Dipterocarpaceae

Native: The Western Ghats (Endemic)

Common Names

English –  White Dhamar

Malayalam –  വെള്ളപൈൻ

Description: Evergreen trees with cylindrical, straight boles, growing up to 40m in height, Bark is smooth, grey with green and white blotches on the trunk. On cutting, the bark exudes a white, aromatic resin. The foliage is dense with an oval or dome-like canopy. Leaves are simple, alternate, and arranged in a spiral around the twigs with about 8-27cm long and 4.5–10 cm width. Young leaves appear with a dark red or maroon coloration, turning to pinkish red and green as the leaf matures. Inflorescence appears in axillary panicles densely clothed in stellate hairs. Flowers are white, fragrant, about 2cm in diameter. The fruit is a 3-valved capsule, brown, and oblong or egg-shaped.

Distribution:  Endemic to the Western Ghats.

Uses: The tree has many medicinal uses, including treating chronic bronchitis, ringworm, wounds, boils, rheumatism, and more. It’s also used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat anemia, ear disorders, skin disorders, and diabetes. The bark extract contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which may have neuroprotective properties.