Sageraea laurina
Sageraea laurina
Sageraea laurina or laurifolia (Sageraea laurina Dalzell) is an arboreal species belonging to the Annonaceae family.
Systematics –
From a systematic point of view it belongs to:
Eukaryota Domain,
Kingdom Plantae,
Magnoliophyta Division,
Magnoliopsida class,
Subclass Magnoliidae,
Order Magnoliales,
Annonaceae family,
Genus Sageraea,
S. laurina species.
The terms are synonymous:
– Bocagea dalzellii Hook.f. & Thomson;
– Guatteria laurifolia J.Graham;
– Sageraea laurifolia (J.Graham) Blatt..
Etymology –
The term Sageraea is of uncertain origin.
The specific epithet laurine comes from Laurus (assonant with the Celtic evergreen lauer and with the Sanskrit daru tree, Latin name for laurel or laurel, a plant sacred to Apollo) laurel: due to the leaves that resemble laurel.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat –
La Sageraea laurina is a plant native to East Asia and, in particular, southern India; it is endemic to the Western Ghats region, rare in southern Sahyadri and occasionally in northern Malanad from central Sahyadri to the Konkan coast.
Its habitat is that of the undergrowth in humid and evergreen forests at altitudes between 200 and 600 meters.
Description –
Sageraea laurina is a medium-sized tree that can reach a height of 12 m.
It has an irregularly wavy bark that is light brown in color.
The branches are thin and hairless.
The leaves are simple, alternate, distichous; the petiole is 0.5-1.3 cm robust; the lamina measures 10-30 x 3-10 cm, of a narrow oblong to narrow elliptical shape, with apex from acute to gradually sharp or obtuse, acute base, glabrous, entire margin; secondary ribs in 8-13 pairs and reticulated tertiary ribs.
The flowers are cream-colored, solitary or in clusters, which form on the oldest branches with an elongated pedicel.
The fruits are berries in clusters, globose, subsessile, up to 4 cm in diameter.
Cultivation –
Sageraea laurina is an evergreen tree that is harvested in nature for local use as a medicine and source of wood.
It grows in its natural habitat where local populations use it for various preparations or for the use of wood.
Propagation usually occurs by seed.
Customs and Traditions –
Sageraea laurina is a plant endemic to India and known in Malayalam as കാനക്കൈത (kanakkaita) or മഞ്ഞനാര (mannanara).
This species was described by Nicol Alexander Dalzell.
This plant is used in the medicinal field.
The leaves are used in the treatment of rheumatism.
Among other uses, it should be remembered that the wood, light yellow, sometimes red, has a uniform grain, rather heavy, hard, tenacious and elastic. This is used for various purposes and useful for cabinet making and therefore in the production of furniture of different invoices.
Unfortunately this plant is classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Preparation Method –
Sageraea laurina belongs to those plants whose use is mainly linked to the habits of local populations who collect some parts for various purposes and purposes.
This plant is used in the traditional medicine of local populations for the treatment of rheumatism.
The leaves are used and collected for use and prepared in various ways
Guido Bissanti
Sources
– Acta Plantarum – Flora of the Italian Regions.
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– Useful Tropical Plants Database.
– Conti F., Abbate G., Alessandrini A., Blasi C. (ed.), 2005. An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora, Palombi Editore.
– Pignatti S., 1982. Flora of Italy, Edagricole, Bologna.
– Treben M., 2000. Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy, Advice and experiences with medicinal herbs, Ennsthaler Editore.
Warning: Pharmaceutical applications and alimurgical uses are indicated for informational purposes only, they do not represent in any way a medical prescription; therefore no responsibility is taken for their use for curative, aesthetic or food purposes.
Photo source:
– https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/17990