Diospyros malabarica

Diospyros malabarica

Diospyros malabarica, also known as Malabar ebony or Indian ebony, is a tree species found in India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Ebenaceae and can grow up to 25 meters tall.

The tree has glossy, dark green leaves that are around 7-12 cm long and 3-6 cm wide. Its flowers are small and inconspicuous, and its fruit is a round, fleshy berry that is around 2-3 cm in diameter and contains several seeds.

Diospyros malabarica is valued for its dense, dark wood, which is used in furniture making, carving, and construction. The wood is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as fever, cough, and dysentery.

The tree is found in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, savannas, and grasslands. In India, it is often found in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs along the western coast of the country. The tree is an important component of these ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a variety of animal species.

However, Diospyros malabarica is facing threats from habitat loss and overexploitation for its wood. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the continued survival of this important tree species.