Herb: Mysore Thorn


Latin name: Caesalpinia decapetala


Synonyms: Caesalpinia sepiaria, Reichardia decapetala


Family: Leguminosae



Medicinal use of Mysore Thorn:

Anthelmintic, antiperiodic, astringent, febrifuge. The leaves are emmenagogue and laxative. They are applied externally to burns. The root is purgative.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
3 m
(9 3/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Hedges and open bushy places. Swampy localities and ravines to 1800 metres.

Other uses of Mysore Thorn:

The bark is a rich source of tannin. Plants are often grown as field boundaries in Nepal. An excellent hedge plant. However, due to its doubtful hardiness it is not a good candidate for this use in Britain. Wood - moderately hard.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - pre-soak for 12 - 24 hours in warm water and sow in a greenhouse in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Softwood cuttings in sand in a frame.

Cultivation of Mysore Thorn:

Hedges and open bushy places. Swampy localities and ravines to 1800 metres.

Known hazards of Caesalpinia decapetala:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.