Calophyllum apetalum

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Calophyllum apetalum
File:Calophyllum apetalum Willd. (53540864681).jpg
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Calophyllaceae
Genus: Calophyllum
Species:
C. apetalum
Binomial name
Calophyllum apetalum

Calophyllum apetalum is a species of tree endemic to the Western Ghats region of India. It is also called as the Konkan beauty leaf tree[2] or Poon spar of Travancore.[3]

Description

File:Calophyllum apetalum Willd. (53540775856).jpg
Full view.

Taxonomy

In Tamil, it is known as Chirupunnai (சிறுபுன்னை), While in Malayalam it is similary called Manja punna (മഞ്ഞപ്പുന്ന), Cherupunna (ചെറുപുന്ന) and Attupunna (ആറ്റുപുന്ന).[2] In Kannada, it is called Surahonne (ಸುರಹೊನ್ನೆ).[4] These names might be synoymous to other native names of Calophyllum species.

Distribution

It is endemic to the Western Ghats, where its only found in the central and southern parts of the region.[2]

Habitat & ecology

In evergreen forests and backwaters along the west coast, especially near rivers and streams, it's typical to find Calophyllum apetalum species at low elevations, reaching up to 600 meters (or 1300 feet).[4]

Human uses

Mature fruits have a sweet taste and are commonly consumed locally. The oil extracted from the seeds is greenish-yellow and has a distinct smell, often utilized as a fuel for lamps. The wood, which has a light reddish-white or pale reddish-brown color with darker streaks, finds applications in construction, bridges, boats, oil-mills, cabinet making, building structures, and even in crafting matchboxes. The resin serves medicinal purposes as a healing, resolving, and pain-relieving agent, while the seed oil is employed in treating conditions like rheumatism and leprosy.[4]

References

  1. IUCN (2014-07-16). Calophyllum apetalum: Ved, D., Saha, D., Ravikumar, K. & Haridasan, K.: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T50126569A50131285 (Report). International Union for Conservation of Nature. doi:10.2305/iucn.uk.2015-2.rlts.t50126569a50131285.en.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Calophyllum apetalum - Konkan Beauty Leaf Tree". www.flowersofindia.net. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  3. "Calophyllum apetalum Willd. | Species". India Biodiversity Portal. Retrieved 2024-04-23.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 "ಡಾ. ಶಿವರಾಮ ಕಾರಂತ ಪಿಲಿಕುಳ ನಿಸರ್ಗಧಾಮ - Calophyllum-apetalum". pilikula.karnataka.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-04-26.

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