Sterculia indica
Merrill
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A small evergreen tree. It grows up to 15 m high. The trunk is 25-35 cm across. The fruit has 5 star shaped follicles. They are light red. A follicle is 6 cm long by 3.5 cm wide. There are 3-4 seeds in each follicle. The seeds are oval, black and 4-5 mm long.
Edible Uses
A natural gum known as gum karaya is exuded by the tree when the bark is damaged. This valuable substance is traditionally tapped by cutting or peeling back the bark, or by making deep gashes at the base of the trunk with an axe. Such crude methods of extraction often kill the tree, but it has been found that application of the plant growth regulator ethephon stimulates the production of gum, and when used in carefully controlled amounts, increases gum yield and enhances healing of the wounds. Karaya gum swells when it absorbs water and is used as a laxative because adds bulk to the contents of the intestine, stimulating the gut to expel waste material. Karaya gum is also reputed to have aphrodisiacal properties, but there is insufficient evidence to support this. Other uses for the gum are as a thickener in cosmetics and medications, and as an adhesive for dentures. In manufacturing, it is added as a binder, emulsifier and stabiliser in the preparation of beverages and foods. The seeds are roasted and eaten.
Traditional Uses
The tender fruit are cooked and eaten. The seeds are roasted or fried and eaten. The seeds contain edible oil.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
A tropical plant. It is a shade demanding tree. It grows in primary and secondary forest below 1,700 m altitude. It grows at the base of limestone mountains. In Sikkim it grows between 500-1,300 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Vietnam,
Cultivation
Plants are grown from seeds.
Notes
Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Bara udal, Chiuripat, Chiwaripat, Kanthior-kung, Lumbak, Nakchepeta, Trom do
References (7)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 600
- Forest Inventory and Planning Institute, 1996, Vietnam Forest Trees. Agriculture Publishing House p 702 (As Sterculia coccinea)
- Majumdar, K and Datta, N., 2009, Traditional wild edible fruits for the forest dwellers of Tripura, India. Pleione 3(2) 167-178
- Singh, H.B., Arora R.K.,1978, Wild edible Plants of India. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. p 78
- Singh, H.B., Arora R.K.,1978, Wild edible Plants of India. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. p 83 (As Sterculia coccinea)
Show all 7 references Hide references
- Sundriyal, M., et al, 1998, Wild edibles and other useful plants from the Sikkim Himalaya, India. Oecologia Montana 7:43-54
- Wild edible plants of Himachal Pradesh
