Perennial herb upto 60cm , upright , spreading plant . Leaves are simple , alternate , entire , oblong , 4-8 inches long with parallel venation , spirally arranged around the stems . Large , fleshy , smooth , and dark green leaves have a light purple underside . Flowers yellow to orange , 1.5 inches in diameter , on cone-like head at the tips of branches . Fruits green coloured , less than 0.5 inch .

English - Fiery costus

Hindi - Baanda

Malayalam - Honne

Tamil - Neyccarikamaram

Kannada - Kemou honne

* Leaf help in producing insulin .

* Control blood sugar level of the body .

* Infusion of aerial parts are used for the treatment of renal disorders .

* Used in the treatment of cancer ( Sathuvam M et al , 2012 ) .

* Antimicrobial , diuretic , antioxidant ( Majumdar M et al , 2012 ) .