PORTIA TREE (Puvarassu)
| Name in Malayalam | : | പൂവരശ്ശ് |
| Name in Hindi | : | पारस पीपल |
| Botanical Name | : | Thespesia populnea |
| Medicinal part | : | Leaf, Root , Stem, Fruit |
| Medicinal properties | : | A decoction of the astringent bark is used to treat dysentery and haemorrhoids |
Description
Portia tree commonly known as the Pacific rosewood, Indian tulip tree, or milo, among other names, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is a tree found commonly in villages of Tamil Nadu and on coasts around the world. However, the Portia tree is probably native only to the Old world tropics.Characteristics:
This is a good tree for small gardens or patios. Its name Thespesia means "divinely decreed" and was given by Daniel Solander who saw it in Tahiti as a member of Captain Cook's ship. Indian tulip tree is an evergreen bushy tree. It grows to 40 ft or more with a spread of 10–20 ft. It has heart-shaped leaves and cup-shaped yellow flowers that are produced intermittently throughout the year in warm climates. Each flower has a maroon eye that ages to purple. The flowers are followed by apple-shaped fruit.Medicinal Uses:
Ground up bark is used to treat skin diseases (India), dysentery and haemorrhoids (Mauritius) Leaves are applied to inflamed and swollen joints (South India) When cut, the young fruit secretes a yellow sticky sap used to treat ringworm and other skin diseases (South India) Roots are used as a tonic. There is some modern investigation of the plant's effects on high blood pressure.
