Madras Thorn

Common Name: Madras Thorn
Scientific Name: Pithecellobium Dulce
Family: Leguminosae
Origin: Central America

General Facts:

• This was commonly planted as a wayside tree in Singapore until about the 1970s when lots of caterpillars were found on the crowns of the trees resulting in many of the tree being chopped down.
• Tannin extracted from the bark, seeds and leaves can be used to soften leather.

Food Facts:

• The flesh surrounding the seeds of the young fruit is sweet and can be eaten raw or prepared as a beverage.

Medical Facts:

• In folk medicine, the extracts of its bark is known to cure frequent bowel movement.
• The leaves are used to as plasters for pain and venereal sores, they are also used to treat indigestion and induce abortion.