Common Name: Padri tree. Tamil Name: Mann kombu
Padri tree is occasionally found in dry deciduous forest ranges around Western Ghats and it grows to a height of about 5 meters. The tree is native to the South East Asian region. The leafs are bi-pinnate and arranged in an opposite manner. The entire leaf measure around 42 cm; number of pinnae is around 4 pairs and the axis ends in the leaflet. Sometimes the lower pinnae is further divided, which almost makes the leaf tri-pinnate. The leafs and all leaflets are arranged in an opposite manner. The leaflets measure around 8 cm each, the base is cuneate and tip acuminate. The flowers are funnel shaped, tubular, bisexual white and measure around 5 cm in length. The inflorescence is in the form of a panicle.The flower encloses 4 stamens in two pairs of different sizes. The flowers are fragrant and very attractive , making Padri tree an attractive avenue and ornamental tree.The fruit is in the form of a very long capsule which can measure more than 90 cm in length. The fruit stalk measure around 28 cm. The surface of the fruit is woody with several hard projections. The fruit which is initially green, turn grey when fully mature. The seeds are winged.
