Common Name: Anjan

General Information

Hardwickia binata is a moderate-sized to large, graceful, deciduous tree with drooping slender branches[]. It can grow up to 24 - 30 metres tall, with a clean cylindrical bole that can be up to 12 - 15 metres[]. In isolated situations, or on poor soils, the tree tends to branch low down and produce a short bole[].
The tree produces a good quality timber that makes an excellent fuel. It is also the source of a fibre and a resin, and has local medicinal uses.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central and southern India.

Habitat

Isolated patches in teak forests, dry savannah and degraded dry deciduous forests[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Hardwickia binata is a plant of the dry to moist lowland tropics and subtropics, growing mainly in a climate characterized by a long period of drought, scant to moderate rainfall, and intense heat during the hot season[]. It it is found at elevations up to 300 metres[]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 16 - 38°c, but can tolerate 5 - 46°c[]. Mature plants can be killed by temperatures of -2°c or lower, but new growth will be severely damaged at -1°c[]. In the cold season, frosts, generally mild, occur only in certain portions of its area of distribution, particularly in low-lying areas[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 500 - 1,000mm, but tolerates 250 - 1,500mm[].
The tree grows best on sandstone, conglomerate, quartzite, granite and schist, with an overlying soil of sandy loam or, very characteristic, a quartzose reddish gravelly sand[]. The tree thrives in a dry climate and is capable of establishing itself and growing on dry shallow soil and rocky ground where most other species would succumb[]. Young trees can withstand some shade and may even require artificial shading[]. Later, the plants are moderately light demanding[].The overlying soil does not have to be deep since the taproot has a capacity for growing through fissures in solid rock[]. It tolerates acidic to neutral soils[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7.5, tolerating 4.5 - 8[].
In its natural range, the seedlings are sensitive to drought, while frosts are not severe enough to do any harm[]. From the second year onwards, the plants are immune to injury from frost[].
A taproot that has the ability to penetrate hard soil and fissures in solid rock develops early in the life of the seedling plant[]. The stem usually dies back annually during the early years of developing the taproot[].
The tree pollards well even up to a comparatively advanced age, and old pollards when pollarded again almost invariably produce abundant new shoots[]. However, the tree coppices poorly[]. Old trees, which send out vigorous pollard shoots if cut 1 or 2 metres above the ground, produce no coppice shoots if cut flush with the ground; old pollards when felled at ground level never coppice[].
Young shoots are sensitive to fire, but recovery is good[].
A nodulating species, but there is considerable doubt about whether it is nitrogen fixing or not[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark contains tannins and is astringent. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, worms, indigestion and leprosy[].

A balsam resin obtained from the tree is used in the treatment of sexually-transmitted diseases[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Branches are much lopped for manure; leaves can be used as mulch[].
The plant has a deep rooting system and therefore does not compete much with any arable crops grown near it[].

Other Uses

The bark yields a strong fibre largely employed for making ropes, paper, cordage and sails[, ].

The bark contains tannins[].

A balsam similar to copaiba balsam (obtained from Copaifera species) is obtained from the trunk[, ]. The resin cannot be used in the same ways as copaiba resin[]. It is used as a wood preservative[].

The wood is perhaps the hardest and heaviest in India[]. The heartwood is dark reddish-brown streaked with purple; it is clearly demarcated from the thin band of white sapwood[]. The wood is close grained, difficult to season but fairly durable[]. The wood is used for beams and mine props, bridge and house construction, agricultural implements, carts and wheel work[].
The tree provides excellent firewood and good charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - fresh mature seed has a high fertility rate and germinates readily with moderate moisture[]. Germination is epigeous[]. Growth and survival of seedlings are improved by mulching and shade[].
Seed may sometimes retain viability for 1 or even 2 years[].

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