Stone flower is a type of lichen that is used as a spice in India. Also known as kalpasi in Tamil, dagar da phool in Punjabi, dagad phool in Marathi, raathi Pootha (banda puvvu) in Telugu, kallu hoovu in Kannada and patthar ke phool in Hindi.
Source: It Is grown in partially shaded areas of tropical wet evergreen forests in north Mizoram.
It is an edible fungus that grows on trees and rocks naturally and doesn’t require any major effort or fertiliser. It grows on its own without any cultivation on trees, rocks and stones.
Health benefits of Stone Flower/Kalpasi
useful in treating sores, bronchitis, excessive salivation, toothache, boils, inflammations, seminal weakness, spermatorrhoea, amenorrhoea, dyspepsia, calculi, blood disorders.
It is effective in treatment for heart diseases, stomach disorders, enlarged spleen, piles, scabies, leprosy and general pain.
Smoke of drug is believed to relieve headache and powder is applied on wounds
