Schleichera Oleosa
Family : Sapindaceae
Common Name : Kusum tree
English Name : Lac tree
Hindi Name : Kusum tree
Telugu Name : Posku
Bengali Name :
Tree Characteristics :
Malay lac tree is a rather slow-growing, briefly deciduous tree that can reach a height of 40 metres. The bole, which is usually crooked and slightly buttressed, can be up to 2 metres in diameter, but is usually less. A multipurpose tree, supplying food, medicine and a range of commodities for local use. It is occasionally cultivated throughout the tropics, especially in India.
Nursery Practice :
By seeds and root suckers; stump planting is also practiced. Seed is sown in polybags in July to August directly since seeds do not withstand the transplanting well because of very fast growth of tap root. The planting out in the field can be taken up aftyer the second rains. No. of seeds per Kg is 1500 to 2200; Germination percentage 10 to 60 and the Germination period in days 10 to 90.
Economic Uses :
Wood is used for making wheels, shafts and agricultural implements. It is a prized host tree of the lac insect. The tree yields an oil that for cleaning and promoting the growth of hair and for making soaps and perfumes. It is an important forest tree and the best lac is obtained when the insects are grown in these trees. Oil is extracted from seeds and used for cooking, lubricating, hair dressing and burning in lamps. The bark is astringent and is used against leprotic ruptures, skin inflammations and ulcers, while an infusion is taken against malaria.
