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Karutha Kunthiricum (Canarium Strictum) Pandappayan
₹580.00Current price is: ₹580.00. Original price was: ₹760.00.
? Shop Buy Karutha Kunthiricum (Canarium strictum) – Pandappayan – The Sacred Black Dammar Tree of Kerala! ?
Also known as Karutha Kungiliyam, Black Dammar, or Thellippayin, this magnificent tree from the Burseraceae family (frankincense family) produces a dark brown to black aromatic resin that has been used in Ayurveda, folk medicine, and traditional incense for centuries! ?✨
? Why it’s so special:
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Sacred black resin – used as “black frankincense” in rituals ?
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Ayurvedic powerhouse – treats asthma, epilepsy, cough, fever & skin diseases ?
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Vulnerable species – own a piece of medicinal heritage! ?️
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Massive canopy tree – grows up to 30m with impressive buttressed trunk ?
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Wildlife magnet – dark blue drupes attract imperial pigeons ?️
? Over 30% Off – limited vulnerable species stock!
? Fast shipping – healthy live seedlings
? From the world’s largest online plant shop – trusted by 15,000+ plant lovers
Grow this sacred Ayurvedic treasure in your garden today! ???
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? Karutha Kunthiricum (Pandappayan) – The Sacred Black Frankincense Tree of Kerala!
Namaskaram, sacred plant seeker! ? Have you ever heard of “black frankincense” – a resin so powerful it’s used to heal asthma, epilepsy, and even skin diseases? Meet Karutha Kunthiricum – the Black Dammar Tree of Kerala’s evergreen forests! ?✨
? What is Karutha Kunthiricum (Pandappayan)?
Karutha Kunthiricum (scientific name: Canarium strictum) is a magnificent large tree belonging to the Burseraceae family – the same family as frankincense (Boswellia) and myrrh! The name “Karutha Kunthiricum” in Malayalam means “black frankincense” – referring to its dark brown to black aromatic resin that oozes from the trunk when cut.
The tree is also known as Pandappayan, Thellippayin, or Karutha Kungiliyam in different parts of Kerala. In English, it’s called Black Dammar, Black Dhup, or Indian White Mahogany.
? The Tree – A Forest Giant!
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 30 meters (100 feet!) – a true canopy giant ? |
| Trunk | Straight bole with impressive buttresses at base |
| Bark | Grey-brown, thick, exfoliating in small irregular flakes |
| Exudate | Dark brown to black resin – aromatic, oozes from cut bark |
| Leaves | Imparipinnate, 7-11 leaflets, rusty tomentose beneath |
| Flowers | Small, bright yellow, in large axillary panicles |
| Fruit | Drupe, ellipsoid, dark blue, 3-5 cm long |
| Seeds | 1-3 per fruit |
? Distribution & Habitat:
According to the State Medicinal Plants Board Kerala, Karutha Kunthiricum is found in:
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India (Western Ghats – Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra)
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Upper Myanmar
It grows in evergreen and shola forests at elevations of 750-1,400 meters (up to 1,600 m). It’s an occasional canopy tree in these forests, forming impressive buttresses that make it instantly recognizable.
? The Sacred Black Resin – Liquid Gold!
The most famous product of Karutha Kunthiricum is its resin – a dark brown to black, aromatic exudate that has been used for centuries.
According to traditional knowledge documented by the State Medicinal Plants Board Kerala, the resin has remarkable properties :
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Brownish-black |
| Aroma | Resinous, balsamic |
| Collection | Oozes from cut bark (traditional tapping) |
| Primary use | Medicine, incense, religious rituals |
? Ayurvedic & Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Karutha Kunthiricum is a powerhouse in Ayurveda, Unani, and Folk medicine . According to the State Medicinal Plants Board Kerala, the resin and bark are used for a wide range of conditions :
| Condition | How It’s Used |
|---|---|
| Asthma ? | Decoction or powder of resin given internally |
| Epilepsy ? | Resin decoction for neurological disorders |
| Cough & Fever ? | Traditional remedy for respiratory infections |
| Blood impurities ? | Purifies the blood |
| Chronic skin diseases ? | Internal and external applications |
| Haemorrhage ? | Used to stop bleeding |
| Syphilis ? | Traditional treatment |
| Hernia | Resin preparations |
| Colic ? | Infusion taken for abdominal pain |
| Rheumatic pain ? | Gum mixed with gingelly oil applied topically |
| Skin eruptions ? | Bark decoction as a lukewarm bath |
? Traditional External Uses:
| Use | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Skin diseases | Bark decoction in lukewarm water as a medicinal bath |
| Rheumatic pain | Resin mixed with gingelly oil, applied to affected areas |
| Wounds | Resin applied as a healing balm |
? Religious & Cultural Significance:
In Kerala, the resin of Karutha Kunthiricum is used as “black frankincense” in traditional incense preparations and religious rituals. The aromatic smoke is believed to purify spaces and ward off negative energies – similar to the use of white frankincense (Boswellia) but with a distinct, deeper aroma.
⚠️ Vulnerable Status – A Tree in Need of Protection!
Karutha Kunthiricum is classified as Vulnerable (VU) in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu .
Threats include:
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Over-exploitation for resin (unscientific tapping harms trees)
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Harvest for timber – the wood is valuable
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Habitat loss from deforestation
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Human interference
Conservation status details:
| Parameter | Kerala | Karnataka | Tamil Nadu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population decline | >20% | >20% | >20% |
| Time frame | 3 generations | 3 generations | 3 generations |
Recommendations for conservation:
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Habitat management
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Cultivation programs – ex-situ conservation (Level 1)
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Genetic management
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Trade studies
By growing this tree, you’re helping conserve a vulnerable species! ??
✨ Why Our Customers Love This Plant:
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Over 30% Off – vulnerable medicinal treasure at a conservation price! ?
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Fast Shipping – healthy seedlings delivered fresh ??
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Trusted by 15,000+ plant families – we’re the world’s largest online plant shop ?
? How to Grow Your Karutha Kunthiricum Tree:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| ☀️ Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade (young trees prefer some shade) |
| ? Water | Moderate – keep soil consistently moist, well-draining |
| ?️ Climate | Tropical to subtropical – prefers cooler hill climates |
| ? Soil | Well-draining, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral |
| ? Spacing | Allow plenty of space – this tree gets MASSIVE (30m tall!) |
| ? Pot growing | Not recommended for mature trees – needs ground planting |
| ⏰ Time to maturity | Slow-growing – requires patience |
| ?️ Altitude | Best at 750-1,400m elevation |
| ? Fertilizer | Organic manure at planting, balanced fertilizer annually |
| ?️ Wildlife value | Fruits attract imperial pigeons and other birds |
? Ecological Importance:
The dark blue drupes of Karutha Kunthiricum are eaten by imperial pigeons, which help disperse the seeds across the forest. By planting this tree, you’re supporting local bird populations and contributing to forest regeneration!
? Interesting Facts About Karutha Kunthiricum!
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Frankincense Cousin | Same family as Boswellia (frankincense) and Commiphora (myrrh)! |
| Black Resin | One of the few trees producing truly dark medicinal resin |
| Buttressed Beauty | Forms spectacular plank buttresses at the base – a true forest giant |
| Long-lived | Can live for many decades, providing resin for generations |
| Vulnerable Heritage | Listed as Vulnerable in three Indian states – cultivate to conserve! |
Click “Buy Now” and become a guardian of this sacred vulnerable tree! ???
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