tikshnaksha :

Plants growing in a herbal garden in southern India Photograph by: Thamizhpparithi Maari

Cultivation:

A plant of subtropical to tropical climates, it will only flourish in frost-free areas with a fairly high annual rainfall.
Succeeds on clay soils.
The whole plant is covered in numerous glandular dots which contain acidic oils - it is believed that these can help protect the plant from pests.
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Propogation:

Seed - it germinates quickly.
Cuttings about 30cm long taken from the growing tips. Place the cuttings in damp sand. A growth hormone can be used to stimulate the development of roots