Morphology

It is semi-aquatic perennial herb with creeping rhizomes, up to 2.5 cm thick, pale to dark brown externally and spongy inside. Leaves are narrow up to 80 cm long, single prominent midvein and both sides slightly raised secondary veins. Plants are very rarely flowered or set fruits. Flowers are pale green, 3-8 cm long, cylindrical in shape and covered with rounded spikes. Fruits are small and berry shaped, angular with few seeds

Natively found in eastern countries, and cultivated throughout India, ascending to an altitude of about 2200 m. Within India, found in marshy tracts of Kashmir, Shirmaur, Manipur, and in Naga hills. This plant is cultivated in Karnataka in peninsular India

Epilepsy, phychosis, Constipation, flatulence with gurgling sound, pain, diseases of ear, Cough, asthma, weak memory