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This plant had been discovered in the Madeira Islands off the Atlantic Ocean close to Africa. Its name maderaspatensis reflects its place of discovery. This species is widely distributed in dry and deciduous forests in tropical Africa, India, Sri Lanka, China and Myanmar. Its English name aptly describes the creeping nature of this wiry plant, which produces roots from the nodes.
The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).
One of our strikingly beautiful butterflies, the Danid eggfly, lays eggs on the tender leaves of this plant.
In traditional Ayurveda and Siddha medicine this plant is used to treat dropsy, swellings, edema and gout. Juice extracted from crushed leaves is used for eye infections, throat ailments and to treat asthma.
This is a common species in Wilpattu and can be found in the undergrowth in shady areas.