Systematic Classification:
Division : Angiospermae
Class : Dicotyledons
Family : Caesalpinioideae
Genus : Humboldtia
Species : decurrensCommon Name:
Kattasokam
General Information:
Trees grow up to 8 m tall. Bark greyish white; blaze brownish, Branchlets terete, pubescent when young. Leaves compound, pinnate, alternate, distichous, pulvinate; rachis 30 cm or more long, distinctly winged; wings obcordate; stipules paired, foliaceous, to 7 (including apex) x 2 cm, lanceolate, caudate; appendage at the base of stipule oblanceolate or reniform, 4 x 5 cm; leaflets 4-6 pairs, opposite, sessile, pink or white and pendulous when young, lamina 12-32 x 6-10 cm, oblong-lanceolate, lowest pairs usually narrow ovate, apex caudate, base rounded or subcordate, margin entire, sub-coriaceous; midrib impressed above; secondary nerves ca. 12 pairs, looped; tertiary nerves reticulate. Inflorescence short racemes, axillary or on old wood; flowers with white petals and rosy pink sepals. Fruit and Seed Pod thin, brown, tomentose, 5 x 2.8 cm; seeds 2-3 round, flat.
Economic Importance:
- Tree with high ornamental potential.