Karpa / Anjani कर्प / अंजनी

Other Names

Local Name: Karpa / Anjani / कर्प / अंजनी
Common Name: Ironwood Tree
Botanical Name: Memecylon umbellatum

Status & Habitat

Habitat: Large Shrub / Small Tree
Occurrence: Forests
Season of Availability: Year-round
Geography: South Asia
Method of Propagation: Seeds
Part used for Propagation: Seeds

Edible Parts

Edible Parts: Leaves, Bark & Fruit
Can be Eaten Raw: Yes

Method of Consumption

Raw: Yes
Ripe: Yes
Both Raw & Ripe: Yes
Dangerous Form to Consume:
As Food: Fruit is consumed
As Medicine: The leaves of the tree are used tin the treatment of gonorrhea. The bark of Ironwood Tree is sturdy enough to use in construction of houses, whereas a yellow die extracted from the leaves and barks and applies externally, is used to treat bruises
Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Yes
Boiling Before Cooking: N/A
Pickling: Yes
Brining: Yes
Fermenting: Yes
Drying for later Consumption: N/A
Overall Method: JJuice extracted from leaves and bark is used as a concoction medicinally. Fruits are consumed especially during famines

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

Nutritional Benefit: Fruit pulp is consumed for energy
Medicinal Benefit: The leaves of the tree are used tin the treatment of gonorrhea. The bark of Ironwood Tree is sturdy enough to use in construction of houses, whereas a yellow die extracted from the leaves and barks and applies externally, is used to treat bruises

Tribal Wisdom

Tribal Wisdom: Used traditionally to treat gonorrhea. Juice of leaves is used to treat wounds. Bark of the tree is used in construction of huts and homes

Recipes / Usage

Tribal Recipe / Usage: Treating cracks in foot soles: boil latex with castor oil, along with salt, and apply to cracks.

कर्प or अंजनी fruits as called by the tribal communities of Palghar and Kalsubai are used to make jams. The leaves of the tree are used tin the treatment of gonorrhea. The bark of Ironwood Tree is sturdy enough to use in construction of houses, whereas a yellow die extracted from the leaves and barks and applies externally, is used to treat bruises