Trees of Odisha: Kadamb
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Local Name - କାଦବା | ( kadaba)
In this article
Botanical Overview :
Scientific name: Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser
Common name: Kadam, Kadamba, Bur-flower tree, Cadamba
Native to: South and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, southern China, Indo-China, Malaysia and other neighbouring regions)
Height: They can grow up to about 30–45 meters tall, and mature trees may have large diameter trunks about 100–160 cm (though size may vary).
Leaves: Leaves are simple, glossy green, and are present opposite (in pairs), ovate to elliptical in shape; and also leaf length is often around 15–30 cm.
Flowers in the Kadamb
Type: Flowers grow in dense, spherical (globose) clusters (flower-heads) at branch ends.
Size: The flower heads are roughly a globular mass approx. 5–6 cm diameter for the cluster.
Colour: Flowers are usually orange or reddish-orange (or yellowish-orange) in colour.
Fragrance: The flowers are fragrant, and their scent is used in making perfumes (attar).
Unique features:
They are densely packed ball-like flower clusters, have a bright orange colour, and a strong fragrance, making the tree distinct, with these globose flowering heads as a hallmark of the species.
Fruits in the Kadamb
Shape & size: Fruits form many small capsules borne on a fleshy, globose receptacle (basically a soft, thick, round base that holds many small fruits or flowers together ), forming a spherical infructescence (that is, a cluster or group of fruits growing together on the same stem)
Colour: When the fruits mature, the infructescence is yellow-orange in colour.
Seeds: Each fruit capsule contains many minute seeds, approximately thousands of tiny seeds.
Maturation: Fruits form after the flowering happens (flowering often occurs in the rainy / monsoon period or according to regional climate) and then eventually mature into fleshy-capsule clusters.
Reaction: The capsules then eventually split / or release the seeds when ready; while the fleshy cluster offers a moist, attractive structure. Capsules are woody and long-lasting; as they are not fleshy fruit hence not eaten as fruit. Also, this plant relies on seed release via capsule opening rather than fleshy fruit dispersal.
Dispersal: Seeds are released from the capsules, and animals and birds also visit the fruits and help in the dispersal of seeds.
Pollination
Pollinators: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, birds and other insects for nectar, and the bright, fragrant globose flowers attract the other pollinators.
Pollen types: The flowers are bisexual (male + female parts together), which aids in cross-pollination.
Human Uses in the Kadam
Ornamental use: The tree is grown as an ornamental or shade tree in parks, temple grounds, and avenues due to its large size, attractive foliage and colourful, fragrant flowers.
Traditional medicine: Many parts, such as bark, leaves, and roots, are used in traditional medicine. Reported medicinal uses include treating fever, inflammation, digestive disorders, skin diseases, blood disorders, wounds, ulcers, and as a tonic.
Craft use: The wood of Kadamba is used for paper and pulp production, light construction, boxes, crates, furniture components, and also for plywood and lightweight timber works.
Dye: The flowers are used to make perfumes (attar / essential oils). Some sources also mention the root bark produces a yellow dye.
Cultural & Religious Significance
• India & Sri Lanka: The tree has strong cultural and mythological importance in India. It gives name to the ancient Kadamba Dynasty (345–525 CE).
• Hinduism: The tree (and its flowers) are associated with Krishna. In Hindu tradition, the tree is considered sacred and revered; people have planted Kadamba trees around temples and
Where do I find it?
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