Primary topic: Decalepis hamiltonii vs Hemidesmus indicus • Published: 6 September 2026 • Last reviewed: 6 September 2026
Botanical and food education is not medical advice. ROOTARI products are foods and are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure disease.
What they share
Both species belong to the flowering-plant family Apocynaceae. Their roots have aromatic and traditional associations, which helps explain why common names and market descriptions sometimes overlap.
How they differ
They belong to different genera and have different recorded ranges, plant characteristics and chemical profiles. Kew describes D. hamiltonii as a climber native to southern India, while H. indicus is a climbing shrub with a wider recorded range from the Indian subcontinent into Southeast Asia.
Why substitution and naming matter
A product called “Nannari” may not reveal which botanical material it contains. Substitution can affect traceability, conservation, sensory character and the relevance of research cited for the product. Scientific evidence for one species cannot automatically be transferred to the other.
ROOTARI’s communication approach
ROOTARI describes its cultivated material as relevant to Decalepis hamiltonii. Where traditions or research concern Hemidesmus indicus, the species will be named separately. This is a transparency practice, not a claim that one plant is universally better than the other.
Frequently asked questions
Are the two plants related?
Yes. Both are in the Apocynaceae family, but they are separate species in different genera.
Can both be called Nannari?
Regional and commercial naming can associate Nannari with more than one aromatic root.
Can research on one species prove benefits for the other?
No. Species-specific evidence should be used and its research level should be stated.