Bitterroot Restoration

Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae

Common name: Kukursunga, Shialmutra(Beng.).
Edible Parts: Root
Life cycle: Annual
Light:
Native Range: Blumea lacera is found in the tropical and sub-tropical zones of Asia, especially the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. A few species are found in Australia and still fewer in Africa.

Blumea lacera is a genus of flowering plants. Blumea Lacera is an annual herb with a strong odor. It is a herb that is up to 2.5 m tall. The stems are erect, with short woolly to densely velvety hairs. Leaves are often incised or lyrate. There are many flower heads in single plant, arranged in axillary cymes or terminal panicle. Pappus is white. Fruits is an achene, oblong and not ribbed.

Blumea lacera is described by Ayurveda experts as hot, pungent and bitter; antipyretic; good for bronchitis, diseases of the blood, fevers, thirst and burning sensations. The root kept in the mouth is said to cure disease of the mouth. In the Konkan region of India, the plant is used to drive away fleas and other insects. In Homoeopathic system, it is given in enuresis, neuralgia, headache and cold borne cough.