Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.

 

Family: Fabaceae

Synonym: Lingoum marsupium (Roxb.) Kuntze

Vernacular name: Karavenga Venga Venna

Habit: Tree

Habitat: Moist and dry deciduous forests, also in the plains

Distribution: India, Sri Lanka

Flowering and fruiting: September-October

Key identification features: Leaves imparipinnate, alternate; stipules small, lateral, cauducous; Flowers bisexual, yellow, in terminal and axillary panicles; corolla exserted; petals 5, all long-clawed, crisped along the margins; standard orbicular, wings oblique, obovate, auricled; keel petals oblique, small, slightly connate; stamens 10, monadelphous;

Uses: The resin is applied in the fore heads it is believed to drive away evil spirits. Menstruating women should not apply it. The bark is used while bathing infants to cure them of their 'twisted limbs'.




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