Mustard Tree(Pilu)
Dominant on saline plains and playas, it is a large much branched evergreen shrub with drooping, glabrous branches. Leaves are opposite, elliptical, lanceolate, succulent with acute apex and shining on both sides. Flowers are greenish yellow in compound panicles. Fruit is a drupe, juicy and red in colour on maturity. Flowering and fruiting in December to June.
Part used: Whole plant
Usage: Root decoction cures gonorrhea and vesicle catarrh. Paste of root, bark and leaves is also applied on blisters. Decoction of leaves is used in asthma, cough and constipation problem. Leaves paste and seed oil applied externally cures rheumatism. Young branches as toothbrushes cure the problem of toothache and gums. Fruits are an antidote to the poison. Fruit possess carminative, diuretic and stomachic properties and are used in biliousness and rheumatism. Seeds are purgative, diuretic and used as tonic.
Agrotechniques : Propagated through seeds. Sowing/transplanting done in June-July. Irrigations 3-4 times and regular weeding required in first year. Young stem cut in small pieces and dried for the use as tooth brush.