Pterocarpus marsupium

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Pterocarpus marsupium

Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Tribe: Dalbergieae
Genus: Pterocarpus
Species: P. marsupium
Binomial name
Pterocarpus marsupium
Roxburgh

Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino Tree, also known as the Malabar Kino, Benga, Bijiayasal [western Nepal] or Venkai) is a species of Pterocarpus native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, where it occurs in parts of the Western Ghats in the Karnataka-Kerala region.[1][2]

It is a medium to large, deciduous tree and can grow up to 30 metres tall.

[edit] Uses

Parts of the Indian Kino (heart wood, leaves, flowers) have long been used for their medicinal properties in Ayurveda. The heart wood is used as an astringent and in the treatment of inflammation and diabetes.

[edit] References

  1. ^ International Legume Database & Information Service: Pterocarpus marsupium
  2. ^ World Conservation Monitoring Centre (1998). Pterocarpus marsupium. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1cd v2.3)