Celastrus paniculatus Wild.

 

Scientific Name: Celastrus paniculatus Wild.

Family: Celestraceae

Synonym: Catha paniculata (Willd.) Scheidw, Ceanothus paniculatus (Willd.) B.Heyne ex Roth

Vernacular name:Cherupunna, Jyothishmathi, Killithinipanji Paluzhavam, Valuzhavam

Habit: Shrub/ Woody climber

Habitat: Tropical and temperate forests Flowering & Fruiting: December-May Distribution: South Asia and Australia

Key identification features: Large deciduous twining shrub, Leaves simple, alternate, spiral, Inflorescences in terminal drooping panicles. Capsule loculicidal.

 

Tribal Consumers: Adiya

Uses: Celastrus paniculatus is traditionally used to boost memory and mental clarity, with its seeds often used in Ayurvedic medicine for this purpose. Its oil is also valued for pain relief in joint and muscle aches. Additionally, it has antioxidant properties, supporting overall health and reducing stress.