Common Name: Shaggy buttonweed. Tamil Name: Nattaichuri
Shaggy buttonweed is native to the Indian sub-continent. The plant grows close to the ground but is not fully prostrate. It sends out some erect branches which may measure around 10 cm. The plant stem is slightly succulent, green in color with purple patches and is covered with white hairs. The simple sessile are arranged in a decussate-opposite manner. The leaf surfaces on both sides are slightly rough; the leaf margin is wavy and ciliate. The leaves measure around 1.5 cm in length. The leafs are oblong in shape with an acute tip. The inflorescence is circular and around the stem; the flowers are sessile. The flower has 4 pinkish petals which are attached below to form a tubular flower. The fruit is in the form of a capsule. Shaggy buttonweed has extensive distribution in Asia. In Sri Lanka it is used as a vegetable. Shaggy buttonweed finds applications in traditional Indian medicinal practices.
