Indian Sarsaparilla

I was finally able to obtain this species after a several-year scavenger hunt, as it is absent from western commerce. Cultivation informa...Read Moretion appears to be scant, but mine have grown vigorously in warmer weather with well-drained, rich soil, regular watering (allow soil to dry between waterings), and limiting direct sun exposure to morning only out of precaution. I've seen one report that claims winter hardiness to at least Zone 7, but I have been overwintering indoors. I may test that claim if I can create a well-rooted cutting.

some information about (Hemidesmus indicus)
region: south Asia
The stem is numerous, slender, terete,thickened at the node...Read Mores
The leaves are opposite, short-petioled, very variable, elliptic-oblong to linear-lanceolate.
The flowers are greenish outside, purplish inside, crowded in sub-sessile axillary cymes.
It is used to make beverages and also used in traditional medicine. In Ayurveda it goes by the name of ananthamoola or Anantmula. It is also called the False Sarsaparilla. The plant enjoys a status as tonic, alterative, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic and blood purifier. It is employed in nutritional disorders, syphilis, chronic rheumatism, gravel and other urinary diseases and skin affections. It is administered in the form of powder, infusion or decoction as syrup. It is also a component of several medicinal preparations.