Small thorny tree 6 - 9 m , trunk 15 - 25 cm in diameter , prickly branches , leaves - double compound , alternately arranged , oblique at base, rounded to notched at tip . Yellow flowers, panicles in leaf axil , fragrant flowers, bisexual, in supra axillary and terminal racemes . Sepals 5 unequal ; petals 5 orbicular, unequal with red spots at base. Fruits woody pods ; 3 - 4 seeds .

English - Sappan wood

Hindi - Patamg

Malayalam - Pathimukham

Tamil -Sappamgu

Kannada - Sappanga

* It’s pharmacological properties are antibacterial , antiviral , anticoagulant , antiinflammatory , antitumor and it can also be used as an immunostimulant . (Badami et al., 2004)

* It produces phytochemicals in heartwood (Mathew et al., 2007)

* The heartwood yields a red dye , which is used for cosmetic purposes , as it is resistant to sun rays , light , heat and water .

* The paste of the wood is used in curing rheumatism , haemorrhage and wounds .

* It is used in the treatment of contusion and thrombosis .