DIGITAL GARDEN

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

MEDICINAL PLANT

Geophila repens (L.) I.M.Johnst

Common Name: Karimutthil

Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Geophila
Species: repens
Malayalam name: Karimutthil
Tamil Names: Karinkudungal, and Karimuttil
Synonyms: Geocardia repens, Geophila reniformis, Carinta repens, Psychotria repens
Plant Description: Geophila repens is a creeping, evergreen, perennial herb that typically grows up to 10 cm tall. It often forms dense colonies in shaded areas, making it suitable for ground cover in gardens and natural landscapes.
Leaves are generally small, ovate to elliptic in shape, and have a glossy appearance.
Flowers: Flowers are small pale yellow colored, solitary or few flowered umbels
Fruit: Globose Berry

Uses
Medicinal:
Sore feet: A leaf infusion is used to treat sore feet
Diarrhoea: Leaves are cooked with food to treat diarrhoea in children
Eye infections: The juice of crushed fruits is dripped into the eyes to treat eye infections
Ornamental
Geophila repens is primarily used as an ornamental ground cover due to its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in shaded conditions. It can be utilized in landscaping projects where low-growing plants are desired.