Common Name: Indrajao, Tellicherry tree. Tamil Name: Kirimllikai
Indrajao is a medium sized deciduous tree growing to around 8 meters often seen in dry deciduous forest ranges of Western Ghats. Indrajao remains nearly leafless during the flowering months of April and May. The simple leaves are arranged in an opposite manner; the leaf margin is entire. The leaf stalk and leaf length measure around 5 mm and 11.5 cm respectively. The leaves are ovate-oblong in shape; the leaf tip is acuminate base obtuse. The inflorescence is the form of an axillary corymbose cyme. The flowers stalk measure around 7 mm and the flower tube measures around 1 cm; the flower measurers around 3 cm across. The fragrant flowers have five petals and are white in color; and throat of the tubular flower are cream in color. The fruit is in form of a paired cylindrical capsule measuring nearly 20 cm in length. The two cylindrical fruit structures are attached to each other at the tip. The seeds are around 8 mm and have cottony tuft-like attachment. The seeds are disbursed by wind. Indrajao is a much valued medicinal plant in India. It is a fast growing tree suited for reforesting dry areas. The seed and cotton tufts from the tree are used to stuff pillows. Indrajao is used in the in the manufacture of traditional dyes. Indrajao tree is cultivated in India not only as medicinal plant but also as an ornamental tree. Indrajao is the larval host plant for Common crow and Blue tiger butterflies (source www.ifoundbutterflies.org).
