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Useful Tropical Plants

Tecomella undulata

(Sm.) Seem.

Bignoniaceae

+ Synonyms

Bignonia glauca Decne.

Bignonia tropaeolum Jacquem. ex DC.

Bignonia undulata Sm.

Gelseminum undulatum (Sm.) Kuntze

Tecoma glauca DC.

Tecoma undulata (Sm.) G.Don

Common Name: Desert Teak

No Image.

General Information

Tecomella undulata is a deciduous to nearly evergreen large shrub or small tree, usually growing around 2.5 - 10 metres tall but occasionally reaching 15 metres[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
]. In good growing conditions the tree can develop into a rather handsome specimen with a rounded, rather open crown atop a clear bole up to 450cm high and 80cm in diameter[
1647
Title
The Forest Flora of North-west and Central India - A handbook of the indigenous trees and shrubs of those countries.
Publication
 
Author
Stewart J.L. & Brandis D.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/
Publisher
W.H. Allen & Co; London
Year
1874
ISBN
 
Description
Excellent for its time, the book still contains much useful and interesting information on Indian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
Desert teak is a multipurpose plant valued for its various uses in agroforestry and traditional medicine, and, in particular, as a source of fuel wood and timber. It is a common ingredient of various polyherbal often sold in local markets. The plant is recognised as one of the most useful trees of the arid zone and is the main source of timber amongst the tree species of the desert regions of Rajasthan[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
]. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its showy flowers[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
].
Tecomella undulata has experienced severe ongoing population declines, largely attributable to overexploitation, but exacerbated by poor regeneration, sluggish growth, habitat loss, climate change, and vulnerability to pests and grazing activities.The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2021)[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References


Range

Southwest Asia - eastern Oman, southwest Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, western India

Habitat

Arid areas, growing on flat and undulating land and thriving on stabilized sand dunes; at elevations up to 1,300 metres[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Properties

Conservation StatusEndangered
Medicinal Rating *  *  *
Other Uses Rating *  *  *
HabitSemi-deciduous Tree
Height5.00 m
PollinatorsInsects
Self-fertileNo
Cultivation StatusOrnamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tecomella undulata has a large distribution across arid and semi-arid regions of the warm temperate to tropical zones, ranging from Oman to northwest India. The species thrives on stabilised sand dunes and is tolerant of extreme
high and low temperature, and low rainfall[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
Requires a sunny position. Established plants are very drought tolerant[
652
Title
The Silviculture of Indian Trees
Publication
 
Author
Troup. R.S.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Oxford, at the Clarendon Press
Year
1921
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent treatment.
].
The plant responds well to coppicing[
1647
Title
The Forest Flora of North-west and Central India - A handbook of the indigenous trees and shrubs of those countries.
Publication
 
Author
Stewart J.L. & Brandis D.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/
Publisher
W.H. Allen & Co; London
Year
1874
ISBN
 
Description
Excellent for its time, the book still contains much useful and interesting information on Indian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
The plant is very tolerant of fire[
652
Title
The Silviculture of Indian Trees
Publication
 
Author
Troup. R.S.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Oxford, at the Clarendon Press
Year
1921
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent treatment.
].
This species is the state flower of Rajasthan[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Tecomella undulata has long been used in ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of a wide range of conditions and is a component of several polyherbal formulations[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

The bark is cardiotonic, cholagogue, relaxant[
2022
Title
Indian Medicinal Plants; An Illustrated Dictionary
Publication
 
Author
Khare C.P. (Ed.)
Publisher
Springer-Verlag Berlin/Heidelberg
Year
2007
ISBN
978-0-387-70637-5
Description
 
]. The powdered stem bark is prescribed as a decoction, and as an extract in clarified butter, for the treatment of a range of conditions including jaundice, enlarged spleen, anaemia, intestinal worms and urinary disorders. It is also used to treat piles, anorexia, flatulence, tumours, leucorrhoea, hepatitis, eczema, gonorrhoea and syphilis[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
372
Title
Flowers of India
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.flowersofindia.net/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A wed site of native Indian plants, plus cultivated and naturalized species. It has good quality photos and terse details on more than 3,000 species and cultivars.
]. The bark powder is taken with hot milk to induce abortion[
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
]. A decoction of the bark is used to make a cooling drink[
1497
Title
The Ethnobotany of Southern Balochistan, Pakistan, with Particular Reference to Medicinal Plants
Publication
Fieldiana Botany New Series No. 31, 1992
Author
Goodman S.M.; Ghafoor A.
Publisher
 
Year
1992
ISBN
0015-0746
Description
 
].

The stem and powdered bark are also used as components of many other ayurvedic preparations, including Rohitakarista, prescribed for use against liver and spleen diseases, oedema, anaemia and abdominal complaints[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

The pulp of the roots is used with rice water to treat leucorrhoea[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

The plant (part not specified) is used in the treatment of allergies, syphilis, and old wounds[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
]. The plant has also been reported in the treatment of snake bite, cholera, pain, epilepsy, cancer, malaria and conjunctivitis[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
].

The seeds are used in the treatment of sores, haemorrhoids and abscesses[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
372
Title
Flowers of India
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.flowersofindia.net/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A wed site of native Indian plants, plus cultivated and naturalized species. It has good quality photos and terse details on more than 3,000 species and cultivars.
]. They are crushed, combined with a leaf extract of a Pinus species, and taken to treat haemorrhoids[
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
].

The flowers are used to make a tea to improve fertility in women[
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
]. The flowers are also used for treating hepatitis and gynaecological troubles[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
]. They are soaked in water and the extract is drunk in order to reduce thirst[
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
].

A paste made from the leaves is administered externally to combat migraines[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

The species is a component of a patented polyherbal composition of nine plants for treatment of immuno-compromised conditions, including HIV/AIDS[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
].

Contemporary research has demonstrated that parts of the plant exhibit antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-AIDS, anti-acarid, antinociceptive, anti-pyretic, anti-obesity and anti-lipidimic properties[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant plays an important role in ecology. It acts as a soil-binding tree by spreading a network of lateral roots on the top surface of the soil. It acts as a windbreak and helps in stabilizing shifting sand dunes. It is considered as the home of birds and provides shelter for other desert wildlife[
372
Title
Flowers of India
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.flowersofindia.net/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A wed site of native Indian plants, plus cultivated and naturalized species. It has good quality photos and terse details on more than 3,000 species and cultivars.
,
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
].
It is also grown in shelterbelt plantations and has been explored as biofertiliser owing to the beneficial effects its rhizosphere has on the surrounding soil[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
A useful species for afforesting dry tracts[
652
Title
The Silviculture of Indian Trees
Publication
 
Author
Troup. R.S.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Publisher
Oxford, at the Clarendon Press
Year
1921
ISBN
 
Description
An excellent treatment.
].it is also effective in soil remediation and has been used to improve soils contaminated with chromium and crude petroleum oil, as well as in the rehabilitation of lignite mine backfills[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

Other Uses

The stem has been used in the biosorptive removal of inorganic arsenic and fluoride from aqueous medium, and adsorbents derived from the plant have been used for the removal of dyes like direct blue and orange II. It has also been used in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].

The bark contains tannins[
1497
Title
The Ethnobotany of Southern Balochistan, Pakistan, with Particular Reference to Medicinal Plants
Publication
Fieldiana Botany New Series No. 31, 1992
Author
Goodman S.M.; Ghafoor A.
Publisher
 
Year
1992
ISBN
0015-0746
Description
 
].

The heartwood is dark greyish-brown, often mottled with white[
1647
Title
The Forest Flora of North-west and Central India - A handbook of the indigenous trees and shrubs of those countries.
Publication
 
Author
Stewart J.L. & Brandis D.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/
Publisher
W.H. Allen & Co; London
Year
1874
ISBN
 
Description
Excellent for its time, the book still contains much useful and interesting information on Indian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]. The wood is close and fine-grained, strong, hard, tough and durable. It takes a fine finish[
372
Title
Flowers of India
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.flowersofindia.net/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A wed site of native Indian plants, plus cultivated and naturalized species. It has good quality photos and terse details on more than 3,000 species and cultivars.
,
1647
Title
The Forest Flora of North-west and Central India - A handbook of the indigenous trees and shrubs of those countries.
Publication
 
Author
Stewart J.L. & Brandis D.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/
Publisher
W.H. Allen & Co; London
Year
1874
ISBN
 
Description
Excellent for its time, the book still contains much useful and interesting information on Indian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]. The timber prized as equal to Teak. It is soft, durable and takes a beautiful polish. It is highly prized for making engraved furniture, agricultural implements, toys and carvings[
338
Title
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.iucnredlist.org/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
1647
Title
The Forest Flora of North-west and Central India - A handbook of the indigenous trees and shrubs of those countries.
Publication
 
Author
Stewart J.L. & Brandis D.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/
Publisher
W.H. Allen & Co; London
Year
1874
ISBN
 
Description
Excellent for its time, the book still contains much useful and interesting information on Indian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
]
The wood is excellent for firewood and charcoal[
372
Title
Flowers of India
Publication
 
Author
 
Website
http://www.flowersofindia.net/
Publisher
 
Year
0
ISBN
 
Description
A wed site of native Indian plants, plus cultivated and naturalized species. It has good quality photos and terse details on more than 3,000 species and cultivars.
,
2093
Title
Economically valuable Tecomella undulata - an endangered tree of Arid Zone
Publication
‘Insight’ an International Journal of Science; Vol 2, pp, 8-13, 2015-16
Author
Saggoo M.I.S., Kaur N. & Gill A.
Publisher
 
Year
2015
ISBN
2394-0360
Description
 
].

Propagation

Seed - easy[
1647
Title
The Forest Flora of North-west and Central India - A handbook of the indigenous trees and shrubs of those countries.
Publication
 
Author
Stewart J.L. & Brandis D.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/
Publisher
W.H. Allen & Co; London
Year
1874
ISBN
 
Description
Excellent for its time, the book still contains much useful and interesting information on Indian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
Cuttings root easily[
1647
Title
The Forest Flora of North-west and Central India - A handbook of the indigenous trees and shrubs of those countries.
Publication
 
Author
Stewart J.L. & Brandis D.
Website
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/
Publisher
W.H. Allen & Co; London
Year
1874
ISBN
 
Description
Excellent for its time, the book still contains much useful and interesting information on Indian plants. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
].
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-11-10. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Tecomella+undulata>

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