Markhamia lutea (Benth.) K.Schum.
| Kannada Name : | kunkuma |
| Common Name : | Nile trumpet |
| Family Name : | Bignoniaceae |
| Scientific Name : | Markhamia lutea |
| Species Type : | Exotic |
| Phenology : | Evergreen |
| Conservation Status : | Least concern |
| Flowering Period : | All year |
| Fruiting Period : | All year |
| Origin : | Eastern Africa |
Uses
The tree is considered to be an effective treatment for skin-affections, sores and itch. The plant is also used as a rejuvenator and diuretic, and is given for oedema of the legs and elephantiasis of the scrotum. The leaves and bark are used as medicine for tooth-ache and for convulsion in children. Roots are also used against venereal diseases and for preventing abortion.
Description
Evergreen tree, 15-21 m tall. Sometimes shrubby, 1.2-4.5 m tall. Bark brown, smooth or rough, ridged. Leaves pinnate; leaflets 7-13, elliptic to obovate, glabrous but densely lepidote above, more sparsely so beneath, often with pubescent axillary domatia beneath, base cuneate to rounded, apex acuminate, margin undulate. Inflorescence a terminal panicle. Flowers bisexual, trumpet shaped, yellow with red veins or spots at the throat. Fruit a capsule, curved, elongated, compressed, glabrous but lepidote, 35-80 cm long. Seeds numerous, winged.
