CSIR-NEERI Biodiversity Portal

Diamond Flower

Oldenlandia corymbosa L

Botanical name	: Oldenlandia corymbosa L.
Common Name	: Diamond flower.
Family	: Rubiaceae
Synonym	: Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam.
About	: Terrestrial, annual, erect or prostrate herb, up to 50 cm long. Roots fibrous. Stems quadrangular, solid, glabrous. Stipules present. Leaves simple, not lobed or divided. Entire, opposite, Linear-oblong or narrowly elliptic, almost stalkless, Usually more than 2 cm long/wide, glabrous on both sides, apex acute, one-veined, Midrib of the leaf is prominently visible. Flowers bisexual, solitary or grouped together into an axillary cyme, sessile or stalked, petals 4, Stamens are inserted just above the base of the tube. Flowers are white or faintly pinkish-purplish. Fruits A capsule,is about 2 x 2 mm, flattened at apex, slightly laterally compressed opening with apical pores or slits. Reproduction by seeds. Flowering and fruiting throughout the year. Native to tropical Africa, including Madagascar, and India. Recent laboratory studies of the action of Oldenlandia Suggest that the herb may contribute to inhibiting growth of cancer cells, promoting cancer cell death (apoptosis), and enhancing immune attack against cancer cells.