Launaea sarmentosa is a creeping, herbaceous, perennial plant producing several branched stems 20 - 90cm tall. The plant grows from a taproot with a trailing shoot bearing lateral roots, with new stems arising from the lateral roots.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, often as a substitute for the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).

Known Hazards

None known

Habitat

Open, sandy coastal areas just above high tide mark.

Cultivation Status

Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is often used in Goa as a substitute for dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
The root is diuretic.
An extract is mixed with sugar and drunk on an empty stomach.
The plant is antirheumatic, galactogogue.
The juice of the plant is used as a soporific for children.
It is applied externally in the treatment of rheumatic affections, either combined with the oil of Pongamia glabra or with the juice of the leaves of Vitex leucoxylon.

Agroforestry Uses

None Recorded

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed