Synonyms

Allamanda verticillata Desf.

 Systematic Position

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Gentianales

Family: Apocynaceae

Native: Indian subcontinent

Common Names

English – Pala indigo

Malayalam – കമ്പിപ്പാല, ദന്തപാല

Description: Wrightia tinctoria, commonly known as Pala Indigo Plant or Dyer’s Oleander, is
a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It is a small deciduous tree along with scaly bark as
well as height of 1.8 m and girth of about 60 cm found in all over India. It has elliptic
lanceolate leaves.

Habitat:  Dry, deciduous tree

Distribution:  India to Myanmar

Uses: .One of the primary uses of W. tinctoria is as a source of natural dye. The bark of the tree
contains indigotin, a blue pigment traditionally used for dyeing textiles. Various parts of the plant,
including the leaves, bark, and roots, are utilized in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda
and sidha. W. tinctoria is believed to possess medicinal properties and has been used to treat
conditions such as skin diseases, fever, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues. However, scientific
evidence supporting these medicinal uses is limited. In some regions, Wrightia tinctoria is grown as
part of agroforestry systems. It is highly valuable for its bark, which yields a blue dye that is
traditionally used in textile dyeing. Further, it has medicinal properties and is sometimes cultivated as
an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage.

Others: Various parts of the plant, including the leaves, bark, and roots, are utilized in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Wrightia tinctoria is believed to possess medicinal properties and has been used to treat conditions such as skin diseases, fever, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues. However, scientific evidence supporting these medicinal uses is limited.

In some regions, Wrightia tinctoria is grown as part of agroforestry systems.