Indian liquorice

21 April 2025
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Indian liquorice

Submitted by admin on 21 April 2025
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Scientific name
Abrus precatorius L
English Name
Indian liquorice
Malayalam name
കുന്നിക്കുരു
Common name
Rosary Pea

Description

  1. Habit : Climbers
  2. Habitat : Deciduous forests, also in the plains
  3. Leaves : even-pinnate; leaflets 12-16 pairs, oblong to elliptic.
  4. Flowers : pink, in axillary racemes
  5. Pods : oblong, slightly inflated; seeds many, sub globose, scarlet red with black eyes.
How to use
  1. Rheumatism : The extract of the root is taken internally to treat rheumatism
  2. Cough relief : Decoction of the leaves are widely used to relieve cough, cold and colic
  3. Swellings : Decoction of leaves mixed with oil is applied to relieve painful swellings.
Uses

Diuretic and aphrodisiac

Parts used
Leaves, root and seeds
Conservation

Propagation & Cultivation

Kunnikuru (Rosary Pea) is commonly propagated through seeds. Due to their hard coat, the seeds require scarification either by scratching or soaking in warm water overnight to improve germination, which typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. The plant thrives in warm, sunny conditions and prefers well-drained soil.