Gmelina elliptica

Sm.

Badhara bush

Lamiaceae Edible: ? 22 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

A shrub or small tree. It is thorny. It grows 2-4 m tall. The branches have spines in pairs. The leaves are velvety underneath. They are 3-10 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are pointed at the tip.

Medicinal Uses

The sap from the leaves or fruits is used as ear drops in earache. An infusion of the slightly crushed fruits is applied as an eye lotion. The fruit rubbed with lime and garlic is vigorously applied to the body in cases of dropsy. The leaves or roots may be applied to wounds. The uses probably reflect its activity as a rubefacient. In Peninsular Malaysia, the plant is chiefly used in poultices for headache and swellings.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, East Africa, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam,

Cultivation

Succeeds in full sun or partial shade, preferring a moist but well-drained soil. Found in the wild on sandy, sandy loam or sandy clay soils, often poor; sometimes also found over basalt or limestone. Although we have seen no reports of invasiveness, there is a report that this shrubby, thorny tree could be a problem if introduced to islands where it is not native.

Propagation

Seed - Air layering. Cuttings.

Other Uses

The wood is hard.

Notes

It can be a problem weed.

Synonyms

Gmelina asiatica var. villosa (Roxb.) Bakh.Gmelina integrifolia W. HunterGmelina tomentosa H. R. FletcherGmelina tonkinensis MoldenkeGmelina villosa Roxb.