CHENNAI: Kadamba tree is one of the very well-known, native trees of India since ancient times. It is mentioned in various literatures of different languages across the country.
In the south, it is seen as a representation of Lord Subramnaya (one of his trio Kandha, Kadamba, Karthikeya) whereas worshipped as Lord Krishna in the north. The tree is held sacred by the Hindus and is evident being a sacred element or shthala vruksha of Madurai Meenakshi whose another name is Kadamba Vana Vasini.
In Karnataka, Kadambotsava is celebrated every year in honour of the first ruling kingdom of Karnataka, the Kadamba Kingdom. Trunk of this tree can reach up to 100 feet and the branches are arranged in opposite directions, therefore this is often used as avenue or shade trees. There is also a belief that sleeping on the cot made out of kadamba wood, will keep away health complaints especially those related to vata.
Its bark is used to treat blood-related disorders. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India reports that the use of dried stem bark mixed with its root is good to treat fever, stomach disorders and muscular pains. The large leaves are stitched for use as food plates. Its leaf-paste is used on fresh wounds and mouth/throat ulcers. Leaves are used as fodder for cattle.
Being a deciduous tree, it sheds large number of leaves during summer. The fallen leaves when allow to degrade, improves the fertility of the soil. The unique, orange-yellow, globose, fragrant flowers have stolen the hearts of many artists and hence are often seen in the background of many drawings including ancient paintings. These flowers are also an important ingredient used with sandalwood for producing a popular Indian perfume, attar. Flowers attract honey bees, therefore kadamba is the best tree for apiaries. Recent research also indicates that the kadamba tree yields a potential drug to manage diabetes.
This is one of the very few trees known with single name in all the vernaculars, kadamb(a). Interestingly the specific epithet in the botanical name too is the Indian common name, Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser.