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Myrica esculenta - Katphala
Katphala is a small tree or large shrub native to the hills of northern India and Nepal. Its common names include Myrica esculenta, Box myrtle, Bayberry, Kaphal (local name in India and Nepal).It is found in hilly regions of northern India and Nepal especially in the regions of Garhwal and Kumaon of Uttarakhand and western Nepal especially at elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet. It is also found at elevations below 1500 m in the midhills of Nepal.
Description
It has a tree of medium height i.e. 20 to 25 feet. Bark is soft and brittle. Leaves are conjoint, 1 to 2 feet long that has leaflets in pairs of 6 to 9 and has a width of ¼ inch. Flowers are of white color and are found in bunches. Fruit is a globose, succulent drupe, with a bard endocarp; diameter 1.1 to 1.3 cm; average mass 670 mg. Seeds are triangular in shape and are astringent in taste.
According to Ayurveda, it has two varieties based on the color of flower: Shwet (white) and Rakta (red).
Uses
- Shwet (white) and Rakta (red). It is used in treating wounds, Musculoskeletal disorder,pessary in discharges of vagina, disease of oral cavity.
- It helps in stimulating nervous system.
- It is useful in treating skin diseases.[1]
Common name
- English - Box myrtle
- Hindi - Kayaphal
