Common Name: Buddhas coconut. Tamil Name: Kodaittondi
Buddha’s coconut is a native to South East Asia and India which can grow to more than 18 meters in height. The leaf stalks measurer around 7.6 cm in length. The leaf measurers around 24 cm in length and the leaf breadth stands at around 19 cm. The leaf surface is smooth on the upper side and slightly hairy on the lower side. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; the leaf margin is wavy. The leaf is ovate in shape with an acuminate apex and cordate base. The flowers stalk measure around 5 mm; the flower measurers around 3 cm across. The inflorescence is in the form of a panicle. The flower is dark brown-reddish in color. Flowers are unisexual or polygamous. The fruit is in around 14 cm in diameter obliquely round in shape. The seeds are winged and brown in color. The seeds of the tree are edible; the wood is used to make boxes. The seeds are used as a substitute for opium. Buddha’s coconut tree is the larval host plant for Chestnut-streaked sailer (source- www.ifoundbutterflies.org)
