Kumizhu (Gambhari)

Gambhari, also known as Gmelina arborea, is a deciduous tree species that is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized tree that can reach a height of up to 30 meters and has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a diameter of up to 1.5 meters. The bark of the tree is smooth and grey, and it can peel off in long, fibrous strips.

The leaves of Gambhari are simple, large, and ovate-shaped, with a length of up to 30 cm and a width of up to 20 cm. They are arranged in an opposite manner on the branches and have a glossy, dark green surface. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that are arranged in dense, spherical clusters and bloom during the summer months.

The fruit of the Gambhari tree is a small, woody capsule that contains numerous seeds. The seeds are small, flat, and winged, and are dispersed by the wind. The tree is used for a variety of purposes, including as a source of timber, fuel, and traditional medicine. The bark of the tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and is also used to treat respiratory conditions and fever.

Gambhari is a useful and versatile tree species that has played an important role in the culture and economy of the regions where it is found.