Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R.Br.
Buddha's Coconut Tropical chestnut
Semi deciduous tree, grows up to 30 - 35 m tall, 1 m in diameter bark gray leaves simple, long petiole about 3-12 cm long petiole, leaves 10-30 cm long, 8-18 cm broad, ovate-cordate, acute apex, entire, wavy margin flowers uni-sexual, red tomentose, Borne in small racemes, flowers are pale orange to red, about 15 cm across on 2-3 mm long stalks Flowers have no petals, but 5 sepals fruits follicles woody tomentum about 9 cm of diameter, seeds numerous flat seeds and wide wing 5-8 cm long
Ornamental tree. In India, seeds eaten. used medicinally. The oil gotten from the seeds is utilized for lighting and could be advantageously used as biofuel. The bark are obtained robust fibres for cordages. The wood, of whitish colour, is utilized for furniture, boxes, sticks, toys, handicrafts and in the fabrication of the plywood.
Sterculia coccinea Wall, Sterculia alata Roxb
.The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and Mazhar Botanic Garden does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
