Malaysian Herbs -(23) பூவரசு Portia Tree

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Portia Tree

Thespesia populnea    பூவரசு

பூக்களின் அரசன்

Commonly known as the Portia Tree Common names vary according to the country and include "Indian tulip tree", "Pacific rosewood", "seaside mahoe" (in Florida),surina (the "elegant tree"), suriya (Sinhala), bebaru or baru baru (Malay), milo or miro (in many Polynesian languages), maki (Rapanui), gangaraavi (Telugu), poovarasu (Tamil), and plaksa (Sanskrit).




Originally from the Old World, the Portia Tree was brought to Hawaii by early Polynesian settlers. The Tahitians considered it sacred and grew it near places of worship. Its name Thespesia means "divinely decreed" and was given by Daniel Solander who saw it in Tahiti as a member of Captain Cook's ship. It is mostly found along the coast. Its leaves turn yellow seasonally.

It is the host of the Cotton Stainer Bug (Dysdercus decussatus), and the plant was eradicated in many cotton-growing areas to eliminate this insect.

Uses as food: The fruits, flowers and young leaves are edible.

Morning the flowers are yellow but as the sun sets the flowers turn red. 


When small though it looks like a Banyan Fig it is not.

Other uses: The timber is hard, termite-resistant, has an attractive grain and dark-red color and is naturally oily so it can be highly polished (thus it is also called Pacific Rosewood). But the timber is often twisted and rarely found in large pieces so it makes only small items. As the timber does not impart a flavor, it is often used to carve wooden food bowls and food utensils in Hawaii. The tough fibrous bark is made into rope (Hawaii and elsewhere) but is not as good for this purpose as Sea Hibiscus is. The bark is also used to caulk boats (Malay). Cork is made from the inner bark. A yellow dye is obtained from the flower and fruits, and a red one from the bark and heartwood.

A yellow dye is and a red one from obtained from the flower and fruits, a bark, and heartwood. branches, it cast welcome shade and in Hawaii were planted near homes for this purpose. In India, they were planted to provide shade in coffee and tea plantations. Traditional medicinal uses: Ground-up bark is used to treat skin diseases (India), dysentery, and hemorrhoids (Mauritius). Leaves are applied to inflamed and swollen joints (South India). When cut, the young fruit secretes a yellow sticky sap used to treat ringworm and other skin diseases (South India). Roots are used as a tonic. There is some modern investigation of the plant's effects on high blood pressure. Mangrove and wetland wildlife at Sungei Buloh Nature Park

Mangrove and wetland wildlife at Sungei Buloh Nature Park Main features:Mangrove associate. A spreading habit, grows to 10-12m tall. Bark: Brown, corrugated. Scaly twigs. Leaves: Small, heart-shaped, shiny green. Flowers: Pale yellow without red stigma as in Sea Hibiscus. Last for only one day, turning maroon and dropping then. Fruits: A capsule is a flattened leathery sphere with disc-like sepals. Green at first, turning brown then black as it ripens and dries. The capsule then opens releasing 8-15 black seeds. Similar plant: Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus): flowers appear similar, yellow with maroon eyes and also turn dull orange with age, but have a dark red stigma, and fall off the same evening or  Photo from Peter Ng and Sivasothi day after; leaves have slits on their underveins that secrete nectar; fruits and timber are different. Status in Singapore: Common in suitable habitats. World distribution: Native to the Old World, introduced and naturalized in the New World. Classification: Family Malvaceae. World 1 mangrove associated species.

Other products extracted from the plant include tannin, oil, and gums (a dark red resin exudes from the bark). A fast-growing shrub that grows into a small tree with spreading .

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Malaysian Herbs -(22) CLOVES கிராம்பு

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http://www.sidhhaherbs.blogspot.com          Syzygium aromaticum 


        Cloves               கிராம்பு

Indian/Sanskrit   Lavanga, Devakusuma



Japanese: Choji -- Chinese: Ding Xiang, Ting Hsiang, Ding Heung


 This pyramidal evergreen clove tree grows up to 15 to 30 feet tall, has smooth grey bark, and ovate 5-inch-long leaves with small bell-shaped white flowers that grow in terminal clusters. The flower buds are greenish and turn pink at maturity. The seeds are oblong, soft, grooved on one side. 

Cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds of the evergreen clove tree. This small reddish-brown flower bud resembles a tiny nail head. The name clove is believed to be derived either from the Latin word 'clavus' or the French word 'clou' which means nail. It is native to the Moluccas or Spice Islands (Indonesia) but is also grown in India, Sumatra, Jamaica, the West Indies, Brazil, and other tropical areas.

Nutrients in Cloves

Cloves (Eugenia aromatica) are an excellent source of manganese. They are a very good source of vitamins C, K, and dietary fiber. They are a good source of calcium and magnesium.

All parts of the clove tree are highly aromatic. 
Dried flower bud, which gives a sharp and spicy flavor, either whole or ground are used for culinary purposes. 
It is one of the most important drugs used in indigenous medicine in India, especially in Unani medicine.
 Clove is reported as an aphrodisiac, stomachic, carminative, and antispasmodic.
 It is reported to be useful in conceiving in high doses acts as a contraceptive in low doses and is useful in cataracts. Clove is also reported to have anticarcinogenic properties.
 It possesses antiviral activity against Herpes simplex
.

Medicinal parts used:      Dried unopened flower buds


Therapeutic use:
•   Clove oil has analgesic properties and is applied locally in swollen gum and toothache.
•   The use of clove in food and condiments triggers the body to secrete antioxidant enzymes which prevents the body from oxidative damage.

•   Reduces the excess fat and lipids from the body.
•   Clove oil has good antiviral, and antibacterial properties and is used in traditional medicine as a bactericide, and fungicide, can prevent the body from infections and is a good antiseptic.

 Ceylon Cloves

It is an aromatic flower bud of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. It is used as 

spice in cuisine all over the world. A clove tree is an evergreen tree whose height 

ranges from 10-20 m. Apart from being used in cuisine; clove is also used in


other industries for its medicinal use and 

therapeutic value.



Toxicity:
Large amounts should be avoided during pregnancy. Cloves can be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and should be avoided by people with gastric ulcers, colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. In overdoses - sometimes referred to with the neologism 'clover doses' - cloves can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages. Severe overuse can lead to kidney failure, changes in liver function, dyspnea, loss of consciousness, hallucination, and even death. 

Clove is an important ingredient in Japanese incense. Cloves are extremely stimulating and refreshing.

Clove is the common name for the tropical tree, Syzygium aromaticum, of the family Myrtaceae. The clove tree is native to North Moluccas (Indonesia) It was replanted to several other islands by the Dutch and later introduced to Zanzibar and Madagascar.

The clove tree is evergreen with small white flowers which grow in clusters. The flower buds are gathered and dried. Clove is used in the famous Worcestershire sauce and extensively as a spice in cooking.

Cloves are said to have antiseptic properties and are used as a preservative in pickles among other things. Ancient Chinese civilization chewed Cloves to sweeten their breath before talking to the emperor. Cloves and "Oil of Clove" have also been used as a mild anesthetic for toothaches. It could be one of Mother Nature's premium antiseptics!

Cloves as an Aphrodisiac

Extract of clove has been shown to enhance the sexual behavior of male mice. The results of the study resulted in a significant and sustained increase in the sexual activity of normal male rats, without any adverse effects. The results seem to support the claims for its traditional usage as an aphrodisiac.

Cloves as Mosquito Repellant

The natural oil of clove is a natural mosquito repellant and can give protection against mosquitoes for 4-5 hours.

Cloves for Cancer Prevention

Preliminary studies have suggested the chemopreventive potential of clove for lung cancer, and to delay and reduce the formation of skin cancer.

Cloves for Cardiovascular Health

The compound eugenol from cloves has been found to be a potent platelet inhibitor (prevents blood clots).

Adverse Reactions from Cloves

Allergic reactions to clove and eugenol have been reported.

Clove supplements should be avoided in children and pregnant or nursing women. Thanks Elements 4 health

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Malaysian Herbs (21) Delonix regia செங்கொன்றை மலர்

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Delonix regia

Royal Poinciana.           செங்கொன்றை மலர்

In India it is known as Gulmohar (Hindi and Urdu -‘Gul’ means ‘Flower’ and ‘Mohr’ is 'Peacock', thus the name suggests a spectacular show of color, like the extraordinary colors of a peacock's tail). It is also known there as Krishnachura (Bengali: 'crown of the Lord Krishna). In Vietnamese it is known as Phượng vĩ (means "Phoenix's Tail) (Vietnamese), Malinche, and Tabachine. In Guatemala,Antigua Guatemala, it is known as "Llama del Bosque".

This species was previously placed in the genus Poinciana, named for Phillippe de Longvilliers de Poincy, the 17th century governor of Saint Christophe (Saint Kitts), who is credited with introducing the plant to the Americas. Because it is a legume, the tree has nitrogen-fixating and soil-improving properties.

 Dear friends  we can see many of these trees 

through out Malaysia.  My teacher thought me this as 

"Flame of the Forest " , because the one standard 

petal is  in distinguished white color.

Environmental requirements

The Royal Poinciana requires a tropical or near-tropical climate, but can tolerate drought and salty conditions. It is very widely grown in the Caribbean, Africa, Northern Australia (as far south as South east Queensland, although in sheltered micro climates it can be successfully grown in some areas of Sydney), Hong Kong, the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Thailand, Taiwan and southern China, and is also the city tree of Tainan, Taiwan and Xiamen, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. National Cheng Kung University, a university located in Tainan, put Royal Poinciana on its emblem. It also grows throughout southern Brazil, with ornamental trees in Rio Grande do Sul (Canoas and Porto Alegre).

This is the seeds

Flowering season

The royal poinciana tree--scientifically known as Delonix regia--is a showy ornamental tree that features lavish clusters of red and orange flowers in spring and summer, an umbrella-like canopy, and feathery, fern-like leaves. Originally from Madagascar, the poinciana tree has established itself in tropical cities throughout the world, and is particularly abundant in the Caribbean, where it is known simply as a flamboyant tree. The royal poinciana tree is an outstanding shade and specimen tree. This tropical plant is not very tolerant of temperatures below 45 degrees, however, and should only be grown in warm climates  climates.
                                                                                                            Even there are yellow flowers which are  very common  in India

• South Florida: May–June  
• Vietnam: May–July
• Caribbean: May–September
• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh: April–June
• Australia: December–February
• Northern Mariana Islands: March–June
• United Arab
• Brazil: November–February
• Southern Sudan: March-May
•  Thailand: April–May
• Zimbabwe: October–December
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Malaysian Herbs- (20)Tecoma stans-சுவர்ணபட்டி

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Tecoma stans

Ti  is the official flower of the United States Virgin Islands and the floral emblem of the Bahamas.

ஸ்வர்ணபட்டி -- கேள்விப்பட்டிருக்கிறீர்களா? இதோ நாம் எங்கும் பார்க்கும் மூலிகைதான்!
மருத்துவகுணம் படைத்ததுங்க!

Tronadora (Tecoma stans) seeds -

Features

Yellow elder is just beginning to get the horticultural recognition it deserves. This is an easy to grow and gloriously floriferous plant that has great potential in the nursery industry. Yellow elder is the official flower of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where its cheerful yellow blossoms have long been appreciated for their contribution to tropical color.

Yellow elder grows as a densely branched shrub or small tree and gets its common name from its superficial resemblance of its foliage to that of elderberry (Sambucus canadensis). It has bright green opposite leaves, which are pinnately compound with 1-9 (usually 3-7) sharply pointed oval leaflets. The 2-3 in (5-7.6 cm) long leaflets have sharply toothed edges. They are borne on very short petioles and are slightly hairy on the undersides along the midrib and in the vein axils. The smooth squarish twigs are green, turning tan or reddish tan as they age.

 The bark on the main trunk is light brown and becomes corky with age. The 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) sunshine yellow flowers are trumpet shaped. They hang in showy clusters at the branch tips and forks, bending the twigs into arches with their weight. There are two folds along the bottom of the flower's throat and several delicate rust-red lines decorating the interior. The blooms appear in flushes throughout the growing season. They are followed by 4-8 in (10.2-20.3 cm) long stringbean-like pods that hang in vertical clusters. These turn brown and split open to release flat oblong 1/4 in (0.6 cm) seeds with transparent 1/4 in (0.6 cm) wings on each end.

Location
Tecoma stans comes from desert shrublands and dry forests in the region from Texas and Arizona southward to Argentina. It has become established in many parts of the Pacific and is naturalizing in South Florida. In South Florida, it invades dry disturbed sites, pine rocklands, and rockland hammocks. In the Pacific, it prefers wet or mesic sites.

Culture
Yellow elder will grow on a wide variety of soils, including sand and limerock. The plants can be cut to the ground for rejuvenation in the early spring or carefully sheared during the growing season to control shape and size and promote new flushes of flowers.
Light: This species needs full sun.
Moisture: Yellow elder likes well drained soil. Potted plants should be given minimal water when not in active growth.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 - 11. Freeze tolerance varies dramatically, with some forms able to survive temperatures down to around 10ºF (-12.2º C) and others severely injured by only a few degrees of frost.

Propagation: Fresh seeds germinate readily in sandy soil in the spring. Cuttings root easily under mist in the summer. (Choose vigorous young semi-woody branch tips - not old woody stems or fresh green shoots.) Bottom heat will encourage rooting in cooler weather.thanks to  floridata

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The leaves and roots of the plant contain bioactive compounds, especially monoterpenes, which may have medicinal uses;Honey bees are attracted to it, but-unlike most flowering plants-the honey produced from Yellow Trumpetbush's nectar/pollen is poisonous.




It is a small tree or a shrub with pale yellow to deep orange flowers and slightly curved fruits with winged seeds. The bark contains tecomin. It is used for liver disorders. thanks to ecoplanet nature care


Yellow elder has been used for a variety of purposes in herbal medicine.
 Its primary applications have been in treating diabetes and digestive problems. 
Extracts fromTecoma stans leaves have been found to inhibit the growth of the yeast infection,Candida albicans.
 Yellow elder also contains several compounds noted for their catnip-like effects on felines.




Dear friends this plant is a tropical crop, which could be found in all tropical countries. Hope you enjoy reading this article  

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www.malaysianherbals.com (19) Cassia fistula சரக்கொன்றை

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Cassia fistula or Amalatas or Aragavadha.


Golden Shower Tree, Indian Laburnum

,
Lantern Tree சரக்கொன்றை

The golden shower tree is the state flower of Kerala in India. 

This striking tree is just one of dozens of trees introduced to the University of Arizona campus by Warren Jones. Warren remembers bringing seeds from central Mexico during the 1980's. Germination and culture occurred at the UA greenhouses at the Campbell Avenue Farm. Seeds are similar to those of many other hard-coated legumes; germination is enhanced if seed coats are softened or scarified.

  
In Ayurvedic medicine, Golden Shower Tree is known as aragvadha (disease killer). Its fruitpulp is used as mild laxative, against fevers, arthritis, vatavyadhi (nervous system diseases), all kinds of rakta-pitta (bleeding, such as hematemesis or hemorrhages), as well as cardiac conditions and stomach problems such as acid reflux. The root is considered a very strong purgative. Self-medication or any use without medical supervision is strongly advised against in Ayurvedic and siddha  texts. Its seeds are poisonous.Distinguishing Characteristics:

 Leaves are pinnately-compound leaves and up to a foot in length with shiny leaflets 4 inches long. Flowers are bright yellow, up to 3 inches long, and form in hanging clusters 12 to 18 inches in length. Typically blooming occurs just after the leaves drop in May. The pods are dark brown, cylindrical and can be up to 2 feet long.

In folk medicine, the leaves and bark are grinded with water and applied externally to cure ringworms, insect bites, facial paralysis and rheumatism.

In the upper Sindu, the leaf poultice is applied to chilbrains; the plant is also used in facial massage for brain afflictions. In Far Eastern medicine, the uncooked pulp of the pods is used to treat constipation and prevent kidney stones. In the West Indies, the pulp and leaves is used as poultice for inflamed liver.


In Siddha medicine particular parts are gathered for combined formula.It is not taken raw; but the leaves are used to be added in bathing water.

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Malaysian Herbs (18) BANYAN ஆல மரம்

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Ficus Benghalensis  

ஆலமரம்

The Banyan Tree at Fort Myers

A Banyan tree is a fig which has the ability to spread out laterally from the original by using aerial prop roots.

Old trees can cover a very large area. The largest are found in Kolkata in India.

The tree at Fort Myers Florida was planted by Thomas Alva Edison in 1925. It covers 400 feet and is the third largest in the world.

It is also known from the story of Robinson Crusoe, who in the novel by Daniel Defoe builds his home in a Banyan tree.

Banyan tree Fort Myers - panorama photo-360 degree QTVR

In our country Malaysia there were few seen at the Ipoh railway station and in Batu Caves K.L.

But alas most of them were cut down by our people!

It can be grown for shades in parks

 Indian Banyan or Ficus benghalensisThe national tree of India.
 Banyan is a very huge structure, long and deep roots and branches symbolize the country's unity. One can find banyan trees in throughout the nation. The huge sized tree acts as a shield, protects from hot sun. This is the reason why the tree is planted near homes, temples, villages and roadsides. In the rural parts of the country, banyan tree is considered as the focal point of the Panchayats and the gathering place for village councils and meetings. 
The tree is also considered sacred by the Hindus of India. With high medicinal value, banyan is often used as a herb to treat and cure many diseases. Given below is the description of banyan, the national tree of India. 

Importance In The Indian Culture

The tradition of worshipping 'sacred' trees is prevalent among the people following Hinduism, since ages.

 Rig Veda and Atharva Veda stipulate that trees should be worshipped, for their inevitable role in human life. Banyan is considered one among the sacred trees.

 In the Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is sometimes depicted sitting in silence, under the banyan tree, with the saints sitting at His feet. With its seemingly unending expansion, the banyan tree symbolizes eternal life. In Hindu culture, the tree is often called 'kalpavriksha', a Sanskrit word, which means 'a divine tree that fulfills wishes'. Married Hindu women worship the banyan tree to lead a long and happy married life.

 Features

Banyan tree is characterized by a tangle of branches, roots and trunks. The tree is deeply rooted, which may spread across several acres. It is huge in size, thereby giving protection from hot sun. The tree bears fruits that look like figs. The fruits, which appear red in color when matured, are not edible. The dark green leaves of the tree are large and leathery. This is the reason why, the leaves are used as animal fodder. The flowers produced by the tree often attract wasps, for pollination. An old banyan tree can reach more than 656 feet in diameter and can be as tall as 98 feet. The rubber, produced from the sticky milk of banyan tree, is used for gardening.

• The name 'banyan' is derived from Banias, who rested under the trees to discuss their strategies regarding business.
• The widest tree in the world - the Great Banyan - is located in Kolkata. The tree is about 250 years old.
• Historical records say that Alexander the Great camped under a banyan tree that was large enough to provide shelter to his army of 7000 men.
• In many parts of the world, the wood and bark of the banyan tree are used for making paper.
• People even make use of the roots of the tree to make ropes, in order to secure wood bundles.
• The sap produced by the banyan tree is often used to produce shellac, a strong adhesive. It can also be used to make surface-finisher.
• Women in Nepal crush the root of the banyan tree with a paste to make a herbal product, which is used by them as a hair and skin conditioner.
• In India and Pakistan, the twigs of the banyan tree are sold as toothpicks to promote dental health.
• Banyan tree is well known for its medicinal uses. Its sap is a medicine for treating external skin inflammations and bruising, dysentery, toothaches, and ulcers. Its bark and seeds are used to produce a herbal tonic that can cool the body. Diabetic patients are also treated by the tonic made from a banyan tree. Thanks to Slovenia
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Malaysian Herbs (17) அரச மரம் Ficus Religiosa

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Ficus Religiosa       அரச மரம் 

       

Hello Friends! Have you ever seen this tree?

Yes it is very commonly seen! But how many of you have wondered to find out the benefits of this valuable tree?

  Hindu Sathus still meditate beneath sacred fig trees, and Hindus do Pradakshina (circumambulation) around the sacred fig tree as a mark of worship. Usually seven pradakshinas are done around the tree in the morning time chanting "Vriksha Rajaya Namah", meaning "salutation to the king of trees."

Ficus Religiosa is a species of banyan fig  and is a tropical tree. It is  native to India Sri Lanka, southwest China and Indochina, and tropical countries.  It belongs to the Moraceae  Buddhist legend tells of Gouthama Buddha attained Enlightenment  (Nganam) while meditating underneath the Bodhi Tree ,  Ficus religiosa. The site is in present day Bodh Gaya, northern India. The Bodhi tree and the Sri Maha Bodhi propagated from it are notable specimens of Sacred Fig. The known planting date of the latter, 288 B.C.E.  gives it the oldest verified age for any flowering  Mulberry trees. 

Ficus Religiosa is a large, fast growing deciduous tree. It has a heart shaped leaves. It is a medium size tree and has a large crown with the wonderful wide spreading branches. It shed its leaves in the month of March and April. The fruits of the Peepal are hidden with the figs. The figs are ripening in the month of May. The figs which contain the flowers grow in pairs just below the leaves and look like berries. Its bark is light gray and peels in patches. Its fruit is purple in color. It is one of the longest-living trees.

Medicinal uses: Roots are used for gout and chewed to prevent gum diseases. The leaves are used in treating constipation, mumps, boils, palpitation, and cardiac weakness. A paste of the leaf is applied on wounds and bruises. The bark is administered for jaundice, gonorrhea, ulcers, and excessive urination. Seeds and fruits are good for VDs, and early ejaculation, and also increase spermatozoa. Peepal root is mainly used for neck problems and swollen lymphatic glands. It is usually applied to the affected part.  

 Will our citizens make use of this sacred tree?physicianpackiam                           (17)                                             

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