Little Tree Plant

Biophytum sensitivum

Also known as Sensitive plant

HerbMedicinal

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About Little Tree Plant

Biophytum sensitivum, also known as little tree plant, or Mukkutti (in Malayalam) is a species of plant in the genus Biophytum of the family Oxalidaceae. It is commonly found in Kerala, wet lands of Nepal, tropical India and in other Southeast Asian countries and is used for medicinal purposes in Nepal and India. The plant is also a common weed in disturbed environments, but in captivity, Biophytum sensitivum is particularly sensitive to spider mites. Investigations have been undertaken into the plant's chemistry, biological activities, and medicinal uses. Similarly to Mimosa pudica, the leaflets of Biophytum sensitivum are able to move rapidly in response to mechanical stimulation such as touch.

Description adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Plant Details

Scientific name: Biophytum sensitivum
Genus: Biophytum
Family: OXALIDACEAE
Habit: Herb
Habitat: Moist shaded places in deciduous forests
Native to: Indo-Malaysia
Distribution: Indo-Malayan
Flowering & fruiting: Throughout the year
Conservation status: Not Evaluated (NE)

Local Names

Hindi: लजालू Lajalu
Nepali: लजिया झ्याङं Lajaiya jhyang
Bengali: ঝলৈ Jhalai
Tamil: Tintanali
Kannada: ಹೊರಮುನಿ Horamuni, ಹೊರಮುಚಕ Horamuchaka, ಹೊರಮುಚ್ಚುಗ Horamucchuga
Malayalam: മുക്കുട്ടീ Mukkutti, മുക്കുറ്റി, Biophytum sensitivum
Marathi: झरेरा Jharera, लाजवंती Lajvanti

Illustration representing the OXALIDACEAE family

Botanical family

Oxalidaceae

Wood sorrel family

Little Tree Plant belongs to the Oxalidaceae family.

The illustration represents the family — not necessarily this exact species.

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