New record of white flowered Akarkara (Spilanthes species, family Compositeae) in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

About 60 species of Spilanthes in tropical America, Africa, Malaya, Bormeo and North Australia have been reported. In Chhattisgarh, two species of Spilanthes occur in forests. These
are Spilanthes acmella var. calva and S. paniculata (syn. S. acmella). Akarkara is well known for its yellow flowers. During recent ethnobotanical surveys in Bastar region, accidentally I
observed the white flowered species of Akarkara. I have noted its heavy natural population in Parpa village and around railway tracks near to Jagdalpur city. This white flowered species was
identical to yellow flowered species except in flower colour. The natural occurrence of white flowered Akarkara species has yet not been reported in Chhattisgarh. Later, I found with the help of reference literatures that it is also not reported in other parts of India. I collected the herb and showed it to the natives and healers. The traditional healers of Bastar region informed me that the white flowered species is rare in this particular region and they are aware of its natural occurrence. I am describing the botany of this new species. Botanically, it is annual erect or ascending herb, upto 40 cm high, Leaves opposite, petioled , ovate, acute, sub-crenate at margins, sparsely pubescent on both surfaces. Heads ca one cm in diameter, ovoid, usually solitary, Ray florets absent; disc florets ca 2.0-2.5 mm long, 4-5 lobed, white, Achenes ca 2 mm long, narrowly obovate. Flowering and fruiting time November to December. Akarkara is in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having regular demand. In crop fields, naturally growing Akarkara is considered as weed. I interacted with many herb collectors and traders. They showed ignorance on trade of white flowered species. They consider it different from yellow flowered Akarkara. As medicine, roots, leaves and flower-heads of Akarkara are used. The flower heads are the most pungent part and I have mentioned it in my previous articles that the natives and traditional healers use it in dental and gum care. It is one of major ingredients in popular herbal tooth powders and paste.

Last week, I informed Dr. M.R. Uniyal of Maharshi Ayurveda, an eminent herb expert, about this new species. When he showed ignorance to white flowered species, I decided to document details of this species with the help of research article. I am feeling proud that through reputed educational site Botanical.Com, now this valuable and new information is reaching to the world community. The traditional healers of Bastar region informed that the white flowered Akarkara possess many unique medicinal properties, the yellow flowered Akarkara lacks. They add
it in different herbal formulations in order to increase the efficacies of the formulations. Bastar region is famous for dark caves where albino and blind fishes live. Kutumbsar cave is among
most popular caves. Dr. A. K. Pati of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University has dedicated his whole life to study the behaviour of these colourless creatures. It is a matter of scientific
investigation that white flowered species possess more medicinal properties as compared to yellow flowered species. When the healers prepare herbal tooth powder, they add half quantity of white flowered species, believing that it is more potent. They never mix the white and yellow flowered species to prepare the tooth powder. They are unable to give the exact reasons but
according to them, by nature both species are entirely different. I am trying to find out the scientific reason. The detailed ethnobotanical surveys are in progress. After estimating the natural population and distribution of this new species in Chhattisgarh, we will plan to conserve it in natural habitat and to develop the detailed cultivation practices. As at present it is unknown to herb collectors and traders, there is no threat on its natural population. After complete scientific investigation, we will try to establish this new species, as potential medicinal crop in Chhattisgarh.

Thank you very much for reading the article.