We see that flowers and fruits are usually found on a separate stalk (peduncle) of a plant. There is a plant that bears its flowers and fruits underneath its leaves! This plant is also a renowned medicinal plant used in Indian Medicine. It is the Carry Me Seed (Phyllanthus niruri, 'Keezhl vaa nelli' in Tamil). It bears green flowers and fruits (tiny capsules with seeds) under its compound leaves in rows - and hence its Tamil name. This tropical plant is seen in Southern India almost at all its plains. Whenever a person has the disease, Jaundice ('Manja Kaamaalai' in Tamil), people collect this plant and give its extract to cure it. This type of treatment (Siddha) is also given with the allopathic treatment for a speedy recovery from the illness. The plant is also said to possess anti -hepatotoxic (removing liver toxins) and many other medicinal properties.
A wonder medicinal plant that is within the reach of hand - in backyard waiting to treat human illnesses!
