Xylia xylocarpa

Xylia xylocarpa is a species of tree in the mimosoid clade of the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the family Fabaceae.

Xylia xylocarpa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Clade: Mimosoid clade
Genus: Xylia
Species:
X. xylocarpa
Binomial name
Xylia xylocarpa
Roxb. Taub.
Synonyms
  • Mimosa xylocarpa Roxb.
  • Xylia kerrii
  • Xylia dolabriformis Benth.

Description and properties

This perennial tree is very conspicuous in the flowering season owing to its bright yellow flowers.

Xylia xylocarpa produces hardwood, and in Vietnam it is classified as an 'ironwood' with its name referring to use in traditional cart-making. The cross-section of a trunk has a distinctive yellowish-white and thick outer layer, with a crimson-dark core of fine grain and high density (1.15 with 15% moisture content). The wood pulp may be used for making wrapping paper.

The seeds of this tree are edible.[2] This tree is considered a medicinal plant in India.[3] In Thailand its leaves are used to treat wounds in elephants.[4]

Distribution and common names

This tree is found in South and Southeast Asia; it is known as Pyinkado (Burmese: ပျဉ်းကတိုး) in Myanmar, Căm xe in Vietnam, Sokram (សុក្រម) in Cambodia, Jamba or Jambe in Karnataka and Maharashtra, and Kangada in Odisha. It has also been planted in certain parts of East Africa.

Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. var. kerrii (Craib & Hutch.) is known as แดง (daeng lit.'red') in the Thai language.[5] This species, naturally adapted to conditions in Thailand, is used in reforestation at certain denuded or environmentally degraded areas of the country.[6]

References

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