The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Kadiam garden's eclipse special

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Thursday, Sep 07, 2006

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Others

Kadiam garden's eclipse special

B.V.S. Bhaskar

PERFECT TIMING: The Amrutadaru tree, which blossoms only at the time of eclipse. — Photo: S. Rambabu

Kadiam (Rajahmundry): Have you heard about a tree that blossoms only once a year, that too on the day of an eclipse? There is one such beautiful ornamental evergreen tree with excellent canopy and rich blue sweet-scented flowers in Kadiam near Rajahmundry, famous for its nurseries. One more unique quality of the tree is that the flowers are concentrated on the side that is under moonlight just before the eclipse between September and October. Amrutadaru or Jeevadaru is the only plant that is never touched by any kind of insect, pest or disease or even by grazing animals. The tree has a long life and is also believed to ensure longevity of people who consume it as a tonic. Hence, it is known as `The tree of life.'

Place in Ayurveda

Its light yellow wood is heavier than water. Vaman Ganesh Desai's medicinal book Aushadha Sangraha published in 1927 has recommended that all ayurvedic medical practitioners have a few of these plants in their compounds. Amrutadaru's original habitat is in the West Indian Islands and North Coast of South America.

It is also known as the Guaiacum tree. The tree became popular in the 16th Century when it was brought into notice as a cure for syphilis and other diseases.

It is also used to promote flow of urine, cure rheumatoid arthritis, chronic rheumatism and gout, relive pain and inflammation and for tonsillitis if given in powder form.

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