Botanical name :- Dichrostachys cinerea Family :- Mimmosaceae (Simbi Kula/ Babul upkula)
Etymology and Distribution :-
The generic name Dichrostachys means “two colored spikes” referring to its two coloured inflorescence,from the ancient Greek (di- twice); (khroos-colour) and sthakoos(“ear of grain”). The specific name cinerea refers to the greyish hairs of the typical subspecies,from the Latin cinereus (ashes).
It is native to Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the North Australia and had been introduced to the part of Caribbean and parts of South East Asia. In Ethiopia, the species is common in the Nechisar National Park.
The tree was brought to the Caribbean part in 19th century . In various countries, such as Namibia, it is considered as dominant species of woody plant encroachment. In Cuba, where it is known as Marabou weed, it has become a serious invasive species problem, occupying about 4,900,000 acres (20,000 km) of agriculture land. Plants are underway to exploit it as a source of biomass for renewal generation.
The tree is appearing in peninsular Florida. It is as yet uncertain if it was introduced by humans or birds.
Names in different languages
English name :- Sickle bush, Bell mimosa, Chinese lantern tree, Kalahari Christmas tree
Hindi name :- Velantara,Virtaru,Vurtuli,Kunali,Khairi
Kannada name :- Odavinaha, Vaduvaragida
Telugu name :- Lathuga, Venuturu
Marathi name :- Sigam Kati,Durangi babool
Malayalam name :- Vitattal
Oriya name :- Khoiridiya
French :- Acacia saint domingue
2. Chemical constituents
Root :- n- octacosanol
Bark :- Friedielin, a – amyrin
Heartwood :- octacosanol, Sitosterol
Guna :- Laghu (light to digest)
Rasa :- Tikta (butter), katu (pungent)
Vipaka :- Katu
Veerya :- Ushna potency
Effect on Tridosha :- Balances Kapha and Vata dosha.
4.Parts used :- Stembark, Heartwood, Root
5.Dosage :- Decoction 50-100 ml
