Muchukand
- Botanical Name: Pterospermum acerifolium (L.) Willd.
- Family: Malvaceae (formerly Sterculiaceae)
- Synonyms: Karnikar, Kanak Champa, Chitraka, Kshatra Vriksha
- Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Muchukund” in Hindi, “Bayur Tree” in
English, and “Kanak Champa” in Bengali.
- Classification: A large evergreen tree belonging to the Malvaceae family.
- Habitat: Native to Southeast Asia, including India, Myanmar, and Thailand. It thrives in
tropical and subtropical regions, often found along forested stream banks and in moist, well
drained soils.
- Morphology: A tall tree, growing up to 30 meters in height. It has large, lobed, leathery
leaves with a rough texture. The flowers are large, white, and fragrant, blooming from March
to July. The fruits are hard, oblong capsules with winged seeds.
- Useful Parts: Leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds.
- Chemical Composition: Contains tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils. The plant is also
rich in bioactive compounds like euxanthone and mesuaferrone.
- Pharmacological Action: Known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound
healing properties. It is used in treating skin diseases, ulcers, and bleeding disorders.
- Formulation: Used in traditional remedies for skin infections, headaches, and as a general
tonic. The leaves are sometimes used as natural plates, hence the name “Dinner Plate Tree.
Rasa: Madhura
Guna: Snigdha , Guru
Virya: Sheeta
Vipaka: Madhura