2410572018 Corda sichotoma - Useful Tropical Plants Cordia dichotoma GForst. + Synonyms, Common Name: Clammy Cherry General Information Clammy cherry is a small deciduous tree with a short bole and spreading crown[303, 372]. Usually a small tree ‘growing 3- 4 metres tall, though some specimens can reach a height of 20 metres or more[266, 303}. In larger ‘specimens, such as found in Papua New Guinea, the bole ‘can be 25 - 50om in diameter and unbranched for up to 10 metres|388} Gathered from the wild for its many medicinal uses, the {ree is also often cultivated for its fruits throughout the range of its natural distribution(303, 317] Known Hazards ‘The fruits are used to stupefy fish[310} Botanical References close up, fruit 266, Photograph by: Unknown Image credit to Australian National Botanic Gardens Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, through Indo-China, Malaysia to Australia Habitat (Open woods on slopes, mountain streamsides(266) Found in a variety of forests ranging from the dry deciduous to moist deciduous and tidal forests as well as in moist monsoon forest[303}. Grows singly in moist shady ravines and valleys(303) 200, Properties [Weed Potential [Yes Edibility Rating J xx [Other Uses Rating Habit Deciduous Tree Height 4.00 m [Growth Rate Medium [Cultivation Status |Cultivated, Wild Cultivation Details ‘tree of tropical and subtropical regions, found at elevations from sea level to 1,500 metres(303]. It grows in areas where the mean annual rainfalls in the range 250 - 3,000 mm{303]. In areas with annual rainfall less than 500 mm, it thrives along streams or depressions where moisture is available(303} ‘Thrives on a range of soils, but prefers deep moist sandy loams{303, 310}. When the tree reaches pole stage it prefers, ‘complete overhead light, but seedlings and saplings can withstand a fair amount of shade[303] ‘The tree has escaped from cultivation in some areas and concerns have been raised, especially In Hawall, that it could become invasive[305]. ‘Young seediings are frost tender and also suffer from exposure to hot sun. They are susceptible to browsing and fire, but hitp/tropical thofers in ientropical php?id=Cordiatcicholoma 132410572018 Corda sichotoma - Useful Tropical Plants recover appreciably from these injuries[303} ‘The tree coppices and pollards well[303} On good sites the trees reach a height of 4 metres in 4 years and a diameter of over 20 cm in 8 - 9 years[303} Edible Uses Fruit - raw or cooked|301, 317]. Mucilaginous{317]. A sweet flavour{303]. The immature fruits are pickled and are also used as a vegetable[301, 303] ‘The fruit is a yellow or pinkish-yellow shining globose or ovoid drupe about 15mm in diameter, seated in a saucer-lke enlarged calyx{200, 303}. It tums black on ripening and the pulp gets viscid{303]. The hard stone is 1-4 seeded[303} Flowers[301} Leaves(301 ‘Seed[304}, Medicinal Various parts ofthe plant are used medicinally. Some research has been cartied out and several active compounds have been isolated, ‘Two compounds isolated from the seeds, alpha-amyrin and 5-dirhamnoside, have been shown activity[303, 310} ‘The bark contains 2% tannic acid, allantoin, beta -sitosterol and 315-dihydroxy-4’-methoxy flavanone-7-O- alpha -L- rhamnopyranoside[303, 310} ‘The leaves contain flavonol glycosides and phenolics(310). The ethanolic leaf extract was investigated for antifertility effects on male rats in oral doses of 100 mg/kg daily for 21 days. Though none of these extracts interfered with ‘spermatogenesis, anti-implantational and abortifacient effects were observed in females mated by the males fed with the leaf extracts[310} have antiinflammatory ‘The seeds are anti-inflammatory[303). ‘The powdered seeds are applied to skin eruptions and gonorrhoea[3310}. They are considered a good remedy for ringworm; they are powdered, mixed with oil and applied topically{310} The bark is mildly astringent and tonic|310}. A decoction of the stem bark is taken for treating dyspepsia, diarrhoea, dysentery fever, headache, stomach-ache, and as a tonic. tis also beneficial after parturition|310}. Externally, the moistened bark is maturative when applied to boils, swellings and tumours. Itis applied to ulcers in the mouth in the form of a gargle or as a powder. The teeth are rubbed with the bark to strengthen ther[310] ‘The juice of the leaves is considered cooling, and is applied as a poultice to treat migraine, inflammation and swellings[310} ‘The fruit is very mucilaginous, demulcent and laxative[310]. Itis highly esteemed for treating coughs and diseases of the cchest, the uterus and the urethra. In larger quantities its given in bilious affections as a laxative[30}. ‘The fresh fruits are applied externally to skin eruptions and gonorthoea[310} Agroforestry Uses: ‘The plant is grown as a hedge[317) ‘A quick-growing fruit tree, performing well under semi-arid conditions and suitable for planting along boundary and farm roads(303} Other Uses ‘The leaves are used to wrap food before cooking, and also as plates and cigar wrappers[310} An oll is obtained from the seed[266, 2171 A.glue can be made from the mucilaginous fruf{317]. ‘The fruit extract has been shown to suppress larval hatching of Meloidogyne incognita[303}, ‘The wood is tough, fairly strong and seasons well, but insects soon attack i310). It is used for house construction and agricultural implements{266, 303} The tree is used as a fuel wood[303} hitp/tropical thofers in ientropical php?id=Cordiatcicholoma 282410572018 Corda sichotoma - Useful Tropical Plants Propagation Seed - sow direct into containers, beds or trays{303]. Germination starts in about 3-4 weeks and is complete in 6 weeks[303]. The germination process can be sped up ifthe seeds first scarfied by lightly abrading the seedcoat to allow ‘easier ingress of water{307]. Seedlings should be potted up as soon as the first pair of true leaves have formed{ 303]. At lower alttudes, seedlings large enough to plant out can be obtained after 3 - 4 months in the nursery, but at higher alitudes, 9 - 12 months are needed[303}. Germination is epigeous - 1 or 2 seedlings may appear from 1 stone[303]. Seeds can store for at least a year in airtight ccontainers[303} Raising plants from stumps has been carried out successfully. The stumps should be 8 - 13 mm thick atthe root collar, with about 4 cm stem and 20 - 25 cm root303]. Such plants should be raised in beds for 12 - 15 months before stumping Shading should be for only 1 week after seedlings have been pricked out, otherwise seedings should have full light{303} Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fem. tropical.thefems info. 2018-06-24. Add a Comment: Ifyou have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here. Name: [ Email(Private) Message: captcha: whatis greater 80187 (| Last update on 2018-05-02: Now containing 11520 plants Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by Ken Fem, web interface by Ajna Fem with help from The database and code Is leonsed undor a ‘ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. hip tropical thefems.infoviewrtopical php?id=Cordiatcichotoma