The article Solanum torvum: The Thorny 'Berry' That Has Fed, Healed and Served Generations by Dr. Satyanarayana Bhat in the Native Circle knowledge repository explores the the remarkable story of a thorny plant known by many names and valued across generations. What looks like a small, thorny berry carries centuries of knowledge within it. In this evocative account, Dr. Satyanarayana Bhat traces the remarkable journey of Sundekkayi—from its place in the kitchens of Tamil, Telugu, Tulu and Kannada communities to its deep roots in Ayurveda, traditional medicine and ancient texts. Known by many names across regions and traditions, the plant has been associated with food, healing practices, rituals and living cultural knowledge. Dr. Bhat explores its references in Ayurveda, its distinctive uses among communities, its connection with traditional practitioners, and the remarkable resilience of a plant that has quietly survived across generations. Traditional uses of the plant include Applying the leaves as a paste to relieve itching, scabies and other skin irritations. For relief from Vata-related problems, the leaves and fresh plant material are combined with honey and administered as a nasal preparation (Nasya). For fever, the decoction of the plant is taken. For urinary retention, a decoction of the plant is taken. For headache, the juice of the berries is applied externally. The berries can be used as a vegetable; they are said to help improve appetite and promote sound sleep. After recovery from jaundice, a decoction prepared with the plant along with cumin and coriander is taken to help restore the body's pale/discoloured appearance to normal. (An experience reported by the Paanaje physicians.) For cracks and fissures of the palms and soles, a decoction prepared from the roots is taken for seven days, three times a day. (Experience reported by the above practitioners.) The leaves are heated in coconut or sesame oil, and the preparation is applied to the palms and soles to relieve skin irritation, itching, and burning sensation. (Experience reported by the above practitioners.) More than the story of a vegetable or medicinal plant, this is a story about the knowledge that grows around a plant—and the people who have carried that knowledge forward. To read the complete article, click here.