Leichhardt-pine
StarNeolamarckia cadamba
Synonyms: Nauclea megaphylla, Anthocephalus indicus var. macrophyllus, Anthocephalus cadamba, Neonauclea megaphylla, Anthocephalus indicus var. glabrescens, Nauclea cadamba, Sarcocephalus cadamba, Anthocephalus morindifolius, Samama cadamba
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Kadamba is an established Ayurvedic and Indian folk medicinal tree. The bark, classed as astringent, antidysenteric and antipyretic, is given as a decoction for diarrhoea, dysentery and intermittent fevers, while leaf preparations are applied to wounds and ulcers as a vulnerary wash; classical Ayurvedic sources including the Bhavaprakasha nighantu describe the plant under the names Kadamba and Nipa (Khare, 2007). Modern pharmacological work on the bark and leaf has supported astringent, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity attributed to cadambine alkaloids and triterpene saponins (Dwevedi et al., 2015).
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Botanical Description
Neolamarckia cadamba, the kadamba or Leichhardt pine, is a large, fast-growing evergreen tree of the Rubiaceae native to South and Southeast Asia and northern Australia and widely planted across the tropics for timber, paper pulp and shade. It reaches 20-35 m tall with a straight cylindrical trunk, smooth grey to dark brown bark, and a broad spreading crown of horizontal branches. The leaves are opposite, large, glossy, ovate to oblong, 15-25 cm long, with prominent venation and conspicuous interpetiolar stipules. Striking, bright orange to yellow, fragrant, globose flower heads about 4-5 cm across are composed of densely packed tubular florets with long protruding white styles, giving them a pincushion appearance; they are followed by small fleshy syncarps containing many tiny seeds. In Indian tradition the kadamba is sacred to Krishna and frequently planted near temples.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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