Yellow flame

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Peltophorum pterocarpum

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Peltophorum Species: pterocarpum

Synonyms: Caesalpinia glenieii, Caesalpinia kilaroe, Caesalpinia inermis, Brasilettia ferruginea, Poinciana roxburghii, Caesalpinia roxburghii, Peltophorum ferrugineum, Peltophorum roxburghii, Caesalpinia arborea, Caesalpinia ferruginea, Inga pterocarpa, Caesalpinia macklottii, Baryxylum inerme, Baryxylum ferrugineum, Peltophorum inerme

Yellow flame
Yellow flame

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
astringent

Traditional Uses

In South and Southeast Asian traditional and Ayurvedic medicine the tannin-rich bark of Peltophorum pterocarpum is used as an astringent for intestinal disorders and dysentery, and is applied to sprains, bruises, swellings and sores or used as a gargle and tooth powder; the leaves and flowers are also used for skin complaints and fevers (Ayurvedic ethnobotanical reviews).

Botanical Description

Peltophorum pterocarpum, the copperpod or yellow flame tree, is a fast-growing, semi-deciduous tree of the pea family (Fabaceae, subfamily Caesalpinioideae) reaching about 15 to 25 metres tall with a broad, spreading, umbrella-shaped crown and grey to brownish bark. The large bipinnate leaves bear numerous pairs of small oblong leaflets that fold at night, giving the foliage a fine, ferny texture. Striking, slightly fragrant flowers with five crinkled bright yellow petals and rusty-brown hairy buds are massed in large erect terminal panicles, making the tree a popular ornamental and street tree. The fruit is a flattened, winged, reddish-brown to purplish pod (samara-like) 5 to 10 centimetres long containing one to four seeds. Native to coastal and lowland tropical Asia and northern Australasia, it is now widely planted throughout the tropics for shade and ornament, growing readily on a range of soils including coastal sands.

Native Region: Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, Jawa, Malaya, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam

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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