Native: Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Java.

Common Names

English –  Morinda Tree

Malayalam –   മഞ്ഞണാത്തി

Description A small tree or evergreen shrub that can grow to 5–10 meters tall. It has a short, crooked stem with rough bark and deep longitudinal cuts. The leaves are oppositely arranged, 15–25 cm long, and oblong to lancelike in shape. The flowers are white, tubular, and scented, and bloom in spherical heads that are 3–5 cm across. The fruit is a green syncarp that is 2–2.5 cm in diameter.

Distribution:  All throughout the world

Uses: The root bark produces a dye called “morindone dye” that can be used to dye cotton, silk, and wool in shades of red, chocolate, or purple. A beverage made by fermenting the fruits of the Morinda coreia tree has been shown to inhibit enteropathogenic bacteria and is high in potassium.