Mesua ferrea
Family: Calophyllaceae
Ironwood, Cobra’s Saffron, Ceylon Ironwood, Indian Rose Chestnut, Penaga Lili
Origin: Sri Lanka, India, Indo-China, Malaysia Peninsula
Stunning ornamental tree with bright red young leaves which gives the tree unforgettable appearance. White flowers with yellow centers similar to Fried Egg Tree flowers (Onchoba spinosa). In tropics, it grows into a large evergreen tree, often buttressed at the base; with trunk up to 3 feet in diameter. The wood of Mesua ferrea is very heavy, it is used for railroad ties and building needs. Its resin is slightly poisonous, but many parts have medicinal properties. Parts Used: Flower buds, flowers, fruit, seed, root, bark, oil. Dried flower: astringent stomachic, carminative, cardiotonic, blood tonic. Leaf: external use for wound healing. Propagation: Seeds or cuttings.
