Digital Garden

Peltophorum pterocarpum

Copperpod

Scientific Name: Peltophorum pterocarpum

Common Name: Copperppod

Family- Fabaceae

Habit type- Tree  

Geographical Distribution and general features- Peltophorum Pterocarpum is one of the most beautiful ornamental trees, characterized by a scent similar to that of grapes that spreads during the night, along with the splendor of its flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and early fall. The native range of this species is Indo-China to N. Australia. It is a tree and grows primarily in the seasonally dry tropical biome. It is used as animal food and a medicine, has environmental uses and social uses and for fuel and food.  

Leaves : Pinnate, like moss leaves, with oval leaflets and length of up to sixty cm. 

Flowers : They are formed in groups about twenty centimeters long and two and a half to four centimeters in diameter, with wrinkled petals. 

Different Usage: 

Medicinal : It is a potent medicinal plant that is endowed with innumerable beneficial qualities, Tannins are present in the bark. In traditional medicine, it is used as a lotion for eye problems, muscle aches, and sores, or as an astringent to treat or reduce digestive difficulties following sprains, bruising, swelling, and discomfort during childbirth. Additionally, it is utilized for tooth powders and gargles. The buds and leaflets contain an antifungal ingredient. Naringenin 7-glucoside, a flavanone glycoside pigment, is present in the flowers which exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Agroforestry and Ecological: The tree is valued for its ability to provide shade because of its dense, spreading crown. Because it is wind-firm, it is employed in shelterbelts and planted as a shade tree on coffee and chocolate farms. It has demonstrated promise in Sumatra's rotational alley-cropping/fallow systems. Young trees are frequently planted beside Tectona grandis or mahogany in an intercropping system. This tree, which grows quickly and fixes nitrogen in the atmosphere, can be used for reforestation and is a source of green manure. It is possible to use this tree as a hedge.