An Arjuna tree, known as ‘neer marudhu' in Tamil, estimated to be over 500 years old, has been named after Tamil poet Tholkappiar and was dedicated to the State at a function in Nagercoil on Friday.
Forest Department officials say the species grows commonly along tank and riverbeds. The tree that was dedicated is outside the Reserve Forest area in Easathimangalam village near Nagercoil. Its girth is 26 metres and height, 46 metres.
“This is the first-ever tree, which has been identified outside the forest area in the district. Bigger trees of the same species can be found inside the forest area in the district,” says V. Sundararaju, District Forest Officer, Kanyakumari.
Explaining the usefulness of the tree, the officials say the bark is used for curing heart and skin diseases besides liver enlargement. The wood is used for making agricultural implements, carts, cots, chairs and dining table.
District Collector Rajendra Ratnoo dedicated it to the people of the State.
The programme was organised by the State Forest Department. C. Jeya Perinba Kumar, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Kanyakumari district, participated.
