1. Adaykkamaniyan
Common name: East Indian globe thistle
Scientific name: Sphaeranthus indicus
Parts used: Roots, Whole plant, Floral Heads, Fruits
Commercial importance
This herb is hot, laxative, digestible, tonic, fattening, alterative, anthelmintic and alexipharmic. It is used in insanity, tuberculosis, indigestion, bronchitis, spleen diseases, elephantiasis, anaemia, pain in uterus and vagina, piles, asthma, leucoderma, dysentery, vomiting, hemicrania, etc. The flowers have alterative, depurative and tonic properties. The flower contains albumin, tannins, mineral matter and a glucoside.
How to cultivate
This tough perennial prefers a well drained fertile or slightly impoverished soil. Preferring full sun but will tolerate part shade. Dead head in autumn and propagate old clumps by division. Mulch once every few years to feed and stake taller flowers.
Culture
The globe thistles are best grown on poor, sandy soils. In richer organic soils, with plenty of watering, they may grow so much as to require staking. If you cut flowerheads for dried arrangements early in the season the plants may bloom again.
Light: Full sun.
Moisture: Water regularly. Once established, small globe thistle is moderately drought tolerant.
Hardiness: Small globe thistle is very tolerant of hot weather, but cool nights result in more intense flower colors.
Propagation can be done through divided root clumps in winter, or sow seed in spring.
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