Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Medicine - Traditionally, this plant is used for medicinal purposes. The leaves, twigs, and bark contain a cyanogenic compound. The bark is applied to fractured bones as a plaster. The smaller branches are crushed, soaked in water, and taken internally to prevent abortion. The stem has antipyretic and refrigerant properties and is useful in treating vomiting, leprosy, and leucoderma. Food - The fruit is edible, and the trunk provides timber. Eco-restoration - The tree is also utilized as a pioneer species in reforestation projects. Ornamental - It is grown as an ornamental tree for its beautiful landscape.
Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan
It grows in temperate forests and open areas, often at higher elevations. Tolerates cold and dry conditions.
Holds religious significance and is referred to as the "Tree of Gods" by some Himalyan communities.
It is a deciduous tree with a rounded crown that grows 10-20 m tall.
Stem (trunk) is erect, with smooth, gray-brown bark that develops fissures with age. Branches are spreading and often zigzagged.
Leaves are simple, ovate to lanceolate, with a rounded base and pointed tip. They are finely serrated, dark green above, and paler below. Leaves are alternate, and stipules are prominent and early-falling.
Flowers are showy, pinkish-white, and arranged in dense, rounded clusters (umbels). Each flower has 5 petals, numerous stamens, and a single pistil. Flowers appear before or with the new leaves.
Fruit is a small, round drupe, about 1 cm in diameter. It is red when ripe, with a single seed inside. Fruits are edible but have a tart flavor.
Flowering: March – April (Second bloom – Autumn)
Fruiting: June – July