Bridelia retusa (L.) A.Juss.

 

Scientific Name: Bridelia retusa (L.) A.Juss.

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Synonym: Clutia retusa L.

Vernacular name: Mulkaini, Ulluvenga

Habit: Tree

Habitat: Semi-evergreen and deciduous forests, also in the plains

Distribution: Indo-Malaya

Flowering and Fruiting: August-December

 

Key identification features: Trees with greyish-brown bark; young trees armed with sharp thorns. Leaves simple and alternate. Unisexual flowers greenish-yellow, often sessile. Fruit a purplish-black drupe sitting on the persistent calyx, with 2 pyrenes, each containing a single seed.

 

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

 

Uses: Bridelia retusa is used to treat digestive issues and skin conditions. The leaves and bark contain compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, making them useful in herbal remedies.