Common Name: Large caltrops. Tamil Name: Yanai nerunjil
Large caltrops is an annual which grows to a height of about 1-1.5 feet. The lower branches are green and succulent, the upper portions of the plant are pubescent. The simple leaves are arranged in an opposite manner; the margins are wavy and slightly dentate. The leaf stalk measure around 3 cm in length; at the base of the petiole a pair of black glands are seen. The leaves measure around 5.5 cm in length and around 3.2 cm across. The leaves are ovate in shape, with a cuneate bottom and rounded apex. The inflorescence is axillary and solitary. The calyx is very small measuring about 1 mm, the calyx teeth are five in number and are scaly-brown in color and measure around 2 mm each. The five-parted yellow colored petals are joined below to form a funnel shape flower. The flower stalk measure around 3 mm; the flower funnel measure around 2.5 cm and the flower measurers around 2 cm across. The fruit is pendulous with five spines and measure around 1.8 cm. Each locule contains 1-2 seeds. Large caltrops has several medicinal applications and is much sort after in the treatment of Urogenital diseases.
