Semecarpus anacardium
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| Semecarpus anacardium | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Semecarpus |
| Species: | S. anacardium |
| Binomial name | |
| Semecarpus anacardium L.f. |
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Semecarpus anacardium (Hindi: भिलावा, Sanskrit: अग्निमुख) is a native of India, found in the outer Himalayas to Coromandel Coast. It is closely related to the cashew.[1][2]
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[edit] Etymology
It is known as bhallatak (Hindi: भल्लातक) in India and was called "marking nut" by Europeans, because it was used by washermen to mark cloth and clothing before washing, as it imparted a water insoluble mark to the cloth. It is also known as ker beeja in Kannada and bibba in Marathi.
[edit] Woody plant features
It is a deciduous tree. The nut is about 25 millimetres (1 in) long, ovoid and smooth lustrous black. In Ayurveda, the fruit is considered a rasayana for longevity and rejuvenation, and is processed before use, as it is toxic in nature.
[edit] References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Semecarpus anacardium |
[edit] Further reading
- Puri, H. S. (2003) RASAYAN: Ayurvedic Herbs for Longevity and Rejuvenation. Taylor & Francis, London. pages 74-79.
- Wealth of India, Raw Materials. Vol IX, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1972
- Germplasm Resources Information Network taxonomy of plants
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