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Common Name : Wild Indigo     -       Scientific Name : Tephrosia purpurea (Fabaceae)       -       Other Name : Fish Poison (E) Pila (S) Kathuru Pila (S)
Kali Villu
04/27/2014
Kali Villu
04/27/2014
Kali Villu
08/31/2013

This species is found in India and Sri Lanka. It is a very common weed that is found in most open places of the lowlands.

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

During the dry season when fish are trapped in pools along dried up rivers and streams fisherman use chopped leaves and seeds of this plant to paralyze fish which are easily collected. The seeds and the leaves contain a compound referred to as tephrosin, which has the ability to paralyze fish. It has no effect on other animals. Two species of butterflies, Forget-me-not and Zebra Blue both found at Wilpattu lay their eggs on the tender leaves of this plant.

In Ayurveda medicine tis plant is used to treat diseases of the liver, spleen, heart, blood, tumours, ulcers, asthma and poisoning.

This species is very common and can be found at many localities in Wilpattu. It is commonly seen at Illnda Mottai and Kali Villu.