Star of the forest

BACCAUREA COURTALLENSIS is a little known, but delightful, tree of the gooseberry family, reaching a maximum height of about 25 ft. It is distributed over the southern ranges of the Western Ghats - from North Kanara down to Kanyakumari district.

When not in bloom, this tree can easily escape the attention of any forest explorer. Otherwise, the brilliant crimson flowers, arranged in bunches at regular intervals around the straight trunk with mathematical precision, break the monotony of the landscape. This splendid sight cannot be missed by any one with the least sense of aesthetics. The peculiar phenomenon of flowering on the trunk is known as "trunkiflory", a characteristic feature of new trees of the tropical rainforests.

The tree starts flowering immediately after the North-East monsoon in Kanyakumari district. Male and female flowers are borne in separate bunches on the same tree. The crimson petals, with tinges and streaks of yellow and orange, will hold a person in awe.

The fruit is bright crimson when mature, turning to mulberry red when fully ripe. It is locally known as Muttakkai. It is edible but sour. The tribals make a clean harvest of it probably for its medicinal value and/or to make a pickle, leaving no chance for its natural regeneration. It would not be a surprise if this magnificent tree is listed as a threatened species in the near future. An investigation into the nature of the fruit and a judicial use of the produce will not only save the species but also help to add one more name to the list of useful plants.

A. E. DULIP DANIELS

D. CROSS BELL

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Section  : Features
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