Hydnocarpus pentandrus (Buch.-Ham.) Oken

 

               Scientific Name: Hydnocarpus pentandrus (Buch.-Ham.) Oken

               Family: Achariaceae

Synonym: Chilmoria pentandra Buch.-Ham., Hydnocarpus laurifolius Sleumer 

Vernacular name: Kotti, Maravetti, Marotti, Neeratti, Niralam, Thamana (Malayalam) 

Habit: Tree

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

Distribution: Western Ghats

Flowering & Fruiting: March-August

Key identification features: Trees. Leaves alternate, simple; petiole swollen at both ends. Flowers unisexual, monoecius, Male in axillary cymes, Female solitary. Fruit woody, spherical, brown powdery tomentose.

Tribal Consumers: Kurichiyan

Uses:  Hydnocarpus pentandrus is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in treating skin diseases such as leprosy and eczema. Culturally, it holds significance in traditional healing practices and is often used in various formulations for its therapeutic benefits, as well as being valued for its oil, which is extracted from its seeds and used in traditional remedies.