Aerva lanata.

Aerva lanata is a woody, prostrate or succulent, perennial herb in the Amaranthaceae family of the genus Aerva that sometimes flowers in the first year.[4][5] Aerva lanata belonging to Amaranthaceae family is a common weed which grows wild everywhere in plains of India. The root has a camphor like aroma. The dried flowers which look like soft spikes, are sold under the commercial name as Buikallan or Boor. Decoction of the flowers is said to cure stones in any part of the stomach and that of the root is diuretic and cure for kidney stones. The plant is said to be diuretic and demulcent. Its diuretic action is said to be very effective in the treatment of urethral discharges and gonorrhoea and is of value in cases of lithiasis and as an anthelmintic. A trace of alkaloid has been detected. Food The whole plant, especially the leaves, is edible. The leaves are put into soup or eaten as a spinach or as a vegetable. The plant provides grazing for stock, game in and chickens. in tamil poolapoo