Homalomena pendula
| Homalomena pendula | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Homalomena |
| Species: | H. pendula
|
| Binomial name | |
| Homalomena pendula | |
Homalomena pendula is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae. It is native to parts of South and Southeast Asia and occurs in Northeast India, including the Barak Valley region of Assam. The species typically grows in tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, favoring moist, shaded habitats with rich organic soil.
In the Barak Valley, Homalomena pendula is known by local names such as gondi and kamantiri. The plant holds traditional significance among indigenous and rural communities, where it is used for culinary and ethnomedicinal purposes. Like other members of the genus Homalomena, the species is characterized byaromatic rhizomes and broad leaves.
Taxonomy and classification
Homalomena pendula belongs to the genus Homalomena within the family Araceae. The genus comprises aromatic herbaceous plants distributed mainly in tropical Asia. This species has been described and classified based on morphological characteristics typical of the genus.
Description
Homalomena pendula is a perennial herb with broad leaves and an underground aromatic rhizome. The plant grows close to the forest floor and is adapted to humid and shaded environments. Detailed botanical characteristics vary depending on habitat conditions.
Distribution and habitat
The species is distributed across parts of South and Southeast Asia. In India, it is found in the northeastern region like Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya including Assam's Barak Valley region. It commonly occurs in tropical evergreen forests, growing in moist soil under forest canopy cover.
Local names
In the Barak Valley region of Assam, Homalomena pendula is commonly referred to as gondi or kamantiri. Other regional names may exist in different parts of its distribution range.
Traditional uses
The plant is traditionally used by local communities for culinary purposes and in folk medicine. Its aromatic rhizome is valued in indigenous practices, although detailed medicinal properties are documented mainly in ethnobotanical studies.
References
- "Homalomena pendula (Blume) Bakh.f." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
- "Homalomena pendula (Blume) Bakh.f." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 14 January 2026. 4
- "Homalomena pendula". World Flora Online. Retrieved 14 January 2026. 5
- "Homalomena pendula". Wikispecies. Retrieved 14 January 2026. 6
- "Homalomena pendula (Blume) Bakh.f." India Flora Online. Indian Institute of Science. Retrieved 14 January 2026. 7
- "Homalomena pendula". International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
- Wang, X.; Zhang, Y. (2022). "Sesquiterpenoids from the rhizomes of Homalomena pendula and their anti-inflammatory activities". Natural Product Research. 36 (15): 4290–4296. doi:10.1080/14786419.2021.1989876. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
- "Homalomena pendula". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
- "Homalomena pendula". Wikispecies. Retrieved 2026-01-12.