Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd.

Scientific Name: Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd.

Family: Malvaceae (Traditionally included earlier under Sterculiaceae)

Common Name: Maple-leaved Bayur tree , Dinner plate tree

Hindi Name: कनक चम्पा

Description: Pterospermum acerifolium, also known as the winged seed tree or kanak champa, is a medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the Malvaceae family. the genus Pterospermum derives name from the  Greek words, 'pteron'= wing and 'sperma' = seed. It is native to India, Nepal and Bangladesh, and is also found in other parts of Southeast Asia. Pterospermum acerifolium produces large, fragrant white or pale pink flowers. The flowers are bell-shaped and up to 10 cm in diameter. They appear in clusters at the end of the branches and bloom from April to June. The fruit is a woody capsule, up to 7 cm long, which splits in half when ripe to release the seeds.

The seeds are winged, giving the tree its common name.Kanak Champa is a tree native to India that reaches a height of 50 to 70 feet. The leaves are simple, alternate, stipulated and hand-ribbed. It has large fragrant white nocturnal flowers in axillary clusters. The fruit is a capsule, angular and hairy. This plant can only be seen in cultivation. It produces a reddish wood used for decking; often grown as an ornamental or shade tree.

In traditional medicine, the bark and leaves of P. acerifolium have been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, asthma, and skin diseases.

The tree is also valued for its timber, which is used for construction, furniture making, and as fuel. The flowers of Pterospermum acerifolium are fragrant and are used in making perfumes and incense.

In some cultures, the tree is considered sacred and is used in religious ceremonies. For example, in Hinduism, the tree is associated with the goddess Saraswati, and its flowers are used to decorate her altar. The flowers are used to make perfumes and garlands.The leaves are used as plates to serve food.

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Reference:

• https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%E7%BF%85%E5%AD%90%E6%A8%B9_Pterospermum_acerifolium_20200907152621_08.jpg

• https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pterospermum_acerifolium_(2673877681).jpg

• http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Kanak%20Champa.html