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sola pith plant

Scientific Name: Aeschynomene aspera

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Aeschynomene aspera: The Sola Pith Plant

Aeschynomene aspera, a member of the Fabaceae (bean) family, is commonly known as Sola, Sola Pith Plant, Pith Plant, Laugauni (Hindi), or Netti.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some sources suggest that the Sola Pith Plant is not safe for dogs or cats.

Considerations for Children

  • Some sources suggest that the Sola Pith Plant is not safe for children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aeschynomene aspera L.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Bean Family)
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: Some texts mention a possible alternative biological name, Aeschynomene indica, however, the text also suggests the accepted name is Aeschynomene aspera.

Distribution and Habitat

  • This species is widespread throughout much of South Asia and the Himalayas.
  • Specifically, it's found from Sri Lanka east through Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
  • It grows wild in marshy, waterlogged areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Uses

  • Aeschynomene aspera is described as an herbaceous plant.
  • The plant is harvested entirely for its pith, which is milky white, soft, malleable, supple, and spongy.
  • Sola pith is used to carve delicate objects of art in India.
  • Historically, pith models of temples were made in South India.
  • The pith is also used to make pith helmets.

Ecological Role

  • The text mentions "Invasive Species" in proximity to the plant name, but it does not explicitly state that *Aeschynomene aspera* is an invasive species.

Quirky Facts

  • Sola pith was historically used in certain procedures where it was inserted into the vagina and then soaked in water.

Further Information

  • The PLANTS database at the National Plant Data Center in Baton Rouge, LA, USA may have further information.
  • The Encyclopedia of Life includes articles about the Sola Pith Plant.