કચકા

Caesalpinia decapetala

Mysore thorn अरलू

Native

Commonly known as Black bonduc, Shoofly.

A large, sprawling climber or shrub armed with curved thorns, on both stems and leaves, dense enough to form genuinely impenetrable thickets. Bright yellow flowers (the upper petal often veined with red) give way to swollen pods that burst open on their own to scatter black seeds.

The plant

Habit Climber, Shrub

Origin Native

Flowering Summer, Winter

Edible Yes, To be verified

Growing it

Life it supports

No specific wildlife-relationship data recorded for this species.

The story

Ayurveda considers it astringent, bitter, and hot, used against phlegm, colic, swelling, dysentery, ulcers, leprosy, and worms, and specifically valued for tuberculosis, dysentery, flatulence, and blood clots in children.

What it is used for

A paste made with the plant is traditionally given to help digest milk and prevent bloating; its bitterness is credited with providing strength during fatigue, mild fever, and weakness after childbirth, and it's traditionally believed to help expel retained material from the uterus post-delivery.
Leaf juice and root bark are used against worms and diarrhoea.

These uses are documented for information only and are not medical advice. Always verify the species and the plant part before use.

Where it is found

Tropical regions of India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, mainly along the coast and up to 750m.

Sources

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