The Bur-flower tree , Kadamba tree , Neolamarckia cadamba , Anthocephalous macrophylla , Anthocephalous cadamba
The Bur-flower tree or Kadamba tree (Neolamarckia cadamba also known as Anthocephalous macrophylla or Anthocephalous cadamba) has scented orange flowers present in dense globe-shaped clusters, which are used in the preparation of perfumes. It is an ornamental, shade-giving plant, that is also used for timber- and paper-making. The tree is highly regarded religiously and culturally in India, Java and Malaysia. It is considered sacred and associated to Lord Krishna. Various religions in India have strongly believed that God lives inside a Cadamba tree based on its enormous significance to humankind.
It is a fast growing, large tree with height of 45 m with a broad umbrella-shaped crown and straight cylindrical bole.
Flowering usually begins when the tree is 4-5 years old. The fruits of the Cadamba are small, containing fleshy capsules packed closely together to form a yellow-orange infructescence.
The flowers and fruits are edible and eaten by forest animals.
The Cadamba has been known to cure a number of diseases; particularly, the extract prepared from the bark and leaves is crucial.
The dried bark is antiseptic and astringent and used to relieve cough, fever and as a tonic.
The bark has diuretic and laxative properties and also used to treat anemia, uterine problems and to improve semen quality.
An extract of the leaves serves as a mouth gargle. Leaves are also believed to have liver protective properties.
Scientific name: Neolamarckia cadamba
Common names: Common Bur-flower Tree, Kaddam, Leichhardt Pine, Kelempayan, Kelampai, Laran
Family: Rubiaceae
Native Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Southern China, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
References:
References
No comments:
Post a Comment