Common Name: Ranabili. Tamil Name: Puilipan cheddi
Ranabili is a monotypic plant of genus Cipadessa under Meliaceae family. The plant is a shrub that grows to a height of about 1.5 meter and is endemic to the Western Ghats. The young branches are yellowish and lenticulate. The single compound leaves are arranged in an alternate manner. The petiole of the leaf is swollen; the petiole along with the rachides measure around 14.5 cm. The leaflets are seen in 4-5 pairs; the lower leaflets are smaller than the rest; imparipinnate. The leaflet stalk and leaflet measure around 2 mm and 7.2 cm respectively. The leaflets are ovate in shape with a cuneate bottom and an acuminate tip. The inflorescence is in the form of an axillary corymb. The flower petals are white in color and have 5 distinct petals; each measure around 3 mm in length. The calyx measure around 1 mm. The flower has 10 stamens and a single style. The fruit is in the form of a round shaped reddish colored drupe. Important larval host for Moths and a nectar source plant for butterflies.
