Bio Diversity Park

Common Name : Common Nettle Tree

Hindi Name : खारिक | Scientific Name : Celtis australis
Family : Ulmaceae
Uses : The leaves and fruit are astringent, lenitive and stomachic. The fruit, particularly before it is fully ripe, is considered to be more effective medicinally. A decoction of both leaves and fruit is used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, heavy menstrual and intermenstrual bleeding and colic. The decoction can also be used to astringe the mucous membranes in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and peptic ulcers. The bark is ground and mixed to form a powder that is applied topically to tumours, scabies and other skin diseases. The seeds are used in the treatment of dysentery. The tree is often used for afforestation in rocky terrain in order to guard against erosion. A yellow dye is obtained from the bark. A fibre obtained from the bark can be used for cordage. The wood is very tough, pliable, durable. A valuable timber, it is widely used by turners, and has in the past been used in construction, furniture making, etc. It is used to make the handles of agricultural implements. The flexible thin shoots are used as walking sticks. The wood makes an excellent fuel.
Native: Southern Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor
General Description:

It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25m tall. The bark is smooth and grey, almost elephantine. The alternate leaves are narrow and sharp-toothed, rough above and woolly below, 5-15cm long and dark grey/green throughout the year, fading to a pale yellow before falling in autumn. The apetalous wind-pollinated flowers are perfect (hermaphrodite, having both male and female organs), small and green, either singly or in small clusters. The fruit is a small, dark-purple berry-like drupe, 1cm wide, hanging in short clusters, and are extremely popular with birds and other wildlife.