As understood here, this species is confined to Asia, but bears very close affinity to the African species Crateva adansonii, with which it has been equated by some authorities[].

Common Name: Sacred Barma

General Information

Sacred barma is a slow-growing, briefly deciduous small tree with a much-branched crown of glossy foliage[, ], and an attractive bark conspicuously marked with white spots[, ]. It can grow up to 30 metres tall, though it is usually much smaller[].
Often gathered from the wild for its various uses, the tree is also commonly grown near temples and graves in India, where it is considered to be a sacred tree[]. The bark is much used as a medicine in India[], the dried flowers in China[]. Sacred Barma is also cultivated as an ornamental, being especially valued for its flowers[].

Known Hazards

The fruit is poisonous[].

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Australia, Pacific Isles

Habitat

Roadsides and fields at elevations below 200 metres in southern China[]. Found in periodically inundated forest, usually below 100 metres, but also occurring up to 700 metres[]. Humid river valleys, open monsoon forest[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in the tropics and subtropics.
Grows best in a rich, slightly acid soil[]. Prefers a position in full sun or light shade[]. Established plants are moderately drought tolerant[].
The flowers are curiously garlic-scented[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and young shoots - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, ]. A spinach substitute[].

The fruit is occasionally eaten, usually roasted[].

Seed[].

Medicinal

The bark is laxative and also stimulates the appetite[].
The juice from the bitter stem bark or root is used in decoction as a laxative against colic and as a febrifuge[].
The bark and the leaves are pounded and applied as a poultice against rheumatism[].
The leaves are heated and applied to treat earache[].

The flower is considered to be astringent and cholagogue[]. The pickled flowers are stomachic[].

The dried fruit is used medicinally[].

Other Uses

The pulp of the fruit, mixed with mortar, has been used to make cement[].

The fruit pulp is used as a mordant in dyeing[].

The wood is yellowish-white, turning light brown when old[]. It is smooth and close-grained[]. It works easily, and is used in local villages to make drums and artefacts[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[].
Cuttings of half ripe wood[].
Suckers[].

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