Gmelina arborea

Gmelina arborea

NAME: Gmelina arborea

FAMILY: Lamiaceae

COMMON NAMES: Gmelina, Gambhar, Beechwood

LOCAL NAMES: Gamhar (India), Yamane (Nepal), Takhian-nuan (Thailand)

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Gmelina arborea is a fast-growing, medium to large-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It has a straight trunk with grayish-brown bark and distinctive horizontal lenticels. The leaves are simple, opposite, and broadly ovate with a pointed tip, ranging from 10 to 20 cm in length. The flowers are pale yellow to cream-colored, tubular, and arranged in terminal clusters. The fruit is a small, woody capsule containing winged seeds that aid in wind dispersal.

USEFUL PART(s): The wood, leaves, and bark of Gmelina arborea are commonly used.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Timber: Gmelina wood is highly valued for its versatility, durability, and relatively quick growth. It is used in furniture making, cabinetry, construction, and as a source of pulp for paper production.

  2. Medicinal Uses: Different parts of the tree, including the leaves and bark, are used in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties.

  3. Agroforestry: Gmelina arborea is often planted in agroforestry systems due to its rapid growth and ability to provide shade, fodder, and fuelwood for rural communities.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Gmelina arborea is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia. It has been introduced to various other tropical regions for its economic and ecological benefits.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Gmelina arborea, like all green plants, appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll in its cells. Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, enabling them to produce their own food.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Gmelina arborea is considered a valuable agroforestry species due to its rapid growth and adaptability to various soil types. It can help mitigate deforestation by providing an alternative source of timber and wood products. Additionally, its extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

FUN FACT: In India, Gmelina arborea is sometimes referred to as "Gambhar," and its wood is used to make traditional stringed musical instruments like the sitar.

Further Reading: To learn more about Gmelina arborea's uses, cultivation, and ecological role, you might want to explore scientific papers, forestry resources, and articles on sustainable wood production and agroforestry practices.