White dammar, Indian copal-tree
Vateria indica
Family: Dipterocarpaceae
What it is like
A large evergreen tree. The trunk is cylinder shaped and the bark is smooth and light grey. The young leaves are red. The mature leaves are 10-20 cm long by 5-10 cm wide. They are oval and have a short point. There are 14 pairs of veins. The flowers white and are 2 cm across. They have a scent and hang in drooping clusters. The petals spread out. The fruit is a large 5 valved capsule. It is fleshy and filled with fat.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in SW India. It grows between 60-760 m altitude along streams and in valleys.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, India, Sri Lanka
How it is used for food
The seed yield an oil which is edible after refining. It is used in confectionary.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ajakarna, Biladaamara, Biladupa, Bilaguggala, Chundrus, Dammar, Dhupadamaru, Dhupmaram, Guli, Hoogadamara, Kahruba, Looguludhupa, Maddidhupa, Munda-dhupa, Payani, Payia, Payin, Peinimarum, Perumpiney, Piney varnish-tree, Pineymaram, Ral, Safed damar, Saldhupa, Telladamaru, Vellai-damar, Vellakunturukkum, Vellei, Velleikuntricum, Veltha paini, White dhup