Description

Black dammer known by common names including black dhup, Indian white Mahogany, Raal, Raal dhup and, is a species of tree in the family Burseraceae (the incense tree family). It is known for the medicinal and commercial use of the resin it exudates, called black dammar. It is found in moist deciduous to semi-evergreen forests. It grows up to 40 meters (130 ft) tall at altitudes in the range of 750–1,400 meters (2,460–4,590 ft). The leaves of this large canopy tree are bipinnate.

Characteristics:

Leaves compound, imparipinnate, alternate, spiral, clustered at twig ends, to 40 cm; rachis ferruginous pubescent; leaflets 3-9 pair with odd one at apex, increasing in size towards apex; petiolule 0.3-0.7 cm long; lamina 5-15 x 2.5-7 cm usually oblong, sometimes ovate, apex acuminate, base asymmetric-rounded; margin serrate or serrulate, coriaceous, rusty tomentose or pubescent beneath, glabrous above; secondary nerves strong, 11-18 pairs; tertiary nerves weakly percurrent. Branchlets terete, ferruginous tomentose. Inflorescence axillary panicles, rusty tomentose. Seeds are Drupe, ellipsoid, to 5 cm long; seeds 1-3.

Medicinal uses:

The resin obtained from the trunk is used medicinally. Black dammer exudates a resin called as 'Sambrani' or 'Dammar' which has medicinal as well as commercial uses. The resin powder is given orally to cure rheumatism, fever, cough, asthma, epilepsy, chronic skin disorders, syphilis, and hernia and also helps to improve complexion.