Synonyms :

• Chilmoria pentandra Buch.-Ham.
• Hydnocarpus laurifolius Dennst. ex Sleumer
• Marottia oleosa Raf.
• Munnicksia laurifolia Dennst.

Systematic Position
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Achariaceae

Native: Western Ghats of India
Common Names
English – Hydnocarpus Oil Tree
Malayalam – Kotti, Maravetti, Marotti, Neeratti, Niralam, Thamana

Description: Hydnocarpus pentandrus is an evergreen tree growing 9 – 15 metres tall
A very important medicinal tree in India, where the fruits are commonly harvested from the wild both for local use and for trade. It is particularly valued in the treatment of leprosy and skin conditions. The oil from the seeds is also used as an illuminant in lamps, whilst the wood is also used locally.
Major threats to this species are loss of habitat and habitat fragmentation, unsustainable collection of the fruits for medicinal use, and predation by squirrels. Populations are believed to have been reduced by around 40% since the mid 20th century. The plant is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014).

Habitat: Semi-evergreen, deciduous, and moist deciduous forests, also in the plains.

Distribution: Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra
Uses: Seed oil is used, antibacterial and stimulant both internally and externally, in the treatment of lepromatous leprosy, and is effective in early cases in decreasing the size of nodules, anaesthetic patches and skin lesions. The oil has also been recommended as a topical application to treat rheumatism, sprains and bruises, sciatica and chest complaints, and for dressing wounds. It is used in Ayurveda, Sidha and Folk systems of medicine in India. The white wood is of fair quality and is occasionally used.