Common name: Diffuse hogweed. Tamil name: Kodaiminnai
Diffuse hogweed is a sub-shrub, perennial often found on road-sides and forest edges of Tamilnadu. The plant grows to a height of about 1 meter and has attractive pink flowers; the stem is greenish with some purple patches. The leaves are simple and arranged in an opposite manner. The leaf stalk and leaf length measure around 6 mm and 3 cm respectively. The leaf is shallowly lobed with lobed ends ending in a tapering point. The leaf shape is ovate, base cordate and apex acuminate. The inflorescence is in the form of an axillary umbel. The peduncle (stalk of inflorescence) measures around 2.5 cm. The flower stalk and flower measure around 8 mm and 1 cm respectively. The flower is funnel shaped with five segments united to into a tube. The flower has 4 stamens which protrude out of the flower funnel. The fruit is in the form of a capsule which is lineolate and glandular. The young shoots and leaves of the plant are cooked and eaten. Diffuse hogweed can be deployed as an ornamental plant for small terrace and house gardens.
