| Gaultheria fragrantissima | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Gaultheria |
| Species: | G. fragrantissima |
| Binomial name | |
| Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall. | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
Brossaea fragrantissima(Wall.) Kuntze | |
Gaultheria fragrantissima is a species of flowering plant native to southern and southeastern Asia. It is commonly known as fragrant wintergreen [3] or dhasingre. [1]
Gaultheria fragrantissima is a shrub or small tree. [2] The flowering period of the plant extends from April to May. [4]
The form of the plant and the size and shape of its leaves can vary considerably based on its habitat. In forest understoreys and at forest margins it is typically a large shrub or small tree with large leaves. In drier and sunnier conditions, like exposed slopes and thickets, it is a small narrow-leaved shrub. [3]
Gaultheria fragrantissima ranges from India and Sri Lanka through Nepal, Tibet, and the Himlalayas to south-central China, and to Vietnam, Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java, and Bali. [2]
Gaultheria fragrantissima is native to montane tropical and subtropical forests from 1,375 to 2,650 metres elevation. [1] It can be found in a variety of conditions, including in the understorey of mature forests and at forest margins on humus-rich moist soils, as well as on drier and exposed slopes among other shrubs. [3]
Three subspecies are recognized: [2]
An essential oil is derived from the leaves of the plant. The aromatic oil is used in perfumery, as a hair oil, and medicinally. It is used topically to treat rheumatism, scabies, and neuralgia, and taken internally to treat hookworm. [3]
G. fragrantissima subsp. fragrantissima is used as a medicinal plant in Ayurveda. The plant is known as "Wel kapuru - වල් කපුරු" or "Wel kapuru - වෙල් කපුරු" by Sinhalese people. [7]
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