Schumannianthus dichotomus (Roxb.) Gagnep.
Common Donax / Bamban air (Bru.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial woody shrub that can reach up to 5 m. Leaves are alternately arranged, stalked, pale green and have a leathery texture. Leaf blade is elliptic to oblong lanceolate, acute at apex and broadly rounded at the base. Stems are branched, erect, smooth and woody. Inflorescence a panicle borne from the terminal branch. Flowers are whitish. Rhizomes are tuberous and highly fibrous. Fruit a fleshy, golden- yellow, indehiscent capsule. Seeds are
Decoction of roots is used to treat nausea by boiling the roots with fennel flowers or black cumin ( Nigella sativa ) and shallot ( Allium cepa var. aggregatum ). Other herbs such as Glechenia sp. (Pakis hutan) can also be added into the decoction. The fresh petals can be directly rubbed on the face to reduce scars from acne or pimples. The plant is reported for its antinociceptive, antihelmintic, antiulcer, antidiarrheal, anticancer, anticoagulant, anti- inflammatory, antipyretic, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiplatelet activating factor and
It thrives in lowland forests or mixed deciduous forests. It prefers sandy clay soil under sunlight to partial shade.
Seeds and rhizome division.
Distributed through India to Indochina, Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, Philippines, Myanmar and Singapore.
None