Fishpoison
Tephrosia purpurea (Linnaeus) Persoon
Fishpoison: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/16987
Synonyms
Tags
Waif Non-native

Map Snapshot

3 Records

GAALWAFRCLMOHOBABCHACEPGAACVCHSMKEQACNTADOWISOWO

Status

"Widespread in India, tropical Africa and throughout the tropics" (Reed, 1964).

Seasonality Snapshot

Resources

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Source: Wikipedia

Tephrosia purpurea
[[File:TephrosiaPurpurea.jpg]|frameless]]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Tephrosia
Species:
T. purpurea
Binomial name
Tephrosia purpurea
Synonyms
  • Cracca purpurea L.
  • Galega purpurea (L.) L.
  • Tephrosia apollinea (Delile) Link
  • Tephrosia purpurea var. genuina R.Vig.

Tephrosia purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, that has a pantropical distribution. It is a common wasteland weed. In many parts it is under cultivation as green manure crop. It is found throughout India and Sri Lanka[1] in poor soils.

Uses

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Fish poison

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Tephrosia purpurea is used as a fish poison for fishing. Its leaves and seeds contain tephrosin, which paralyzes fish. Larger doses are lethal to fish, but mammals and amphibians are unaffected.[2]

Ethnomedicine

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Tephrosia purpurea is also used traditionally as folk medicine. According to Ayurveda, the plant is anthelmintic, alexiteric, restorative, and antipyretic. It is used in the treatment of leprosy, ulcers, asthma, and tumors, as well as diseases of the liver, spleen, heart, and blood. A decoction of the roots is given in dyspepsia, diarrhea, rheumatism, asthma and urinary disorders. The root powder is salutary for brushing the teeth, where it is said to quickly relieve dental pains and stop bleeding. An extract, termed 'betaphroline' (not a systematic name) is claimed to promote release of endorphins, and finds use in certain cosmetic preparations. African shepherds use crushed plants to make an antidotal beverage for animals bitten by snakes.[2]

Feed and manure

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Tephrosia purpurea has been reported to provide fodder to animals such as goats. It makes also a good green manure in fields.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Botany-sinhala website
  2. ^ a b c Heuzé V., Thiollet H., Tran G., Hassoun P., Lebas F., 2018. Ahuhu (Tephrosia purpurea). Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/654 Last updated on January 25, 2018, 14:36
  • Arnold, M.D., Harry L. (1968). Poisonous Plants of Hawaii. Tokyo, Japan: Charles E. Tuttle Co. pp. 57–58. ISBN 0-8048-0474-5.
  • Bishop Museum Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database. Downloaded on 24 September 2007.
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