Chandana Vembu (Chukrasia Tabularis)

Chukrasia tabularis is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Meliaceae, which is commonly known as the Chittagong wood tree or Indian mahogany. It is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter.

The leaves of Chukrasia tabularis are alternate, compound, and pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets. The leaflets are ovate to elliptic, about 5-12 cm long and 2-6 cm wide, and have serrated margins. The leaves are green in color, turning yellowish-green or reddish-brown in autumn.

The flowers of Chukrasia tabularis are small, yellowish-green in color, and occur in large panicles at the end of branches. The fruit is a woody capsule that is about 2-3 cm in diameter and contains several seeds.

Chukrasia tabularis is native to South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. It is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and plantations. The wood of this tree is highly valued for its quality and is used for making furniture, flooring, and construction materials.

Chukrasia tabularis is also known for its medicinal properties. The bark, leaves, and seeds of this tree are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and dysentery. Additionally, the tree has been shown to have insecticidal properties, making it useful in pest control.

Overall, Chukrasia tabularis is a versatile and valuable tree that is prized for its wood, medicinal properties, and ecological benefits.