Chrozophora plicata (Vahl) A. Juss. ex Spreng.
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Description
Chrozophora plicata is an annual herbaceous plant, usually 20–60 cm tall, with a branched, erect to ascending habit. The stem is slender, green to reddish, and covered with soft hairs, giving the plant a greyish appearance. Leaves are simple, alternate, petiolate, ovate to triangular-ovate, usually 2–8 cm long, with entire to slightly toothed margins, an acute apex, and a densely hairy surface. The leaves are often folded or wrinkled, which is reflected in the species name plicata. Flowers are small, greenish-yellow, unisexual, and arranged in axillary clusters. The species is monoecious, with male and female flowers occurring on the same plant; male flowers are usually numerous, while female flowers are fewer and located near the base of the inflorescence. Fruits are dry, hairy, three-lobed capsules that split at maturity and contain three small brown seeds.
Diagnostic Characters
Distribution
Native range: South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa.
In Pakistan: Widely distributed in Pakistan, Dry plains and sandy habitats.
Phenology
Ethnobotany & Uses
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Where it grows on campus
Taxonomic Notes
Chrozophora plicata belongs to Euphorbiaceae but differs from typical Euphorbia species by possessing normal unisexual flowers rather than cyathia. It is recognized by its hairy grey appearance, triangular leaves, and three-lobed capsules.