In Sanskrit, it is known as ‘Sahachara’ and ‘Saireyaka’.The plant, which has prickly shrubs, has medicinal values and also has religious significance. The haladi gorate flowers are offered to deities during Hindu religious rituals.
Meanwhile, the leaf of the plant is used to heal toothache and rheumatism. The root of the plant too is used to heal boils and rheumatism.The plant is also used as medicine for cough, disorders in ear and to heal crackheals.
The flowering season is between September and December. The scientific name of the plant is Barleria Prionities and it belongs to the Acanthaceae family.
(Published 03 December 2010, 15:00 IST)