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Common Name : Common pedalium     -       Scientific Name : Pedalium murex (Pedaliaceae)       -       Other Name : Large Caltrops (E), Eth Entrench (S)
Manikkapola Uttu
12/07/2013
Kumutu Villu
12/08/2013

This species is found from Africa to Indonesia mostly in coastal sandy areas. In Sri Lanka this rarely occurs inland but is common throughout the dry sandy lowlands. It is a small shrub that is found in open areas.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned.
(National List 2012)

Different parts of this plant is used in Ayurveda medicine to treat various ailments including cough, cold and to cure reproductive disorders such as impotency in men, nocturnal emissions, gonorrhoea as well as leucorrhoea in women.

I have seen this species at many localities in the dry lowlands including Yala, Bundala, Kalpitiya and Kalametiya areas.

In Wilpattu these flowers can be seen at many locations during the month of December.