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Neotea veliparuthi or the veliparuthi plant – also known as wild asparagus, is a commonly found vine creeper growing wildly in spaces that have been untouched for a long period of time. Often spotted hanging off of old walls or amongst dense vegetation, the twining vine is in fact, of immense benefit in terms of its utility as well as medicinal uses. Slender, wiry stems with opate or raindrop-shaped leaves, the plant has a shallow, cup-like appearance and often grows in clusters.
Primarily blooming with white or yellow flowers, some veliparuthi plants also have pinkish-orange flowers that bloom during dry months of the year. Since the plant is known to thrive in a cool place with partial access to sunlight, the plant is also suitable to grow in all kinds of soil types – from sandy to fertile, organic matter. Since the vine plant is mostly uncultivated, it adapts easily to all kinds of weather conditions rather easily. However, due to its immense nutritional value, it is ideal to cultivate the plant when you can find enough space for it to flourish.
Often times used for the medicinal properties, the leaves of the plant is known to treat stomach ulcers, relieve symptoms of bronchitis and asthma as well as even applied externally to treat wounds, burns and infections. The plant can also be cultivated and used as green manure to improve the quality of soil used for growing crops. Interestingly enough, the fibres obtained from the stems of the wild asparagus plant is used to make ropes in the textile industry, while the leaves and shoots are also consumed in stir-fry preparations and chutneys.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Health Benefits
- The leaves and roots of the veliparuthi plant are dehydrated and ground into powders that treat conditions like arthritis and muscle pains. Known to have anti-inflammatory properties, the plant also treats skin irritations and burns.
- Research on the wild asparagus plant has also confirmed previously about its rich antioxidant effects which curb free radicals within the body, when included in your diet. Besides protecting cells from oxidative stress, its diuretic effects also enables urine production to help flush out toxins from the body.
- The leaves of the veliparuthi plant also help alleviate health conditions like bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases – soothing bronchial inflammation and easing breathing. It has also been known to provide relief from cough and fever, when you’re down with common flu.
- An excellent digestive, consuming the leaves of the veliparuthi plant, has been used as part of traditional medicines that were utilised in soothing digestion issues like bloating, stomach discomfort as well as in improving digestive health significantly.
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How To Cultivate
- Obtain seeds of the plant from a pre-exisiting creeper or a reliable source for healthy, organic seeds. Plant them in a pot filled with a mixture of soil, sand and organic compost.
- Before embedding the seeds into the soil, scratch the outer hard surface to allow for better moisture penetration and improve chances of germination. Ensure that you do not damage the inner seed in the process.
- Sow the seeds just below the topmost surface of the soil, once it has been moistened lightly with some water. Place the potted seeds in an area where there is a balance of ample sunlight and enough shade for it to thrive.
- Until the time it germinates, keep a check on the moisture levels of the soil and ensure that it does not dry out completely; be mindful of not over-watering the soil too much, as excessive moisture may also lead the seed to rot.
- Over a period of a couple of weeks, you will see true leaves sprouting which can then be transplanted individually in various pots and placed separately around your space.
