Castanospermum australe A.Cunn. ex Mudie
| Kannada Name : | - |
| Common Name : | Moreton Bay chestnut |
| Family Name : | Fabaceae |
| Scientific Name : | Castanospermum australe |
| Species Type : | Exotic |
| Phenology : | Evergreen |
| Conservation Status : | Not known |
| Flowering Period : | October - November |
| Fruiting Period : | February - April |
| Origin : | Australia |
Uses
The seed yields compounds called castanospermine that are under investigation as HIV inhibitors and might be useful in the treatment of AIDS. Parts of the tree contain chemicals which, after careful extraction, have been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-HIV properties. The seedpods are astringent. They are used to treat post-prandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients.
Description
Large, evergreen tree, up to 40 m tall. Leaves imparipinnate, alternate with 11-15 leaflets; leaflets alternate, oval shaped. Inflorescence a raceme. Flowers bisexual, yellow or orange, later turning into red, 4-5 cm long. Fruit a pod, cylindrical, up to 30 cm long with 1 to 5 seeds.
