Basella abla Linn. (PODIKA)

The plant upodika mentioned under saka varga is believed to be ighan and/or upodika.  They are identified as Basella rubra Linn and B. alba Linn. Repectively.  Caraka praised upodia as best among the leafy vegetables.  Many of the Basella species are being used in India as the source herb.  Surprisingly, potaki or upodika is not described in dhanvantari nighantu.  Only upodaka is mentioned in sodhala nighantu.  Kaiyadeva describe two varieties viz., creeper and herb.  Bhavamisa quoted ighan and upodika as synonyms.  He did not mention two varieties.  K.C.Chunekar identified potaki as Basella rubra.

Botanical Description – A succulent glabrous climbing much-branched perennial herb, 2-10 m long; stems twining to right; leaves fleshy, broadly ovate, pointed at the apex, 5.1-17.8 cm diameter; flowers inspicate inflorescence; bracteoles adnate to the perianth; anthers versatile; fruits  resemble a pea, having a violet colour when ripe.  Flowering and fruiting during winer.