Hydnocarpus wightianus
Hydnocarpus wightianus
Hydnocarpus wightianus (pronunciation: hid-no-car-pus wight-ee-an-us), also known as Chaulmoogra or Marotti in various regions, is a tree species in the family Achariaceae. The tree is native to the Western Ghats of India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of South and Southeast Asia.
Etymology
The genus name Hydnocarpus is derived from the Greek words 'hydnon', meaning truffle, and 'carpos', meaning fruit. This is in reference to the appearance of the fruit. The species name wightianus is in honor of Robert Wight, a Scottish surgeon and botanist who spent a significant part of his career in India.
Description
Hydnocarpus wightianus is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The bark is smooth and grey, with the leaves being simple, alternate, and oblong. The flowers are yellowish, and the fruit is large, round, and contains numerous seeds.
Uses
The seeds of Hydnocarpus wightianus yield an oil known as Chaulmoogra oil, which was historically used in the treatment of leprosy. The oil has antibacterial properties and was used before the advent of modern antibiotics.
Related Terms
- Achariaceae: The family to which Hydnocarpus wightianus belongs.
- Chaulmoogra oil: An oil derived from the seeds of Hydnocarpus wightianus.
- Leprosy: A disease historically treated with Chaulmoogra oil.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydnocarpus wightianus
- Wikipedia's article - Hydnocarpus wightianus
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