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Cinnamomum
malabatrum (Burm. f.) Blume
Synonym : Laurus malabatrum Burm.
f.
Family
: Lauraceae
Local Names
: Patta, Vayana, Kuppamaram,
Illavangam
Flowering
and fruiting period:
March – April
Distribution: Southern Western Ghats
Habitat: Evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, also in
the plains
IUCN
status:
Data Deficient
Endemic:
Yes
Uses: Spice. The plant (part not specified) has been
traditionally used as an astringent, carminative, deobstruent, diaphoretic,
galactogogue, haemostatic and stimulant.
It is used for treating wounds, fevers, intestinal worms, headaches and
menstrual problems. The bark is used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal
complaints such as dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhoea and vomiting. Leaves are
used in the treatment of colic and rheumatism. They are sweetish and heating,
making them useful in vata, scabies, disease of the anus and rectum, tridosha,
piles and heart troubles. The dried buds are used with various combinations in
the treatment of cough and urinary disease.
Key
Characters:
Trees, to 20 m high, bark
reddish-brown, smooth or slightly, longitudinally cracked. Leaves simple,
opposite, elliptic-oblong, margin entire, highly aromatic when bruised. Flowers
bisexual, in axillary and pseudo terminal paniculate cymes. Tepals 6. Stamens 9
perfect, in 3 rows; anthers oblong, 4-celled. Ovary half inferior; stigma
small, peltate. Fruit a berry.
