Herb's Introduction
Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd., belonging to the family Malvaceae (formerly Sterculiaceae), is a large, handsome deciduous or evergreen tree indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent and parts of Burma (Myanmar). It is popularly known as the Dinnerplate Tree due to its remarkably large, maple-shaped leaves and is highly valued for its beautiful, nocturnal, and intensely fragrant white flowers. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it is known as Muchukund or Kanak Champa, and various parts—including the flowers, bark, and leaves—have been used for centuries to treat a range of ailments.
Name in Different Countries
Country/Region/Language Name(s) Common/English Maple-leaved Bayur Tree, Dinnerplate Tree, Kanak Champa Sanskrit Muchukund (मुचुकुन्द), Karnikar (कर्णिकार), Padma Pushp (पद्म पुष्प) Hindi Kanak Champa (कनक चम्पा), Muchkund (मचकुंद) Bengali Muskanda (মুচুকুন্দ) Assamese Moragos Oriya Mushukundo, ମୁଚୁକୁନ୍ଦ Marathi Karnikar Manipuri Kwakla Malayalam Cerukonna (ചെറുകൊന്ന), Malanjutali Tamil Vennangu (வெண்ணங்கு) Telugu Matsakanda Urdu Gul-e-Muchkun Chinese 翅子树 (Chì zi shù) Myanmar Magwinapa, Sinna, Taung-petwun, Taw-kalamet Export to Sheets
Terminology
The scientific name Pterospermum acerifolium is descriptive of the plant's features: Pterospermum: Derived from the Greek words 'Pteron' meaning "wing" and 'Sperma' meaning "seed," referring to the distinctively winged seeds produced by the tree. acerifolium: Derived from the Latin words 'acer' meaning "maple" and 'folium' meaning "leaf," referencing the large, often lobed or maple-like shape of the leaves. Muchukund (in Sanskrit/Hindi): A traditional name rooted in Indian culture and Ayurveda, often associated with its religious or medicinal significance. Dinnerplate Tree: A common name that highlights the large size of the leaves, which are occasionally used in South Asia for serving or wrapping food.
Availability
Pterospermum acerifolium is primarily indigenous to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, particularly found in the sub-Himalayan zone and outer Himalayan valleys, often growing naturally along forested stream banks. Natural Habitat: It prefers a seasonally moist, then dry climate with full sunlight. Despite being native to a specific region, it's not widely or commonly distributed in all natural environments, as it reproduces slowly, which can make it vulnerable to out-competition by faster-growing species. Commercial Availability: It is a popular ornamental and shade tree and is often cultivated in gardens, parks, and urban landscapes throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Seeds, seedlings, and sometimes larger plants are commercially available through specialized nurseries, particularly those focusing on tropical or Indian native flora. Its conservation status is generally considered Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
External Look
Pterospermum acerifolium is a large, majestic tree, characterized by several striking features: Size: It is a large tree, capable of reaching heights of up to 30 meters (approx. 100 feet). Bark: The bark is typically grey and the young parts of the plant are covered in rusty-colored, fine hairs (pubescence). Leaves: The common name "Dinnerplate Tree" is due to its very large leaves, which can be 10–40 cm long and 8–35 cm broad. They are variable in shape—oblong, ovate, orbicular, or rectangular—and often broadly lobed or wavy-margined, giving them a maple-leaf appearance. The upper surface is dark green and nearly hairless (glabrescent), while the underside is dense with silvery to rusty-colored felt-like hairs. Flowers: The tree produces large, solitary, highly fragrant, white flowers (10–15 cm across). The flowers are nocturnal (blooming at night) and have five long, slender, white petals and thick, fleshy sepals covered in rusty hair that reflex as the flower opens. The powerful fragrance suggests pollination by moths or bats. Fruit and Seed: The fruit is a woody, oblong, angular capsule (5–10 cm long) that turns rusty brown and splits into five valves when ripe. It contains numerous thin, flat, compressed seeds, each with a characteristic membranous brown wing.
Healing Properties
The plant's parts are rich in phytochemicals like flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to a wide spectrum of traditional and scientifically studied healing properties: Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Extracts from the flowers and bark have demonstrated significant effects in reducing swelling (inflammation) and alleviating pain. Antimicrobial and Antiseptic: It is traditionally used to treat wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases due to its potential antibacterial and antifungal activities. Styptic (Anti-Hemorrhagic): The flower and leaf indumentum (hairs) are traditionally used to prevent or stop bleeding from wounds, and the flower is indicated for bleeding disorders like bleeding piles and haematuria. Hepatoprotective: Studies suggest the plant has liver-protecting properties. Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic: Leaves have shown activity in lowering high blood sugar (antihyperglycemic) and blood fat (antihyperlipidemic) levels, particularly relevant for type 2 diabetes management. Antioxidant: Various parts of the plant contain antioxidants that help scavenge free radicals. Tonic and Antipyretic: Traditionally used as a general tonic and to reduce fever.
Advantages
Pterospermum acerifolium's advantages extend beyond its medicinal value to environmental and practical uses: Multifaceted Medicinal Use: Nearly every part (flower, bark, leaf, root) is utilized in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda for a broad range of conditions, including earache, inflammation, ulcers, skin ailments (like smallpox and leprosy), headaches, and digestive issues. Ornamental Value: It's highly prized for its large size, attractive maple-like foliage, and its exceptionally fragrant, night-blooming flowers, making it a desirable addition to large gardens and parks. Environmental Benefits: As a large tree, it provides excellent shade, aids in carbon sequestration (combating climate change), and helps in soil stabilization with its root system. It also supports local biodiversity by attracting various pollinators and providing shelter. Practical Utility: The leaves are large enough to be used as eco-friendly dinner plates or for wrapping and packaging. The wood is valued for its durability, finding use in construction, furniture, and planking. The flowers are also used to impart a pleasant scent to clothes and to keep insects away.
Uses
The major uses of Pterospermum acerifolium are categorized as follows: Medicinal/Therapeutic Uses: External Application: Applying paste of the leaf or calyx on headaches, glandular swellings, and wounds. Charred flowers and bark, mixed with other materials, are applied to skin eruptions like smallpox. Leaf indumentum is used as a styptic for wounds. Internal Consumption: Used as a tonic for inflammation, a cure for abdominal pain, indigestion, and blood troubles. Bark is useful for intestinal complaints and anemia. Root juice is given as an antidote in poisoning. Ornamental and Landscaping: Planted widely in tropical and subtropical regions for its deep shade, architectural foliage, and highly scented flowers. Timber and Wood: The reddish wood is used for general construction, furniture, tool handles, and planking due to its durability. Cultural and Religious: The fragrant flowers hold significance in religious rituals in some cultures. Edible/Practical: The large leaves are used as plates, especially for food, or for wrapping items. The flowers are sometimes used in natural perfumes.
Using Way
Traditional methods of using Pterospermum acerifolium parts include: Decoction/Infusion: The bark or flowers are boiled in water to make a decoction or tea for internal use, such as treating intestinal complaints, anemia, or as a general tonic for inflammation and blood purification. Paste and Poultice: Leaves are ground into a paste and applied externally to the forehead for headache. A paste of the calyx (part of the flower) is applied to glandular swellings. The bark and flowers are often charred, powdered, and mixed with other medicinal powders (like Mallotus philippinensis—Kamala) to create a topical application for skin conditions like smallpox eruptions or ulcers. The indumentum (hairs) from the underside of the leaf is sometimes pressed directly onto wounds to stop bleeding (styptic action). Oil/Ghee Preparation: In Ayurveda, a medicated ghee or oil prepared with the flower powder can be consumed or applied externally for specific conditions like bleeding piles. As a Repellent/Perfume: The highly fragrant flowers are often placed among clothes to impart a pleasant scent and act as a natural insect repellent.
Conclusion
Pterospermum acerifolium, the Muchukund or Dinnerplate Tree, is a remarkable species deeply embedded in the cultural and medicinal heritage of South Asia. Its large, maple-like foliage and intensely fragrant, nocturnal white flowers make it an invaluable ornamental tree. More significantly, it is a powerhouse in traditional medicine, with virtually all parts of the plant offering a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and styptic actions. Modern scientific inquiry continues to validate its traditional uses, particularly its potential in managing conditions like inflammation, diabetes, and various skin ailments. Given its ecological benefits and utility beyond medicine, the Muchukund Tree remains a vital and treasured component of tropical flora, warranting continued research and conservation.
