Hemidesmus indicus, commonly known as Indian sarsaparilla, is a perennial, twining subshrub native to the forests, grasslands, and riverbanks of South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters with slender stems. The plant features woody, aromatic roots and has elliptic-oblong leaves that are green and glossy. The small, inconspicuous flowers are greenish on the outside and purplish inside, appearing in clusters known as sub-sessile axillary cymes. Flowering occurs from October to December, and while the flowers are not particularly showy, they are interesting upon close inspection.

Indian sarsaparilla is valued for its fragrant roots, which are used to flavor beverages like the traditional nannari sharbat. In cultivation, it prefers semi-shaded conditions, reflecting its natural habitat under the forest canopy. It thrives in well-drained, loamy soils and requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. The plant has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is employed to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, digestive issues, and skin diseases. It is also known for its cooling properties and is sometimes used in gardens as a ground cover or trained on trellises for its attractive foliage. Gardeners should be aware that it may require support to maintain the desired form, and it can be susceptible to pests like aphids and spider mites.CC BY-SA 4.0