Sunday, May 13, 2012

www.malaysianherbals.com (21) Delonix regia செங்கொன்றை மலர்


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.File:Gulmohar leaves closeup.JPG
 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 CaribbeanAfrica, 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 IslandsCyprusThailandTaiwan and southern China, and is also the city tree of Tainan, Taiwan and XiamenFujian ProvincePeople's Republic of ChinaNational 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


Royal poinciana in Martin County, Florida, May

Gulmohar flowers in New Delhi
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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Saturday, May 12, 2012

www.malaysianherbals.com- (20)Tecoma stans-சுவர்ணபட்டி

    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                                                                                                     (20)

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Monday, May 7, 2012

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.



THE BARK OF CASSIA FISTULA OR PURGING CASSIA OR AMALATAS OR ARAGAVADHA

  
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.

THE LEGUMES OF PURGING CASSIA OR AMALATAS OR ARAGVADHA OR CASSIA FISTULA


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.

                                          (19)

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Monday, April 30, 2012

www.malaysianherbals.com (18) BANYAN ஆல மரம்

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Ficus Benghalensis  

லமரம்

The Banyan Tree at Fort MyersImage result for 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.

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 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 banyan tree are sold as toothpicks in order 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 banyan tree. Thanks to iloveindia
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                                                                           (18)

Sunday, April 29, 2012

www,malaysianherbals.com (17) அரச மரம் Ficus Religiosa

Ficus Religiosa       அரச மரம்        

ArasaMaram Instagram posts (photos and videos) - Picuki.com

 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 the berries. Its bark is light gray and peels in patches. Its fruit is purple in colour. 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, early ejaculation, and also increase spermatozoa. Peepal root is mainly used for neck problems and swollen lymphatic glands. It is usually applied on the affected part.  


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