Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss. ex Schult.

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Kapok Bush
Desert Cotton
Pillow-Weed
Snow Bush

In Omani studies: Miller & Morris (1988) wrote that: "The fluffy flower heads of Aerva javanica are used in Dhofar, as elsewhere in the Middle East, to provide useful staffing material for pillows and bolsters, and padding for pack saddles for donkeys or camels. It is said that care has to be exercised when collecting the flowering material, as inhaling the pollen and fine fibress from the disturbed plant causes a long-standing, unproductive cough, which is hard to treat successfully. The flower heads, as well as providing stuffing material, were also used to pack deep or suppurating wounds and abscesses. These were firstly cleaned out with hot water and salt, and then the flower heads were packed in to dry out the wound and help it to heal. Weeping saddle sores and rope burns were also treated in the same way with success. Rodent or malignant ulcers (occurring most frequently ... in pack camels) were treated in the same manner, although rarely with a favourable outcome. This dangerous kind of ulcer [J: gereyb] after being scraped clean of all pus and necrotic tissue, was packed tight with the flowering heads and was then lightly bound. However, it is said that such ulcers were frequently incurable. The roots of the plant too were used, to provide a substitute for the imported eye antimony, or to stretch a small amount of this costly material. The whole plant was dug up and the roots cut free from the stems and then roasted slowly over a low fire. When completely blackened and dried out, they were crushed and pounded, with or without the addition of a small piece of charcoal or a cooled ember from the fire. The powder was moistened to a paste with water, finely ground again and then spread out to dry in the sun. At this second grinding other ingredients could be added, such as mother-of-pearl from the oyster [J: sdef] or abalone shell [J: sofuzah] to give an attractive glint and sparkle to the finished product, or powdered frankincense for its perfume and medicinal properties. The dried powder was then packed into containers, often made from the tibia or femur of a goat or calf. These bone containers were frequently carved decoratively, or covered in leather or elaborate beadwork, with a leather or cloth stopper. Eye black [J: kuhl] was used in Dhofar both cosmetically and medicinally. The imported antimony sulphide (and other antimony compounds) was regarded as being more effective as a medical treatment, the home-made and local varieties being rather used cosmetically. Fresh growth is nibbled by goats and camels in the drier regions were alternative fodders are more limited in number and variety than in the wetter regions". (Ref. Plants of Dhofar). In addition, Richardson & Dorr (2003) mentioned that: "Dhofari kohl is traditionally made from the resinous soot of frankincense. Other native plant materials may also be used, including the burnt roots of various herbs - most importantly Aerva javanica - and wood ash from Lycium shawii. Kohl substances may also be mixed with other ingredients, such as ground mother-of-pearl from abalone and oyster shells, which give the kohl an alluring glitter, and with powdered frankincense, which adds fragrance". (Ref. The craft heritage of Oman). Further, Pickering & Patzelt (2008) stated that: "used to stuff pillows in the Middle East". (Ref. Field Guide to the Wild Plants of Oman). Furthermore, Patzelt (2015) wrote that: "The woolly flower and the seed heads were harvested and used as a pillow stuffing and to treat wounds. The roots were used decoratively as khol for the eyes". (Ref. Photographic Field Guide to the Plants of the Western Hajar Mountains; 2015).

*Ghazanfar, S. (2003). Flora of the Sultanate of Oman, vol.1: Piperaceae – Primulaceae. Meise, National Botanic Garden of Belgium (Scripta Botanica Begica, Vol. 25). ISBN 90-72619-55-2 ISSN 0779-2387. *https://en.wikipedia.org *https://casabio.org *https://www.nparks.gov.sg *Miller, A., Morris, M. (1988). Plants of Dhofar, the Southern Region of Oman: Traditional, Economic, and Medicinal Uses. Published by Office of the Adviser for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan of Royal Court, Sultanate of Oman; ISBN 10: 0715708082 ISSN 13: 9780715708088. *Miller, A.G. & Cope, T.A. (1996). Flora of the Arabian Peninsula and Socotra 1: 1-586. Edinburgh university press. ISBN 0748604758. *Pickering, H. Patzelt, A. (2008). Field Guide to the Wild Plants of Oman. Kew publishing, Royal Botanic Garden, Kew. ISBN 9781842461778. *Patzelt, A. (2015). Photographic Field Guide to the Plants of the Western Hajar Mountains, Sultanate of Oman: with a complete checklist of vascular plant species. Sultan Qaboos University – Academic Publication and Outreach Department. P.O Pox ... (17) Postal Code (123), Muscat, Al khoudh, Sultanate of Oman. *Richardson, N. Dorr, M. (2003). The Craft Heritage of Oman; vol. 1. Published by Motivate publishing. ISBN 1-86063-1576. *POWO (2023). ""Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Published on the Internet; http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org