Family Name: Clusiaceae
Botanical Name(s): Mesua ferrea
Popular Name(s): Nagakesara, Nagkeshar, Cobra Saffron,
Nagachempakam, Nagakesara, Nangu
Parts Used: Flowers, fruit, seed and root
Habitat: Cobra's Saffron is native to India, Sri Lanka and
Nepal.
Description: Cobra's Saffron is a small to medium-sized
evergreen tree growing up to 13 m. The plant may acquire a trunk that is
up to 90 cm in diameter. The plant bears simple, narrow, oblong, dark
green leaves with a whitish underside. The leaves possess a length of
7-15 cm. It flowers are 4 - 7.5 cm in diameter with four white petals
and numerous yellow stamens
Uses: Cobra's Saffron is used as an aromatic, demulcent,
stimulant and carminative substance. Oil from its seeds is used in
sores, scabies, wounds and rheumatism. Its dried flowers are used in
bleeding hemorrhoids. Its root acts as an antidote for snake poison.
