Lettuce Tree

Binomial Pisonia grandis R. Br.
Family Nyctaginaceae
Tamil name சண்டிக் கீரை (Sandi Keerai)
Habit Evergreen tree with irregular crown
Bark Whitish grey with conspicuous furrows and large leaf scars
Flowers Very small and inconspicuous, sweet-smelling white flowers found in small globular clusters
Native to Pacific Basin The genus Pisonia is named after the Dutch physician and naturalist, Williem Piso. The species grandis means "large", in reference to the leaves. The tree has been nicknamed as the “Bird Catcher Tree”, because this tree appears to kill birds. The seeds of this tree produce a thick layer of mucus, which gets stuck to the bird’s feathers and eventually they will not be able to fly. Hence, they starve and finally die. They are generally planted as avenue plants. The leaves are said to be medicinal as they possess wound healing properties. Traditionally the plant is used for its antifungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, diuretic and wound healing properties.