Weda (plant)

The term "Weda" is used in some regions to refer to a specific plant species, Oroxylum indicum, belonging to the family Bignoniaceae. Oroxylum indicum is also commonly known as the Indian Trumpet Flower, Broken Bones Plant, or Midnight Horror due to its large leaves that fall off at night, giving the appearance of broken bones scattered on the ground.

This plant is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of China. It is characterized by its very large compound leaves, which can reach up to a meter in length, and its long, pendulous seed pods. The flowers are large, bell-shaped, and reddish-purple in color, blooming at night.

Oroxylum indicum has a variety of traditional uses in local medicine and cuisine. The young fruits and flower buds are eaten as vegetables in some regions. Different parts of the plant are also used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda to treat various ailments, including inflammation, fever, and digestive issues. However, scientific evidence supporting these medicinal uses is still limited and further research is needed.