Shuvarukh (Dellinia pentagyna)

Dillenia pentagyna is a deciduous tree growing up to 25 metres tall. The plant is used for a wide range of local uses, including food, timber and fibre. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 – 3,000mm, but tolerates 750 – 5,000mm, growing mainly in areas with a distinct dry season.

Its flowers and buds are eaten raw, cooked or pickled. They have a pleasant, acidic taste. The bark contains about 6% tannins. A fibre obtained from the inner bark is used for cordage. The old leaves contain an abundance of silica and are used as a sand paper.

Medicinal Uses:
A paste of the leaves is applied as a poultice to treat scorpion bites.

According to Ayurveda, the plant pacifies vitiated vata, kapha. It is used to treat anal fistula, wounds, diabetes, diabetic carbuncle, neuritis, pleurisy, pneumonia, and burning sensation.