"Paradise Tree" Promises Immense Potential

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.. "Paradise Tree" Promises Immense Potential

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/03/06/stories/2003030604580500.htm

 

TIRUPATI, INDIA, March 5, 2003: Simarouba (Simarouba Glauca), also known as

the "Paradise tree," a native of El Salvador, Central America, was first

introduced in Amravati, Maharashtra, in 1966. Syamasundar Joshi, a scientist

in the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, who has studied the

tree, believes apart from edible purposes, it could be a promising

ingredient in the manufacture of soaps, lubricants, paints, polishes and

pharmaceuticals. Not only the seed, but every part of the tree is useful in

some way. The oil cake makes a valuable organic manure as it is rich in

nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. The shells form the raw material for the

hardboard industry. The fruit pulp can be used in the beverage and

fermentation industry as it contains 11 percent sugar. The leaf and bark

contains simarubin, a chemical used in curing diarrhea and malaria. The

insect-resistant wood is okay for light furniture industry, toys, packing

material, paper pulp and matches. The Forest Department's Biotechnology

Research Center (Biotrim) at Tirupati has been growing the tree for the last

six years on a demonstration plot, without actually knowing its potential.

Given the perennial drought in the State and that the tree requires no

maintenance, it is believed it offers great potential for farmers.

 

 

 

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