In India, both the plants are known as Arni. Clerodendrum phlomidis i.e. small Arni is small herb common in hedges in India and Sri Lanka. Clerodendrum myricoides i.e. big Arni is native to Africa. It is also found in India.
Small Arni, Clerodendrum phlomidis is a small herb. This herb is a member of Verbenaceae plant family. The leaves are opposite, deltoid, ovate, hairy from below and wavy. The flowers bloom in August to February. The flowers are in small rounded terminal panicle.
The flowers are white or pinkish and are very fragrant.
Big Arni, Clerodendrum myricoides has beautiful butterfly type blue in addition, white flowers. It grows to a height of about 3 to 4 feet with a spread of about 3 feet. This is a member of Lamiaceae plant family.
Usage:
Dash Mool which is a very powerful combination of ten different roots to improve body vigor and maintain good health contains Arni Root. The pulp obtained from the crushing of the leaves is applied externally on swellings.
