Botany
Large climbing shrub. Leaves are oblong and opposite, rounded at the base. Flowers tubular and fragrant, white to purpish orange, in clusters on the same stalk. Narrow 5-angled dried frui, resembling coconuts in taste.

Graphic/photo
Fruits measuring 35-40 mm (upper and lower rows); seeds (middle row) shaped like the fruit-shell, measuring 12-15 mm.

Distribution
Grows widely in thickets. The seeds are easily propagated.

Parts utilized
Seeds (dried nuts) and leaves.

Constituents
Fatty oil, 15%; gum; resin.

Folkloric uses
Antihelminthic: Dried seeds preferable for deworming.
Adults: Dried nuts-chew 8 to 10 small- to medium-sized dried nuts two hours after a meal, as a single dose, followed by a half glass of water. If fresh nuts are used, chew only 4-5 nuts. Hiccups occur more frequently with the use of fresh nuts.
Children: 3-5 years old: 4-5 dried nuts; 6 - 8 years old: 5-6 dried nuts; 9-12 years old: 6-7 dried nuts.
Caution: Adverse reactions - diarrhea, abdominal pain, distention and hiccups more likely if nuts are eaten in consecutive days or when fresh nuts are eaten.
Others
Roasted seeds for diarrhea and fever.
Pounded leaves externally for skin diseases.
Decoction of boiled leaves used for dysuria.

Availability
Wild-crafted.