Kingdom : Plantae

Clade: Angiosperms

Order: Malvales

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Helicteres

Species: H. isora

Helicteres isora, sometimes called the Indian screw tree, is a small tree or large shrub found in southern Asia and northern Oceania. It is usually assigned to the

family Malvaceae.The red flowers are pollinated mainly

by sunbirds, butterflies, and Hymenoptera.

Description: H. isora is a small tree or large shrub, five to eight metres in height. It has grey bark and alternately arranged, hairy, ovate leaves with serrate margins. Its flowers are brick red or orange- red, and its fruits are green when raw, brown or grey when dried, and twisted, with a screw at its pointed end. Seeds of the plant are black or brown and are highly polished, roughly rhomboid, and rectangular or triangular.

The fruits and roots of H. isora are used in traditional medicine, including gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, cancer, and infections. Excellent cure for gastrointestinal problems.Health booster for new mothers.The Indian screw tree for skin problems.Helps manage diabetes.Effective for treating respiratory diseases.