Below are some examples of the flora of the Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest
Wild Lime - Atalantia monophylla
Locally known as the Kaattu elumitchai tree its beautiful, grey, rounded, buttressed trunks stand ancient looking as they do in the sacred groves throughout Tamil Nadu. In some temple forests, this tree is worshipped as well as the deity. With their dark green shiny foliage, they are one of the keystone species of the southern coastal forests. Essential oil extracted from the fruits is applied externally in cases of chronic rheumatism and the leaf oil has anti fungus and bacterial properties. Traditional healers use a decoction prepared from the roots or leaves as an antispetic for itching and skin complaints. The mature fruits when salted and pickled make a great addition to Tamil cuisine.
Alexandrian Laurel - Calophyllum inophyllum
In Pitchandikulam one can sit under the Pinnai trees well sheltered from the sun by their thick foliage. Yellowish drupes of round fruits hang overhead mixed with clusters of late fragrant white flowers. The trees are said to have been a favourite of Lord Krishna. A valuable oil known for its antiseptic properties is extracted from the crushed seeds. the oil can help soothe rheumatic pains and is applied externally to cure skin problems. Villagers prepare a fish poison out of the leaves and make strong agricultural tools out of the wood.
Kaundala - Carissa spinarum
The Kalakai bush is another of the wild fruit plants of the Coromandel Coast ecosystem. The sweet smelling flowers yield a light yellow essential oil. Around Ganesh Puja time the black tasty acidic fruits are ready, but be careful as you pick them as the plant protests itself with long thorns. There are many of these plants throughout Pitchandikulam, climbing in hedgerows intertwined with companions such as Asparagus racemosa and Gloriosa superba. The fruits are eaten traditionally as an internal medicine for cardiac diseases, nervous disorders and hypertension. The roots are used in traditional veterinary medicine and the flowers are soaked in sesame oil and kept in sunlight for 21 days, to prepare eye drops for the treatment of cataracts and cloudy vision. There are more than 400 plants in Pitchandikulma with known medicinal properties.
Ebony - Diospyros ebenum Standing straight, dark and proud are the ebony trees, so rare to find anymore in the wild because of their extremely valuable wood. Highly prized for its jet black heartwood which is resistant to insect or fungus attack, these beautiful trees from time immemorial have been cut down to use for ornamental carving, musical instruments, piano keys and caskets. The ebony tree has many traditional medicinal uses for curing stomach upsets to healing wounds. The fruit is edible and strengthens the muscles.
Kunji - Glycosmis mauritiana The understory of the Evergreen Forest is brightened by the edible berries of the Kunji Param bushes. Together with Eugenea Bracteata and Memecylon umbellatum they are found throughout Pitchandikulam as hedges and borders. The whole plant has medicinal properties. The roots for instance are powdered and mixed with suger and given in cases of low fever.
Bullet wood tree - Mimusops elengi
Providing a welcome shade, this elegant tree spreads its dense crown. Feel its grey-fissured bark and its leathery leaves, and smell its small fragrant flowers that are used in a lotion prepared to cure wounds. Traditionally a powder made of dried flowers was used as a brain tonic. Resting in its shade one looks up into the thick canopy to see the bright brown ellipsoid fruits waiting to be eaten by birds, animals or people. If collected they are made into delicious pickles. The fruit kernals yield a fatty oil, which is edible and is also used for lighting purposes. The Magidam tree is considered particularly sacred in Tamil Nadu and is conserved and worshipped in temples.
Ironwood - Memecylon umbellatum One of the 160 native woody species of this endangered ecosystem, the sturdy Kasan can live for hundreds of years. In February and March a haze of blue flowers cover the bushes, a gentle Krishna blue, mixing with the touches of purple and red in the new leaf flushes. Later masses of berries change colour from white to golden orange brown. Its form is typical of the compact protective structure of the indigenous vegetation which provides excellent habitat for native fauna. The fresh leaf is chewed by tribal people and flower and leaf juice was used as a preservative for the ancient palm leaf manuscripts.
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Flora