Guazuma ulmifolia Lam.

Guazuma ulmifolia Lam.

• Scientific Name: Guazuma ulmifolia
• Family: Malvaceae
• Genus: Guazuma
• Species: ulmifolia

Common Names:
• English: Bhadraksh, or false rudraksha
• Malayalam: Odukkam Pala (ഒടുക്കംപാല)
• Tamil: Kattupalai (கட்டுபாலை)
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Synonyms:
• Guazuma tomentosa (a former synonym used in older botanical literature)
• Sterculia ulmifolia (another historical synonym)
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Botanical Description:
• Habit: Guazuma ulmifolia is a deciduous tree that typically grows to about 10–25 meters in height. The tree has a rounded crown and can spread widely.
• Leaves: The leaves are simple, ovate to elliptical, with serrated edges, and are alternate on the branches. They have a glossy dark green color on the upper side and a paler underside.
• Flowers: The tree produces small, white to pale yellow flowers arranged in clusters. The flowers have five petals and are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
• Fruits: The fruit is a capsule that splits open to release winged seeds. These seeds can be dispersed by wind, helping the plant spread.
• Bark: The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and smooth, with noticeable lenticels (small pores).
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Uses:
1. Culinary:
o In some regions, the leaves and bark of Guazuma ulmifolia are used in traditional cooking, particularly for their slightly bitter flavor. The bark is also sometimes used in infusions and teas.
o The fruits are sometimes eaten by indigenous people, though they are not as commonly consumed as other tropical fruits.
2. Medicinal:
o Guazuma ulmifolia is well known for its medicinal properties, particularly the bark and leaves. It has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, fever, respiratory infections, and skin problems.
o The bark is a common remedy for digestive disorders and is often used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.
o The leaves are used as a mild laxative and to treat constipation. The tree is also used in some regions as an anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive remedy.
3. Industrial Uses:
o The wood of Guazuma ulmifolia is used in construction, furniture making, and crafts due to its relatively light weight and easy workability.
o The bark has been used in the production of textiles and cordage.