No images found for this plant ID: 8614.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "8614" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
sappanwood
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia sappan
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan)
Sappanwood, scientifically known as Caesalpinia sappan, is a versatile plant with a rich history of use in traditional medicine and as a source of natural dye.
Considerations for Pets
- Sappanwood is described as a small, thorny tree.
Considerations for Children
- Sappanwood is described as a small, thorny tree.
Common Names
- Sappanwood
- Sapanwood
- East Indian Redwood
- Su Mu (Pinyin)
- Patanga-Chekke Sappanga (Kannada)
- Pathimukham (Malayalam)
- Suō (Japanese)
- False Sandalwood
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Caesalpinia sappan L.
- Family: Fabaceae (Pea family), specifically the Caesalpinioideae subfamily
- Synonyms: Su Fang Mu, Sappan Lignum
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical Asia.
- Cultivated in gardens in India.
Morphological Characteristics
- A small, thorny tree, typically 6-9 meters in height and 15-25 cm in trunk diameter.
- Features a few prickly branches.
- Leaves are double-compound.
Uses and Properties
- Historically and presently used as a source of red dye (brazilin).
- The extract color is more stable at higher pH (9) than at lower pH (7).
- Used medicinally to promote circulation and reduce pain and swelling.
- Folkloric uses include decoctions of wood and bark for tuberculosis, diarrhea, dysentery, postpartum tonic, skin infections, and anemia.
- Seeds are also traditionally used for various purposes.
- In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it's used to invigorate blood, reduce swelling and stop bleeding, especially post-partum.
Quirky Facts
- Sappanwood was a major luxury trade good imported from Southeast Asia into East Asia in the medieval and early periods.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The extract of Sappan Wood can be used as a food coloring and antioxidant.