Family - Elaeocarpaceae
Synonym - Monocera munroi
Vernacular name - Kalrudraksham, Pungari, Shirukodala, Neelippazham
Habit - Tree
Habitat - Evergreen and shola forests
Distribution - Southern Western Ghats (Endemic)
Flowering and Fruiting - September-April
Key Identification feature - The tree grows up to 20 m tall, with simple, alternate leaves clustered at branchlet tips and bisexual white flowers in short, drooping axillary racemes. The ovary is densely silky, 2-celled with 2 ovules per cell, and the fruit stone contains 1–2 seeds, while numerous stamens with bristly anthers surround the glandular disc.
Uses - It serves as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive dark green leaves and small white flowers. Additionally, its timber is used in furniture making and construction, and it has traditional medicinal applications.
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