| Binomial |
Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd. |
| Family |
Malvaceae |
| Tamil name |
வெண்ணங்கு (Vennangu) |
| Habit |
Medium sized tree |
| Bark |
Smooth, ash-coloured, ferruginous (contains iron oxides) |
| Flowers |
Creamy-white fragrant, nocturnal, finger shaped |
| Fruits |
Capsule, angled, furfuraceous (covered with scales), woody, brown, may take even a
year to mature. |
| Flowering period |
March to June |
| Pollinators |
Moths |
| Native to India |
In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the plant is used to treat blood disorders. The plant is
also believed to be used to treat inflammation, abdominal pain, ulcer, leprosy, constipation
and tumours. The mature leaves are so large reaching a length and width of 35 cm. The
leaves are used as dinner plates. Hence, the tree is nicknamed as the ‘Dinner Plate Tree’. The
leaves are also used in reinforcing roofs to prevent leaks. The flowers are used as a perfume
to repel insects. The barks are used in the tropical preparation of lipsticks. Though the wood
is soft, it is highly durable and is used for planking. In Manipur and Bhurma, the tree is often
extensively used in landscaping. In Greek, the term Pterosperma means winged seeds and
acerifolium refers to the leaves shaped like maples. |
Go Back