Thanni (Terminalia bellirica)

Terminalia bellirica, commonly known as “Bahera,” is a large deciduous tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found in other parts of Southeast Asia.

The tree can grow up to 30-40 meters tall, with a trunk that can reach a diameter of up to 2 meters. Its bark is brownish-gray and is rough and cracked, and its leaves are simple, alternate, and oval in shape, with a smooth texture.

The flowers of the Terminalia bellirica are small and yellowish-green in color, with a diameter of around 5 mm. They are arranged in spikes that are borne on the branches of the tree. The tree typically flowers in the months of April and May.

The fruit of the Terminalia bellirica is a drupe that is greenish-gray in color and about 2-3 cm in diameter. It has a hard seed surrounded by a fleshy pulp that is sour and astringent in taste. The fruit is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as digestive problems, respiratory disorders, and skin diseases.

The tree is highly valued for its timber, which is strong, hard, and durable, making it suitable for a variety of uses, such as construction, furniture, and boat building. The bark of the tree is also used to make a type of tannin that is used in the leather industry.

Terminalia bellirica is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as one of the three constituents of the famous Ayurvedic formulation known as “Triphala,” which is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving digestion and promoting overall wellness.

Overall, Terminalia bellirica is a valuable tree species that has been used for various purposes for centuries in South Asia. Its fruit, bark, and timber are highly valued, and the tree has cultural and medicinal significance as well.