Family Name: Plumbaginaceae
Botanical Name(s): Plumbago zeylanica
Popular Name(s): White Leadwort, Chitrak, Agnimatha, Chita,
Chitaro, Chitawa, Chittiramulam, Chitramula, Chitruk, Vellakoduveli,
Vellakotuveri
Parts Used: Root and seeds
Habitat: Chitra is found in India and Sri Lanka.
Description: Chitra is a tall, erect, evergreen perennial herb
bearing spreading branches. The herb gains a height up to 3 m. It grows
as a wild garden plant in East, North and Southern India and Sri Lanka.
Uses: Chitra has antiseptic properties. Its root is used to
increase the digestive power and to promote appetite. It is used in
cases of enlarged spleen also. A paste prepared using its root is used
to cure leprosy, scabies and other skin diseases.
