Thanks, Neil ji, Some extracts from Wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichrostachys_cinerea
*Dichrostachys cinerea* also known as a *Bell mimosa*, *Chinese lantern tree *, *Kalahari Christmas tree* (South Africa<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa>) or a *sicklebush*, is a legume <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legume> of the genus *Dichrostachys <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichrostachys>* in the Fabaceae <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabaceae> family. [1]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichrostachys_cinerea#cite_note-World_Agroforesty_Centre-0> The generic name '*Dichrostachys*' means '2-coloured spike', and 'cinerea' refers to the greyish hairs of the typical subspecies, obtained from the Greek <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language> 'konis' and the Latin<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin>'cineres'. It is native mostly to Africa <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa> and parts of Southeast Asia <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeast_Asia> *Dichrostachys cinerea* is a semi-deciduous<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-deciduous>to deciduous tree <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduous_tree> characterised by bark<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bark>on young branches, dark grey-brown fissures on older branches and stems and smooth on the spines. They typically grow up to 7 metres in height and have strong alternate thorns <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorn>, generally up to 8 cm long. Flowers of the *Dichrostachys cinerea* are characteristically in bicoloured cylindrical spikes <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike> that resemble Chinese lanterns and are 6-8 cm long and fragrant. [4]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichrostachys_cinerea#cite_note-3>Upper flowers <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower> of a hanging spike are sterile, and are of a lilac or pale purple<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple>. Pods are usually a mustard <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard> brown and are generally twisted or spiralled and may be up to 100 x *15 mm. The species has can be subcategorized with 2 slight variations that have been recognised.* D. cinerea *ssp. africana* and *D. cinerea* ssp. *nyassana*, the latter which is typically larger and less hairy in its foliage. [1]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichrostachys_cinerea#cite_note-World_Agroforesty_Centre-0> In India it can occur in dry deciduous <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduous>forest. Fruit and seeds that grow on Dichrostachys cinerea are edible. Cattle, camels and game such as giraffe <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giraffe>, buffalo <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo>, kudu<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kudu>, hartebeest, nyala <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyala>, red duiker<http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Red_duiker&action=edit&redlink=1>and Damara dik-dik <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damara_dik-dik> feed on the juicy pods that fall to the ground. Such animals also feed on the immature twigs and leaves of the tree and are rich in protein<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein>(11-15%) and minerals. The flowers can be a valuable source of honey <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey> . The wood is of a dense nature and in bunring slowly with no toxicity, it is often used for fuelwood. The species yields a medium to heavy, durable hardwood and are often used in smaller domestic items as walking sticks, handles, spears and tool handles particularly in central Africa. In medicine<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicine>, bark is used to alleviate headache <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headache>, toothache <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toothache>, dysentery<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysentery>, elephantiasis <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephantiasis> and root infusions are consumed to treat leprosy<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprosy>, syphilis <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syphilis> coughs, as an anthelmintic, purgative and strong diuretic. The leaves are particularly useful and can be beaten to treat epilepsy and can also be taken as a diuretic and laxative<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laxative>, and its powder can be used in the massage of fractures.[1]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichrostachys_cinerea#cite_note-World_Agroforesty_Centre-0> The roots have been known to treat bites or stings. As they are rich in nutrients they are often used as a manure<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manure>, particularly in the Sahel <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sahel> region of Africa along the riverbanks. [5]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichrostachys_cinerea#cite_note-4>The plant is widely used for soil conservation, particularly in India, for shallow soils, aand in arid western and subhumid alluvial plains. Although it has its uses, it is considered a threat to agricultural production and is listed on the Global Invasive Species Database [3]<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dichrostachys_cinerea#cite_note-Global_Invasive_Species_Database-2> On Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 7:41 AM, Neil Soares <[email protected]> wrote: > HiSaravanan, > It is the Painted Thorn bush [Dichrostachys cinerea]. > With regards, > Neil Soares. > > --- On *Thu, 12/18/08, saravanan.k,9787454854 M.Sc (forestry), < > [email protected]>* wrote: > > From: saravanan.k,9787454854 M.Sc (forestry), <[email protected]> > Subject: [indiantreepix:6584] shrub spp > To: "indiantreepix" <[email protected]> > Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008, 5:17 AM > > > regards > > K.Saravanan M.Sc (forestry),P.G Hostel > Forest College and Research Institute, > Mettupalayam - 641301 > Coimbatore District,Tamilnadu > mobile: 9787454854 > > > > > > > > -- With regards, J.M.Garg "We often ignore the beauty around us" Creating Awareness about Indian Flora & Fauna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Jmgarg1 For learning about our trees & plants, please visit/ join Google e-group (Indiantreepix) http://groups.google.co.in/group/indiantreepix?hl=en --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "indiantreepix" group. 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