Kottakaranthai (Sphaeranthus indicus)

Kottakaranthai, mundi in Hindi, is East Indian globe thistle, a strongly aromatic, winged-stemmed herb that springs up in rice fields after harvest. Its small, round, purple flower heads look like little globes. Ayurveda uses mundi for skin and as a rejuvenating herb, and Siddha uses kottakaranthai in many preparations. It belongs to the daisy family.

Botanical name: Sphaeranthus indicus L.
Family: Asteraceae
Tamil: Kottakaranthai
Hindi: Mundi
Sanskrit: Muṇḍī
Parts used: Whole plant in lists, Flower heads
Habit: Wet-ground daisy of rice-field edges with purple globe heads
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Kottakaranthai

It is a spreading annual herb, usually ankle- to knee-high, with a strong, sweet-resinous smell.

The stems carry toothed wings that run down from the leaf bases.

The leaves are oblong, toothed and slightly sticky-hairy.

The flowers are packed into round, purple to pink, globe-like heads about a centimetre across, at the stem tips.

Globe amaranth has papery, round heads on smooth stems without wings.

Traditional use of Kottakaranthai

Ayurveda

Mundi is used in Ayurveda for skin complaints and as a rasayana, often as a decoction or powder.

Ayurvedic practice

Siddha

Kottakaranthai is used in Siddha preparations for skin and digestion.

Siddha practice

Herb trade

Dried flower heads are sold in North Indian herb markets as gorakhmundi.

Indian herb trade

Modern notes on Kottakaranthai

The plant contains essential oils and sesquiterpene lactones studied in laboratories.

Small studies of extracts for skin conditions exist, but evidence is limited.

It is a common weed of rice fallows in winter.

Kottakaranthai safety

Do not use it as medicine without a trained practitioner, and avoid it in pregnancy. Daisy-family plants can cause skin allergy in sensitive people.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows on damp ground and rice fields from India to South-east Asia and northern Australia.

Bees and flies visit the flower heads.

It sprouts after the rice harvest on drying soil.

Related plants

Also in Asteraceae

Questions about Kottakaranthai

What is mundi?

Its Hindi and Sanskrit name.

Why is Kottakaranthai called globe thistle?

Its flower heads are small, round globes.

How can I recognise Kottakaranthai?

Look for winged stems and purple globe heads.

Where does Kottakaranthai grow?

In rice fields after harvest.

Is Kottakaranthai aromatic?

Yes, strongly.

Is Kottakaranthai a true thistle?

No. It is a spineless daisy-family herb.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.