| Binomial |
Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.
|
| Family |
Fabaceae
|
| Tamil Name |
Thoongumoonji maram/Seemai Vaagai (தூங்குமூஞ்சி மரம்/ சீமைவாகை)
|
| Tree |
An attractive, large, spreading deciduous tree with a low, dense, dome-shaped crown. Trunk frequently branches quite low down.
|
| Bark |
Dark grey often bearing horizontal scars.
|
| Flowers |
Appear like round, pale pink silken tufts at the ends of the branches. The exposed and conspicuous filaments are bright or pale pink and showy.
Flowering Period: April to May
|
| Fruits |
The pods are fleshy, more or less straight with conspicuously thickened edges.
|
| Pollinators |
Bees |
| Country of origin |
Central and South America |
| About the tree |
A multi-purpose tree often cultivated for its timber and as food, medicine, and gums among others. Medicinally, the plant is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, stomach pain, and sore throat. It is also used as a laxative. The pods can be eaten and the pulp can be made into drink. The bark is a source of gums and resins. The wood is light in weight but highly durable.
The trees provide a microclimate effect for the plants growing under their canopies. At night and on cloudy days, branches hang down and the leaves fold down and inward, allowing rain to fall directly on the ground and promoting cooling through exposing the ground. In the morning the leaves unfold and resume a horizontal position, giving full shade and helping to preserve moisture.
|
| Location on campus |
https://goo.gl/maps/1zxbuqCgRYHHFmmN7 |
Go Back
