Gliricidia

Gliricidia sepium

Name

Marathi: ऊंदीरमारी किंवा गिरीपुष्प 

Biological Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Spermatophyta
Sub-Division: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledonae
Sub-Class: Polypetalae
Series: Calyciflorae
Order: Rosales
Family: Leguminosae
Sub-Family: Papillionaceae
Genus: Gliricidia
Species: sepium

Advantages

It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree in many gardens for its pink, showy flowers.

Interesting Facts

The generic name is derived from the Latin word, "Gliris" meaning Mouse, and "cida" meaning  Killer, referring to plant's toxic properties, which is also used as a rodenticide.

Description

  • It is a small, quick growing tree, with imparipinnate leaves.
  • It bears pinkish-purple flowers in clusters from February to April.
  • Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth.