Common Name: Gamhar, Coomb teak. Tamil Name: Gambhari, Kumil. Gamhar is a deciduous tree found in dry deciduous forest areas in India; it has light colored grey flakey bark and grows to a height of about 10-12 meters. The simple leaves are arranged in an opposite manner; the leaf margin is entire. The leaf stalk and leaf measure around 5.3 cm and 10 cm respectively. The leaves are ovate, leaf base cordate and leaf apex acute. The inflorescence is in the form of a terminal panicle. The flower stalk and flower measure around 6 mm and 5 cm respectively. The flowers are bi-lipped, with 5 petal segments joined together. The petals are yellow-brown in color; four stamens are present in sets of two different sizes. The fruit is in the form of a drupe measuring about 2.5 cm and contain 1-2 oblong seeds. Gamhar is used in the preparation of “Dasamula” in Ayurveda system of medicine. The tree wood is used to make light furniture and packing material. The value and fruits are edible. This fast growing tree multiple-use tree can be promoted in agro forestry systems. It is a deciduous tree and often seen in near leaf-less condition (March-April) in Coimbatore bearing handsome flowers
