Paras Peepal Pod

Botanical Name: Thespesia Populnea
Common Names: Indian Tulip Tree, Portia Tree, Seaside Mahoe, Bhendi Tree

Paras peepal tree is a tall tree found on coasts of the eastern tropics. It is a perennial dicotyledons tree with heart shaped shiny leaves having palmate venation. It bears bell shaped flowers, yellow in color with maroon inside on base of each five petals. The calyx is disc like and unlobed. The fruit of the paras peepal is a round capsule about 1 inch across and is indehiscent. The grayish brown seeds are long and shiny.

Uses
Dried portia pods are roasted and ground for beverage. They are used in the preparation of medicinal oils, medicinal soaps and in fragrant potpourris. They are used to make an aryuvedic medicine that is used to stimulate the blood to dispel toxins and maximise the body's natural defences.