A few families near Belthangady make a blood-red kashaya , that is believed to be good for the health, from a tree known as Benga, East Indian Kino and Malabar Kino.
Its botanical name is Pterocarpus marsupium and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has listed it as a vulnerable species on its red list.
The tree is slowly vanishing from the region and the Dr. Shivarama Karanth Biological Park at Pilikula, on the outskirts of the city, are making efforts to preserve it for posterity in its medicinal plants section on the sprawling 80-acre arboretum.
According to Horticulture Supervisor (Medicinal Plants) Udayakumar Shetty, it is believed that the paste of the leaves of the tree ease boils caused by sweating. It is among 365 species of medicinal plants grown at the arboretum and for the curious, Mr. Shetty is more than willing to show each specimen and explain its benefit. There is a rare creeper, Akshatha (Bridelia scadens), which is known to contain anti-allergic characteristic. Mr. Shetty said that women, allergic to vermillion, would apply the gum from its nut on the forehead before applying the red dot. It is also said that the paste from its bark was given to pregnant women for them to deliver a healthier baby.
Another plant is called Black Damar (Kappu Rala, Canarium Strictum) which yields black resin that is has anti-bacterial properties.
There are many more surprises in store for the visitors. A particular specimen of ginger is grown which smells like mangoes and another plant leaf, grown under a section developed from funding from the National Medicinal Plant Board, also gives the aroma of a mango.
Jadegida (Desmodium pulchellum) looks like a nicely-woven braid.
A path is being made in the medicinal plant section where the products could be sold.
A few benches would be put so that people could breathe fresh air surrounded by medicinal plants, says Mr. Shetty.
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Kavante (zanthoxylum rhetsa)
Believed to cure toothache, throat irritation and the paste from its thorny lumps could help with pimples
Raktha Chandana (Pterocarpus santalinus)
Also known as red sanders or red sandalwood and is said to be good for skin diseases
Nekkare (Malestoma malabathricum)
Also known as Indian Rhododendron, its roots yield a pinkish liquid and is said to good for abdominal ailments
Rohitaka or Banta Kepala (Aphanamixis polystrachia)
People from a particular tribe in Andhra Pradesh reportedly apply its oil before entering contaminated water