 Kadamba tree is an evergreen, tropical tree which is native to South and Southeast Asia. The scientific name of the tree is ‘Neolamarckia cadamba’ with English common names burflower-tree, laran, and Leichhardt pine. Kadamba tree has scented flowers in dense globe-shaped clusters. The flowers are used in perfumes. The tree is grown as an ornamental plant and for timber and paper-making. Kadamba tree features in Indian religions and mythologies.
Description of Kadamba Tree A fully mature Kadamba tree can reach up to 45 m in height. It is a large tree with a broad crown and straight cylindrical bole. Kadamba tree is quick growing, with broad spreading branches and grows rapidly in the first 6 to 8 years. The diameter of the trunk is 100 to 160 cm; leaves measures 13 to 32 cm in length. Kadamba flowers start to grow when the tree is of 4 or 5 years of age. Flowers have a sweet fragrance with red to orange colour. Fruits of Kadamba tree occur in small and fleshy capsules which contain around 8000 seeds in them. When the fruits become mature, they split apart and release the seeds, which are then dispersed by wind or rain. Ecology of Kadamba Tree Kadamba trees are mostly seen in the areas of Southern China, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.  Usage of Kadamba Tree
Kadamba tree is mostly used as an ornamental tree and to make low grade timber and paper out of it. Fresh leaves of this tree are used to feed cattle. The timber is used for plywood, light construction, pulp and paper, boxes and crates, dug-out canoes, and furniture components etc. Kadamba wood is very easy to preserve using either open tank or pressure-vacuum systems. Mythological Reference of Kadamba Tree According to one legend, Kadambaba tree is a type of mythical tree, which is assumed to be the 'Tree of Buddhism'. The association of Kadambaba tree with Lord Krishna also has been established by some experts. The exotic dance of Krishna with her soul mate Radha and his darling gopis under the Kadambaba tree is often represented in miniature paintings. The Kadambaba tree is held consecrated by the devotees of Lord Krishna and its flowers are used as offerings at various temples. A Kadambaba tree therefore stands as a symbol of reuniting parted lovers. Several legends related to the Kadambaba tree are also famous. Under the Kadmba tree, Krishna has been seen to swing from the branches and dance in festivity with all the milkmaids of Vrindavana. There is another interesting story popular about the Kadambaba tree. In order to tackle the King of snakes, Lord Krishna arrived at the place with other cowherd boys. He had climbed the huge Kadambaba tree and jumped into the toxic waters of the Yamuna. |
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