True Kadamb Tree

Mitragyna parvifolia

Name

Marathi: कळम

Biological Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Spermatophyta
Sub-Division: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledonae
Sub-Class: Gamopetalae
Series: Inferae
Order: Rubiales
Family: Rubiaceae
Sub-Family: --
Genus: Mitragyna
Species: parvifolia

Advantages

It is a plant generally found in wild habitat, its wood is used in bobbins and house building.

Interesting Facts

  • The generic name is derived from Greek word "Mitra" meaning Mitre, nad "gyn" meaning a woman, referring to the shape of the stigmas (Female part of the flower) resembling a bishop's mitre.
  • It is the True Kadamba Tree, and often confused with more commonly known "Neolamarckia cadamba", although both belong to the same family.

Description

  • It is a big deciduous tree with opposite leaves.
  • The flowers are greenish yellow and fragrant, and appear in the months of May ot August.
  • Mitragyna parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth.