Danthapala (Wrightia Tinctoria) Medicinal Plant

Danthapala is a small and beautiful deciduous tree that grows up to 10 meters. Its leaves are opposite, up to 8-15 cm long and lanceolate. Native to India and Burma, Wrightia is named after a Scottish physician and botanist William Wright (1740 – 1827). From a distance, the white flowers may appear like snow flakes on a tree. The fruits pendulous, long paired follicles joined at their tips. The hairy seeds are released as the fruit dehisces. The leaves of this tree yield a blue dye called Pala Indigo.

Sweet Indrajao is called dhudi (Hindi) because of its preservative nature. Supposedly a few drops of its sap in milk prevent curdling and enhance its shelf life, without the need to refrigerate. The wood of Sweet Indrajao is extensively used for all classes of turnery. It is made into cups, plates, combs, pen holders, pencils and bed stead legs.