paste or poultice and applied directly to the skin to treat burns, boils, sores, cuts, and other wounds. An infusion of the plant has also been used to treat conjunctivitis (pink eye). Other Traditional Uses: In some traditional practices, the plant has been used to treat conditions such as asthma, hemorrhoids, and stomach complaints. The root is also used in some preparations.
Advantages
The advantages of Murdannia nudiflora are primarily tied to its traditional uses and its ability to thrive in various environments. Versatile Traditional Remedy: The plant's use in folk medicine for a wide range of external and internal ailments makes it a valuable resource in cultures where traditional remedies are common. Food Source: In some regions, the leaves and young stems are cooked and eaten as a vegetable, particularly during times of famine. The young shoots are also added to soups. Adaptability: Its ability to grow in a wide variety of soil types, moisture conditions, and light levels makes it an incredibly resilient plant. This is a significant ecological advantage, allowing it to survive and reproduce even in challenging environments.
Uses
Medicinal: The whole plant, leaves, and roots are used for various medicinal purposes, including treating external injuries like burns, boils, and sores. Culinary: The leaves and young stems are cooked and consumed as a vegetable. It's important to cook the plant to reduce its oxalate content, which can cause stomach upset if eaten raw. Fodder: In some countries, it is used as animal fodder. Invasive Species: From an agricultural perspective, its primary "use" is as a major weed species in crops like rice. Its rapid spread and ability to root from broken stems make it difficult to control.
Using way
The way to use Murdannia nudiflora depends on its intended purpose. For external applications, a poultice is often made by crushing the fresh leaves and applying the paste directly to the affected area. For internal use, the plant is typically cooked. The leaves and stems can be boiled, steamed, or added to soups to be consumed as a food source. Due to its potential medicinal properties, it is also prepared as an infusion, which is a liquid extract made by steeping the plant in hot water, similar to making tea. However, it's crucial to note that while traditional uses are well-documented, professional medical advice should be sought before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
Conclusion
Murdannia nudiflora is a fascinating plant that exists in a duality. On one hand, it's a persistent and invasive weed that poses a challenge to agriculture and landscape management due to its resilience and rapid spread. On the other hand, it is a plant with a rich history of traditional use as both a food source and a folk medicine. Its potential as a natural remedy for various ailments, from external wounds to internal complaints, is a subject of ongoing scientific interest. As we continue to explore the pharmacological potential of plants, Murdannia nudiflora stands as a prime example of a humble "weed" that holds significant promise for its therapeutic properties, reminding us that often, the most valuable resources can be found in unexpected places.
