Common name: Lipstick tree and Sindoor. Tamil name: Sappiravirai. This evergreen tree is often used as an ornamental tree in India. It grows to a height of about 3 meters. Leaves are simple and arranged in an alternate manner. Leaves are ovate in shape and have an acuminate apex and a cordate base. The plant produces beautiful pink flowers in terminal panicles. The fruit is in the form of an ovoid, red, two-half spiny structure. They become blackish when they mature. The seeds have a scarlet covering. This plant is a native of the West Indies. This tree is cultivated in India for its valuable yellow-orange dye which can be safely used in food industry. It has also has several medicinal applications and has some limited food value. This small tree can be used as an ornamental tree in housing colonies and even in small home gardens in warm tropical areas. It is a larval host plant for butterfly: Tricolour Pied Flat. This plant was photographed from Coimbatore city.
