Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum) Description of Plant Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum) is a shrub with woody stem, 2-4 feet in height. Branches are covered with soft hairs. Leaves are uniflolate, ovate, oblong, obtuse, and pubescent beneath and up to 15cm in length. Lower surface of leaves is light green in color. Flowers are purple/ white in color. Pods are thin, flat, curved carrying 6-8 nodes and also bear the hair like structures on them. Flowering and fruiting occurs in the month of