Myrica esculenta
| Myrica esculenta | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fagales |
| Family: | Myricaceae |
| Genus: | Myrica |
| Species: | M. esculenta |
| Binomial name | |
| Myrica esculenta | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Box myrtle | |
Myrica esculenta is a small tree or large shrub native to Hills of Nepal and northern India. Its common names include Box myrtle, Bayberry, Kafal (local name).[2] It is a well known medicinal plant in Ayurveda.
Habitat
It is found in hilly regions of Nepal and northern part of India especially in the region of Punjab, Garhwal, Kumaun, Khasia Mountains and silhiti especially at the height of 3 to 6 thousand..[3] It is also found in the altitude below 1500 msl in midhills of Nepal.
Morphology
It has a tree of medium height i.e. 20 to 25 feet. Bark is soft and brittle. Leaves are conjoint, 1 to 2 feet long that has leaflets in pairs of 6 to 9 and has a width of ¼ inch. Flowers are of white color and are found in bunches. Fruits are 6 to 18 inch long and have 6 veins with having a brown color. Seeds are triangular in shape and are astringent in taste.
According to Ayurveda, it has two varieties based on the color of flower: Shwet (white) and Rakta (red).[3]
Chemical constituents
The bark is yellow colored and contains the chemical substances myricetin, myricitrin and glycosides. Besides this it contains 32%.[3]
Toxicology
It has no toxic effect when consumed in normal dosage.[3]
References
- ↑ "medicinal herbs". ayushveda.com. Retrieved 2011-01-26.
- ↑ "Kafal". Desigrub.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Myrica esculenta". ayushveda.com. Retrieved 2011-01-26.