| Binomial
|
Polyalthia longifolia (Sonner.) Thw.
|
| Family |
Annonaceae
|
| Tamil Name |
Nettilingam (நெட்டிலிங்கம்)
|
| Tree |
Medium sized, tall, erect, nearly evergreen, narrowly conical with short drooping branches.
|
| Bark |
Grey- brown, becoming darker, scabby and cracked with age.
|
| Flowers |
Pale greenish-yellow, star-shaped, in dense clusters along the branches, usually well hidden within he leaves.
|
| Flowering Period |
March to April
|
| Fruits |
In clusters, ovoid, dark purplish-black when ripe.
|
| Fruiting Period |
June to August
|
| Pollinators |
Insects |
| Country of origin |
Southern India and Sri Lanka
|
| About the tree |
This tree gets its name from its flexible, straight and light-weight trunk that was used in the past to construct masts for sailing ships. However, it is now reportedly suitable only for making light articles such as pencils and matches. This tree can be cut and maintained in different shapes and sizes and hence, forms a main attraction in gardens throughout India. Quite often, these trees are used for privacy screening or shade when maintained in the form of a closely spaced tall hedge. Contrary to its name (poly ‘many’, altheo ‘cure’) significant medicinal properties of this tree are not known.
|
| Location on campus |
https://goo.gl/maps/W5L8gdwBZuT7vfX69 |
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