Herb's Introduction Kydia calycina is an evergreen to deciduous tree that grows to a medium height of about 10–20 meters. It is known for its fast-growing nature and is commonly found in tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, particularly in India, China, and Southeast Asia. The plant is a part of the Mallow family (Malvaceae), which also includes cotton and hibiscus. It is a source of mucilage and fiber, which have various traditional applications.
Names in Different Countries
The plant has many regional and vernacular names, reflecting its widespread presence and cultural significance. Some of the common names in different countries and regions include:
India: It has a wide range of names depending on the state, such as Pula, Pulia (Hindi, Tamil), Pola (Bengali), Kukuha (Assamese), Motihirwani (Gujarati), and Warang (Konkani, Marathi).
China: It is known as 桤的木 (Qī de mù).
Other regions: It is also found in countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Thailand, where it is known by its local names.
Terminology
Botanical Name: Kydia calycina Roxb.
Family: Malvaceae (The Mallow family)
Synonyms: Kydia fraterna Roxb., Kydia roxburghiana Wight. These are alternative scientific names that have been used for the same species.
Common Name: Kydia, Pula
Description: The term stellate pubescent refers to the star-shaped hairs that cover the young branches of the tree. The leaf is described as palmately lobed, meaning the lobes radiate from a single point, similar to the palm of a hand. The term epicalyx refers to the whorl of bracts resembling a calyx that is found outside the true calyx.
Availability
Kydia calycina is native to and widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia. It grows in the wild in mixed and deciduous forests at elevations up to 1,600 meters. The plant is not typically cultivated on a large scale for medicinal purposes but is harvested from its wild habitat. Its seeds are available from specialized vendors, mainly for reforestation and propagation projects.
External Look
Tree: Kydia calycina is a moderate-sized, deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The bark is dark brown and tends to peel.
Leaves: The leaves are a key identifying feature. They are nearly round and typically have 3-5 palmate lobes. They are hairy on the underside with a dense, gray, woolly texture, while the top surface is slightly hairy. The base of the leaf is either rounded or heart-shaped.
Flowers: The flowers are small, about 1.6 cm in diameter, and grow in dense clusters. They are generally white or have a pinkish tinge. A notable feature is the presence of 4 to 6 persistent epicalyx lobes that are oblong and surround the flower. Flowering occurs from September to November.
Fruits: The fruit is a small, globose capsule, about 5 mm in diameter, containing kidney-shaped seeds. The persistent epicalyx lobes become prominent on the fruit, making them appear star-like.
Healing Properties
Kydia calycina is well-regarded in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties, which have been validated by modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies.
Anti-inflammatory: The plant, particularly its leaves and roots, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, and general body pains.
Antipyretic/Febrifuge: A decoction of the leaves or root is traditionally consumed to reduce body temperature and combat fever.
Antimicrobial: Extracts from the plant, especially the leaves and bark, have shown antibacterial and antifungal activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, which is why it is used for treating skin diseases, wounds, and boils.
Antioxidant: Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of compounds like flavonoids and phenolics, which possess significant antioxidant activity, helping to neutralize free radicals.
Mucilaginous: The plant, particularly the bark and leaves, is mucilaginous. The mucilage helps soothe inflamed tissues and can be used to treat ulcers and stomatitis.
Other properties: The plant also possesses analgesic (pain-relieving), antidiabetic, and potential anticancer properties, which are areas of ongoing research.
Advantages
The main advantages of Kydia calycina lie in its multi-faceted utility and traditional knowledge base.
Natural remedy: It provides a natural and traditional remedy for a wide range of ailments, reducing reliance on synthetic drugs for common conditions like fevers and skin infections.
Rich in bioactive compounds: The plant contains a variety of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which are responsible for its therapeutic effects.
Fiber source: The bark is a source of strong bast fiber, which is used for making ropes and cordage.
Mucilage for industry: The mucilage extracted from the stems is used to clarify sugar, highlighting its industrial relevance beyond medicine.
Uses
The various parts of the Kydia calycina plant are used in traditional medicine for different purposes:
Leaves: The leaves are a primary component in many traditional remedies. A paste made from the leaves is applied topically to treat skin diseases, boils, wounds, and cuts. Chewing the leaves is believed to stimulate saliva production to overcome a lack of it and for treating stomatitis. A decoction of the leaves is consumed to reduce fever.
Root: The root is primarily used as a febrifuge and for treating rheumatism.
Bark: The stem bark is used in veterinary medicine; a decoction is given to cattle to treat dyspepsia. The dried bark powder mixed with honey is also used to lower blood glucose levels.
Other uses: The wood of the tree is lightweight and is used for making toys and other items. The fiber from the bark is used for ropes.
Using Way (Methods of Preparation) External Application: A paste is made by grinding fresh leaves and is applied directly to affected areas of the skin for conditions like boils, abscesses, and wounds.
Internal Consumption (Decoction): A decoction is prepared by boiling the leaves or roots in water. This liquid is then strained and consumed orally to treat fever or rheumatism.
Chewing: Fresh leaves can be chewed directly to address issues related to saliva deficiency or stomatitis.
Paste with Honey: A powder made from the dried bark is mixed with honey to form a paste, which is then ingested to help with blood sugar regulation.
Conclusion
Kydia calycina is a versatile and valuable plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine throughout Asia. Its rich phytochemical profile contributes to its scientifically supported properties, including anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, and antimicrobial effects. Beyond its medicinal uses, it provides useful fibers and industrial mucilage, making it a plant with significant economic and cultural importance. The continued study of this plant holds promise for discovering new therapeutic applications and promoting sustainable use of natural resources
