Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb.
കുടംപുളി
| Family: | CLUSIACEAE |
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| Sub-Family: | Not available | ||||
| English Name: | Malabar Gamboge | ||||
| Synonym: | Cambogia gummi-gutta L. | ||||
| Common Name: | Korakkapuli | ||||
| Flowering & Fruiting Period: | January - September | ||||
| Distribution: | South India and Sri Lanka | ||||
| Habitat: | Evergreen forests, along stream banks, also cultivated | ||||
| Uses: | Fruits edible, anti-obesity, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, Ayurvedic. A decoction made from the plant (part not specified) is used in the treatment of rheumatism and bowel complaints. An extract obtained from the mature fruit rind, hydroxy citric acid, is used as a treatment against obesity. Gamboge, a gum-resin obtained from the plant, is used as a yellow dye, as an illuminant and in varnishes, water colours etc. The wood is used in construction and furniture making | ||||
| Key Characteristics: | Evergreen trees, to 20 m high, bark black, rough. Leaves simple, opposite, decussate, elliptic, margin entire. Flowers polygamodioecious, yellowish-white; male flowers: 3-5 in short axillary fascicles; sepals 4, ovate; petals 4; stamens 10-20 or more, monadelphous; anthers basifixed; female flowers: 1-3 in terminal and axillary fascicles, larger than male flowers; sepals and petals as in male; ovary superior, globular, 8-10 locular. Fruit a berry. | ||||