Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Java |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Monsoon Forest, Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Spiny deciduous tree to 20m tall |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves alternate, compound, imparipinnate, with 4-7 dark green leaflets, rachis winged. Leaflets 1.3-4cm long by 1.3-1.5cm wide , mid rib raised, venation conspicuous. Under surface of leaf light green, veins dark green. |
| Flowers | Flowers to 1.3cm across, cream - very pale yellow, petals tipped with red |
| Fruit | Fruits 5-7 cm across, with a woody rind. |
| Habitat | In dry deciduous forests and scrub land to 1000m asl |
| Cultivation | This species is sometimes grown as a hedge as it is relatively fast growing. It is most commonly cultivated in areas with a distinct dry season. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits, Edible Leaves Medicinal: The pulp and powdered rind of the fruit is applied as a poultice for insect bites and stings; the unripe fruit is used in the treatment of gum diseases, sore throat, coughs, dysentery and diarrhoea. The powdered fruit is mixed with honey and used to treat dysentery in children. Timber & Products: The hard rind of the fruit is fashioned into containers and other snuff boxes. This species is also used as 'Thanakha' in Myanmar, where the wood is ground and made into a paste with water. This when applied to the skin, reputedly as cooling effects, acts as a sunscreen, prevent and treat acne, and promotes smooth skin. Others: The fruits can be eaten raw, or made into preserves and drinks, and the young leaves are sometimes eaten as a salad (in Thailand). The sticky layer of pulp that surrounds the seeds in the unripe fruit can be used as a glue for making traditional jewellery; when mixed with lime, it can also be used as a household sealant to cement walls and waterproof wells. The leaves and fruits are used as elephant feed in India. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch, Large Heavy Fruits |
| Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks | This species should be planted away from pedestrians/ traffic as (1) the branches are spiny and (2) the fruits are woody and heavy |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Deciduous |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Red, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown, Silver / Grey |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31979 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6381 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |