Herb's Introduction
Morinda pubescens, also known as Indian Mulberry, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is a plant of significant cultural and medicinal importance, particularly in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda. The tree grows to a height of up to 12 meters, with a characteristic pale brown, thick bark that is vertically fissured. The leaves are simple, opposite, and elliptic-lanceolate in shape, with a pubescent or tomentose texture. The plant is easily recognizable by its terminal, globose heads of small, white, bisexual flowers. These flowers later develop into a globose fruit known as a syncarp, which contains four oblong pyrenes. The species is closely related to Morinda citrifolia (Noni) but is distinct in its botanical characteristics and distribution. Morinda pubescens has a long history of use for various purposes, including as a dye, a food source, and in traditional healing practices. Its root bark is particularly valued for its bright yellow or red dye, a property that has given it some of its common names.
Name in Different Countries
Morinda pubescens is known by a variety of names across different regions and languages, reflecting its widespread presence and cultural significance. Common name: Indian Mulberry, Togari Wood Of Madras, Morinda, Noni Hindi: औछ (Auch), आल (Aal) Kannada: ಮಡ್ಡಿ (Maddi), Haladipavette Konkani: बारतोंडी (Bartondi) Malayalam: മഞ്ഞപ്പാവട്ട (Manjappaavatta), Manjapavitta, Kattapitalavam, Manjanathi, Pavitta Marathi: बारतोंडी (Bartondi), Aseti, धौला (Dhaula) Oriya: Pindra, Achu Sanskrit: अच्युत (Achyuta), Paphanah, अक्षिकिफल (Akshikiphala) Tamil: நுணா (Nuna), மஞ்சணாறி (Manchanari), Mannanunai, Mannanatti Telugu: తొగరు (Togaru), మడ్డి (Maddi) Urdu: Togar Mughalai Chinese: Ran liao ji yan mu French: Morinda des teinturiers Malay: Kudu kras (Java), Mengkudu padang (Indonesia) Thai: สลัก ป่า (Salak paa), ยอ ป่า (Yo paa), Khu
Terminology
Deciduous trees: Trees that shed their leaves annually, typically in the autumn or dry season. Pubescent/Tomentose: Covered with short, soft hairs (pubescent) or densely covered with short, matted hairs (tomentose). These terms describe the texture of the leaves and other parts of the plant. Stipules: Small leaf-like or scale-like appendages at the base of a leaf petiole. In Morinda pubescens, they are interpetiolar (between the petioles of opposite leaves), connate (fused together), and bifid (split into two at the apex). Syncarp: A type of fleshy, compound fruit formed by the fusion of multiple individual fruits from a single flower cluster. In Morinda pubescens, the syncarp is globose and contains several pyrenes. Pyrenes: The hard, stony part of a drupe-like fruit, containing the seed. In Morinda pubescens, the pyrenes are oblong. Domatia: Small structures, often small pits or tufts of hairs, found on the underside of a leaf at the junction of the midrib and lateral veins. They often house mites.
Availability
Morinda pubescens is native to and widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from tropical and subtropical forests to deciduous woodlands. It is a common plant in India, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The plant can also be found in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Due to its traditional use, it is often cultivated in home gardens and on a small scale for local medicinal and dye-making purposes. The plant's various parts, including the roots, leaves, and bark, are collected from the wild or from cultivated sources and are often available in local markets that sell traditional herbs. The fruits, while edible, are not as widely commercialized as those of its close relative, Morinda citrifolia (Noni).
External Look
Tree: A medium-sized, deciduous tree, reaching up to 12 meters in height. The trunk is stout with thick, pale brown bark that is deeply fissured and cracked. The blaze (the color of the inner bark) is a distinctive turmeric yellow. Leaves: Simple, opposite, and arranged in a decussate pattern (each pair of leaves is at a right angle to the one above or below it). The lamina is 7.5-25 cm long and 2-8 cm wide, with a shape that can be elliptic-lanceolate, oblanceolate, or elliptic-oblong. The leaf surface is pubescent or tomentose, giving it a soft, velvety feel. Flowers: Small, white, and bisexual. They are arranged in dense, terminal, globose heads, which are a prominent feature of the plant when in bloom. The corolla is about 2 cm long with four oblong lobes that are recurved (bent backward). Fruit: A globose syncarp, 15-18 mm in diameter. It is a fleshy, multi-locular fruit that contains several hard, oblong pyrenes. Roots: The roots are notable for their deep yellow or red color, a property that is harnessed for producing natural dyes.
Healing Properties
Morinda pubescens is a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda, where it is known by names like Achyuta and Paphanah. Its healing properties are attributed to a variety of bioactive compounds, including anthraquinones, iridoids, and flavonoids. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Extracts from the plant, particularly the root bark, have been traditionally used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. This makes it useful for conditions like arthritis and muscular pain. Antimicrobial and Antifungal: The plant possesses antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat skin infections and other microbial ailments. It is believed to be effective against a range of bacteria and fungi. Wound Healing: The bark and leaves have been applied topically to promote the healing of wounds, cuts, and ulcers. Its astringent and antiseptic properties are believed to aid in this process. Digestive Health: In some traditional systems, the plant is used to treat digestive disorders. It is thought to have carminative properties that help with issues like flatulence and indigestion. Dyeing and Health: The presence of anthraquinones, such as morindone and morindin, which are responsible for the yellow dye, also contribute to its medicinal properties. These compounds are known for their potential anticancer and antioxidant effects.
Advantages
Natural Source of Dye: The most prominent advantage of Morinda pubescens is its ability to produce a vibrant yellow or red dye from its root bark. This has made it a valuable plant for the textile and artisanal industries for centuries. Ethnobotanical Importance: The plant holds significant value in traditional and local cultures for its diverse uses. It serves as a source of medicine, dye, and, to a lesser extent, food, contributing to the self-sufficiency of local communities. Ecological Benefits: As a native deciduous tree, it plays a role in local ecosystems. It provides habitat for various organisms and contributes to soil stability. Medicinal Versatility: Different parts of the plant, including the roots, bark, leaves, and fruits, are used to address a wide array of health conditions, from skin ailments and fevers to digestive issues. This versatility makes it a comprehensive natural remedy. Low Maintenance: Morinda pubescens is a hardy tree that is well-adapted to its native climate. It is generally low-maintenance and can be cultivated without extensive care, making it a sustainable resource.
Uses
Dyeing: This is the most famous use of the plant. The root bark is a primary source of a yellow or reddish-brown dye used for dyeing cotton, silk, and wool. It is a key ingredient in traditional dye-making processes, especially in India. Traditional Medicine: External application: The paste of the leaves or bark is applied to wounds, sores, and skin infections. Internal use: Decoctions (liquid extracts) from the bark and roots are consumed to treat fevers, dysentery, and other digestive problems. Food: While not as common as Morinda citrifolia (Noni), the fruits are sometimes consumed, and the young leaves may be used in certain local cuisines. Wood: The wood of Morinda pubescens, also known as Togari Wood, is hard and durable. It is used in local carpentry for making tools, furniture, and agricultural implements. Ornamental: Due to its beautiful flowers and foliage, the tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
Using way
The methods of using Morinda pubescens depend on the intended application: For Dyeing: The roots of the tree are dug up, cleaned, and the outer bark is removed. The bark is then dried and ground into a powder. This powder is mixed with water and other mordants (substances that help the dye bind to the fabric) like alum to create a dye bath. The textile is then immersed in this bath to absorb the color. For Medicinal Use (External): A paste is prepared by grinding fresh leaves or bark with a small amount of water. This paste is then applied directly to the affected area, such as a wound, ulcer, or joint with inflammation. For Medicinal Use (Internal): A decoction is a common way to use the plant internally. To make a decoction, a small amount of the dried bark or root pieces is boiled in water until the liquid is reduced to about a quarter of its original volume. This concentrated liquid is then strained and consumed. The dosage and frequency should be determined by a qualified traditional medicine practitioner. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before ingesting any herbal remedies. As a Vegetable: Young, tender leaves are sometimes washed thoroughly and cooked as a green leafy vegetable, often as part of a soup or stew.
Conclusion
Morinda pubescens, the Indian Mulberry, is a plant of remarkable utility and cultural heritage. Its significance extends far beyond its botanical classification. From providing a brilliant natural dye for artisans to serving as a cornerstone of traditional medicine, the tree's versatility is a testament to its value. Its various parts—bark, roots, leaves, and fruits—offer a wide range of benefits, from treating inflammation and infections to serving as a sustainable source of a vibrant colorant. While it shares a family with the more famous Noni fruit, Morinda pubescens has carved out its own unique niche, particularly in the a-cultural and medicinal landscapes of the Indian subcontinent. As interest in natural products and traditional knowledge grows, the study and conservation of plants like Morinda pubescens become increasingly important. Its a-durable nature and rich a-ethnobotanical history make it a valuable resource for both a-contemporary and future generations. The tree stands as a living example of how nature can provide for human needs in a holistic and sustainable manner.
