The Adamant creeper

 

The Adamant creeper [Winged tree bine]

Cissus quadrangularis [=Vitis quadrangularis ]

Tam: Pirandai, Telugu:Nalleru, Kannada: Asthisamhara Malayalam: Changalamparanda  Hindi :Hajdora

The plant is of grape family and is a slender climber of dry lands and creeps on fences and does not need much water. The stem is green and jointed and each joint has a leaf and a slender wire-like tendril from opposite surfaces. Young parts are soft green and older zones are dry deep green and are capable of surviving through hot summer and can grow gregariously after a shower. Though a wasteland plant, the plant is not a waste. As it fights though harsh climate it is named ‘Adamant creeper’.  

The plant is used in food preparations and as an adjuvant in making ‘appalam’ the first known compact discs to humanity. The plant is used in making special items to fight infections/ inflammations. The plant is used in certain culinary items more as a medicine.

The plant is said to have the pharma value in fighting inflammation. The plant is said to heal gastric ulcers and is being studied for its ability to handle osteoporosis.

The plant is said to cure bone fractures and is being studied for its potential in treating bone disorders

Alkaloids , steroids and tannins are found in the creeper and the modest plant is sought after for its medicinal potential  A well-known plant is this C.quadrangularis an indispensible component for South Indian ‘appalam’.