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HERITAGE TREES OF KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

FOREST STAFF MEASURING THE LARGEST TETRAMELES NUDIFLORA TREE (CHEENI IN

TAMIL) FOUND IN VEERAPULI RESERVED FOREST OF KANYAKUMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

THE OLDEST TETRAMELES NUDIFLORA TREE FOUND IN THE WESTERN GHATS WITH A GIRTH
OF 6.05 M AND A HEIGHT OF ABOUT 35 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 300 YEARS OLD

This is a lofty, fast-growing deciduous tree with clean and shiny brown stem often with
buttress at the base. The minute seeds get distributed widely when they are shed from an
enormous height. It is found both in evergreen and deciduous forests of Western Ghats, up
to 900 metres. This tree belongs to the family Tetramelaceae. The wood is mainly used for
making canoes. Boats made of this wood when rubbed with fish oil is said to last for 8-10
years. This tree is also found in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, China, Laos,
Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. Because of its large size, it
is suited to parks and large spaces than private gardens.
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THE LARGEST ADINA CORDIFOLIA TREE (MANJAL KADAMBU-IN TAMIL) FOUND ON THE
HIGHWAYS FROM KULASEKARAM TO PECHIPARAI DAM IN PONNIYAKULAM OF KKM DT.

OLDEST ADINA CORDIFOLIA (MANJAL KADAMBU) WITH A GIRTH OF 6.71 M AND A HEIGHT
OF ABOUT 40 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 300 YEARS OLD FOUND IN PONNIYAKULAM OF
KKM DISTRICT.

The English name of this tree is Yellow Teak or Saffron Teak. This is a large deciduous tree
with buttressed stem and fluted at the base. This belongs to the family Rubiaceae. This is
native to Southern Asia, from India and Sri Lanka east to Southern China and Vietnam. This
is found in deciduous forests throughout India. Since the direct sowing of this species failed
due to low viability of seeds and destructive mode of harvesting, this is included in
threatened species. The wood is used for furniture, construction, agricultural implements,
door panels, combs, writing tables, cots and bobbins. The paste of the stem bark or leaves is
used to heel deep wounds and jaundice, stomach ache, malarial fever, swelling in stomach.
The paste of the root is used for treating dysentery.
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THE LARGEST PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM TREE (VENGAI-IN TAMIL) FOUND IN VEERAPULI

RF OF KANYAKUMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

OLDEST PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM (VENGAI-IN TAMIL) TREE WITH A GIRTH OF 3.41 M

AND A HEIGHT OF ABOUT 25 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 200 YEARS OLD

A large deciduous tree found in deciduous forests up to 1370 metres. This is the most
important timber tree of south India, next to Teak and Rosewood. The timber is used for
making spokes, building, furniture, railway purposes, etc. The gum resin Kino is blood-red
when fresh. It becomes dark-red later and fragments. This is a valuable astringent. In Siddha
medical system, the stem bark, leaf and gum are used for curing dysentery, leucorrhoea,
cough, vomiting, dental diseases, diseases of vatam and skin diseases. In Ayurveda, the
heart-wood, leaf and gum are used for treating leprosy, worm infestation, wounds,
leucoderma and polyuria.
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LARGEST SWIETENIA MAHOGANY (MAHAGONY-IN TAMIL) TREE FOUND IN THE FOREST

CHECK-POST PREMISES OF KULASEKARAM RANGE IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

OLDEST SWIETENIA MAHOGANY (MAHAGONY-IN TAMIL) TREE WITH A GIRTH OF 4.65 M

AND A HEIGHT OF ABOUT 26 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 250 YEARS FOUND IN
KULASEKARAM CHECK-POST CAMPUS OF KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

An exotic and evergreen tree from Central America and Jamaica, introduced in India.
Swietenia mahogany is a medium-sized semi-evergreen tree growing to 30-35 metres. This
belongs to the family Meliaceae. This species is classified as Threatened by IUCN. Wood
forms a very good timber. The timber is used for making furniture, ship building, musical
instruments, etc. The bark is used as an antipyretic, tonic and astringent. The bark is used as
a substitute for cinchona bark.
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LARGEST MELIA DUBIA (MALAI VEMBU-IN TAMIL) TREE FOUND IN KULASEKARAM FOREST
RANGE OFFICE PREMISES OF KANYAKUMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

OLDEST MELIA DUBIA (MALAI VEMBU-IN TAMIL) WITH A GIRTH OF 2.52 M AND A HEIGHT
OF ABOUT 30 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 100 YEARS OLD FOUND IN KULASEKARAM RANGE
OFFICE CAMPUS

This is a large, deciduous and quick growing tree. This is found in low elevations in Western
Ghats from S.Kanara to Tirunelveli. This belongs to the family Meliaceae. The wood is used
for Katamarans and suitable for tea chests and rough cases. As the species grows very
rapidly, this can be used for afforestation. The bitter fruit pulp is a remedy for colic. In
Siddha medical system, the root, bark, leaf and gum are used for treating worm infestation,
amenorrhoea, sterility in female, eczema and spleenomegaly.
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LARGEST ARTOCARPUS HIRSUTA (AIYINIPILA-IN TAMIL) TREE FOUND IN KULASEKARAM

FOREST RANGE OFFICE CAMPUS OF KANYAKUMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

OLDEST ARTOCARPUS HIRSUTA (AIYINIPILA-IN TAMIL) TREE WITH A GIRTH OF 5.42 M AND A
HEIGHT OF ABOUT 34 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 200 YEARS OLD IN KULASEKARAM FOREST
RANGE OFFICE CAMPUS OF KANYAKUMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARYS

This is a lofty evergreen tree with straight and clean bole. This has dense foliage. This is
found in the evergreen forests of West Coast from sea-level to 1060 metres; Coorg, Mysore,
Wynaad, Anamalai to Travancore. This belongs to the family Moraceae. The wood is largely
used for houses, boats, furniture, etc. This is recommended as an excellent substitute for
teak. Elephants are fond of the bark and the leaves.
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LARGEST TERMINALIA BELLERICA (THANI-IN TAMIL) TREE FOUND IN VEERAPULI RF OF

KANYAKUMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

OLDEST TERMINALAI BELLERICA (THANI-IN TAMIL) WITH A GIRTH OF 7.41 M AND A HEIGHT
OF ABOUT 42 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 250 YEARS OLD IN VEERAPULI RF OF KKM FOREST

This is a large, deciduous tree with straight and tall bole. This is found in deciduous forests
up to 910 metres. This belongs to the family Combretaceae. The wood is used after
immersion in water for house building, packing cases, etc. The fruit forms one of the
myrabolans of commerce. The fruits are used in tanning, dyeing and making ink. Kernel is
edible and the oil obtained is used for hair. The fruits are a favourite food of monkeys, deer,
sheep, goats and cattle. Ripe fruits are used as an astringent in combination with chebulic
myrabolan (Terminalia chebula) and Emblica officinalis as the famous Triphala drug of
Ayurveda. In Siddha, the fruit, leaf and seed are used for treating guinea worm disease,
leucorrhoea, veneral diseases, hypertension, pox and dyspnoea. In Ayurveda, the fruits are
used for treating bronchial asthma, eye diseases, diseases of throat, oedema, diarrhoea,
constipation, worm infestation and cardiac diseases.
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LARGEST STRYCHNOS NUX-VOMICA (YETTI-IN TAMIL) TREE WITH A GIRTH OF 3.31 M AND A
HEIGHT OF ABOUT 36 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 200 YEARS OLD FOUND IN KULASEKARAM
FOREST RANGE OFFICE CAMPUS OF KANYAKUMARI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY OF KKM DT

This is a large sized deciduous tree with lenticellate branches. Found in all districts of
Peninsular India. This belongs to the family Loganiaceae. The wood is largely used for axe-
handles, plough-shares, cart-wheels, cots, etc. Seeds yield an alkaloid strychnine, a strong
poison and stimulant in small doses, largely exported to Europe. In Siddha medical system,
the root bark, bark, leaf, fruit and seed are used for treating diseases of vatam, abscess,
eczema, fainting, fever, dropsy, hemiplegia, leprosy and epilepsy. In Ayurveda, the seed
kernel is used for treating pain in joints, rheumatism, wounds, sprain in sinus, hemiplegia,
insomnia, anorexia, stomach disorders, sprue, oedema, cough, pleurisy, general debility,
leprosy, boils and intermittent fever.
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LARGEST MICHELIA CHEMPACA (SHANBAGAM-IN TAMIL) TREE WITH A GIRTH OF 2.51 M

AND A HEIGHT OF 18 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 150 YEARS OLD FOUND NEAR PECHIPARAI
DAM IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT

This is a large, umbrageous tree. This is found in evergreen forests at high elevations. This
belongs to the family Magnoliaceae. Very much cultivated in temples and gardens for their
sweet-scented flowers. The timber is used for furniture, house construction, canoes, etc. In
Siddha medical system, the bark, flower bud, flower and seeds are used for treating cough,
anorexia, dyspnoea, diseases of kapham, skin diseases and urinary disorders. In Ayurvedha,
the bark and flower are used for treating burning sensation, diseases of kapha, skin
diseases, headache, anorexia, cardiac diseases, worm infestation, cough, dyspnoea,
intermittent fever and scrofula.
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A LARGE NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND NATURE LOVERS IN FRONT OF THE

LARGEST TERMINALIA ARJUNA (NEER MARUDHU-IN TAMIL) TREE AT ESANTHIMANGALAM
VILLAGE OF KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT WHEN NAMED AS THOLKAPPIAR AND DEDICATED TO
THE STATE BY THE COLLECTOR MR.RAJENDRA RATNOO.I.A.S.ON 16.7.2010 IN A FUNCTION
ORGANIZED BY THE DISTRICT FOREST OFFICER, KANYAKUMARI TO CREATE AWARENESS
AMONG THE PEOPLE

OLDEST TERMINALIA ARJUNA (NEER MARUDHU-IN TAMIL) WITH A GIRTH OF 26 M AND A

HEIGHT OF ABOUT 46 M, ASSESSED TO BE ABOUT 500 YEARS OLD IN KANYAKUMARI DT

This is a unique honour both to the oldest tree and also to the ancient Tamil Poet
Tholkappiar who was supposedly born in this district. This is the biggest tree identified
outside the Reserved Forest areas in Kanyakumari district. This is not only a Heritage Tree
but also acts as a Living Monument. This is a large, nearly evergreen, often buttressed tree.
This is found mostly on river or stream banks; often planted in avenues. This belongs to the
family Combretaceae. The wood is used for making furniture, agricultural implements,
carts, etc. The tree has got very good medicinal value. The bark of the tree is used for
treatment of cardiac disease, tuberculosis, asthma, skin disease, liver enlargement, etc. The
leaves are used for curing stomach ache, etc.
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TREES-FRIENDS OF MANKIND: Trees serve the humanity in so many ways. 'If it is true that
one loves the earth, first of all one must learn to love the trees; because trees are the
guardians of the earth. Trees are not only guardians. Trees are our parents. Trees are our
brothers. Trees are our sisters. Trees are our relatives. Trees are our friends. Trees are our
teachers. Trees are our doctors. Trees are our treasure troves. Trees are our savings banks.
Trees can grow without the support and care of the mankind. But mankind may find it
difficult to manage without trees. A country should have at least one third of the land area
under forest for economic stability and for sustainable economy. When the scope for
increasing the forest cover appears to be very bleak because of various factors, it is very
much essential to increase the tree cover by taking up tree planting activity whenever and
wherever possible. In the same way, the age old trees are to be considered as the Living
Fossils. By way of identifying this kind of heritage trees and making the public aware of
them, it is able to draw their attention toward their preservation.

The authorities concerned can list out the rare and old trees across the state and encourage
the private owners who are in possession of such heritage trees. Issuing health card to the
age old trees also can be considered with a view of preserving them in case of any pressure
from any corner to fell the trees. Nature Lovers, Environmentalists, Scientists,
Conservationists and the Student Community can a play a major role in identifying such
trees and protecting them for posterity. The State and Central Governments can entrust the
job of listing out such trees to any conservation oriented social forum in order to create
awareness among the public and the student community about increasing the tree cover,
which is the need of the hour.

V.Sundararaju.IFS.,

Former DFO,

President, Society for Conservation of Nature (SOFCON),

Tamil Nadu, India,

Mobile: 9443170366.

Mail id: sundarifs.raju@gmail.com

www.sofcon.org