![]() As the tree contains very large sized flowers and leaves, it looks outstanding and can become evergreen as well. The leaves of the 'Karnikar Tree' are pale grey in colour underneath it. When the wind spins and twists them on their long stalks, they look most prominent. The bark of the tree is also grey in colour and soft. The twigs are feathery and are of rusty-brown colour. At the young age, the leaves also have this downy covering and when they develop, the covering drops on. A fully matured leaf can achieve the maximum length of 35 cm. They are almost the same in width as well. They have some margins in themselves and the margins are wavy or sometimes bear lobes. The lobes terminate in a point occasionally. They are rough and leathery and dark green at the top. They are silvery below the down gets dense clothing. ![]() The Indians consider The 'Karnikar Tree' as a valuable tree as it has some important uses. The large, round leaves of this tree can make fine plates and can also be used to wrap up something. People lay down the leaves on roof boards under the thatch and thus make a strong 'felt' and they also use the down from the under-surface in order to stop bleeding. The flowers of the tree have their respective medicinal uses as well. A good tonic can be prepared from them and can be used as a cure for inflammation, ulcers and tumours. Not only this, if you keep them among your clothes, they will impart a pleasant perfume and also keep away the insects. The Hindu people use them for their religious purposes. The timber of the 'Karnikar Tree' is not very firm but is quite durable and people use this for planking, boxes, spars, etc. |