Tellicherry Tree is a deciduous shrub or a small tree, growing up to 3
ms high. Short stem has pale bark and several branches. Oppositely
arranges, ovate, obtusely acuminate leaves are 10-20 cm long. Leaf stalks
are very short. White flowers appear in corymb-like cymes, 5-15 cm across,
at the end of branches. Flowers have five white petals 2-3 cm long which
turn creamish yellow as they age. The flowers are beautiful with oblong
petals which are rounded at the tip, and remind one of frangipani. Tellicherry Tree
is native to Africa, Indian Subcontinent to Indo-China. It is also found
in the Himalayas up to altitudes of 1500 m. Flowering: April-July.
Medicinal uses: It is a medicinal plant in Ayurveda. One of its
botanical synonyms Holarrhena antidysenterica says it all. It is one of the best drug for Diarrhoea. In chronic diarrhoea & to check blood coming from stool,it should be given with Isobgol, caster oil or Indrayav.
According to Ayurveda, the bark is useful in treatment of piles, skin diseases and biliousness. The bark is used externally in case of skin troubles. The bark is mostly mixed with cow urine and apply it in affected parts. In treatment of urinary troubles, the bark is given with cow milk. The fresh juice of bark is considered good to check the diarrhoea. In Bleeding piles Decoction of Kutaj bark with sunthi checks mucus & blood. Application of this herb is useful in Rh. Arthritis & Oestioarthritis.
Identification credit: Dinesh Valke
Photographed in Maharashtra & Tripura.
• Is this flower misidentified?
If yes,
Your name: Your email: Your comments
The flower labeled Tellicherry Tree is ...