Kadam Tree (Kadamba Or Bur - Flower Tree) - Facts, Benefits, Care & How To Grow

An eleven-year-old boy once jumped off a tree into the river Yamuna to fight a snake named Kaliya because the snake was poisoning the river. He also used to gather under this tree with his friends to play.

Years later, that same boy used to meet his lover under the same tree and play his flute, which calmed people all around.

That boy is none other than Lord Krishna—an Indian god, and the tree is the Kadam tree!

Also known as the burflower, kadam is a tropical tree with a thick trunk that gives rise to sweet-smelling orange flowers.

What’s more?

The Kadam tree is a symbol of good health in addition to love, warmth, affection, and dedication. The leaves of this tree heal wounds and are also fed to cattle.

Check out what we'll be covering in this blog: -

• Facts about Kadam flowers
• What are the benefits of Kadam flower?
• How to grow Kadam Tree at home easily?
• Care tips for Kadam flower tree

Let’s jump into the world of Kadam Tree…

Facts about Kadam flowers

• The Neolamarckia cadamba or Kadam belongs to the Rubiaceae family
• It's a big tree with a wide crown and a straight cylindrical bole
• The kadam flower is red to orange in color and has a globe-like head
• Kadam trees are mostly seen in South and Southeast Asia in countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, etc.
• In Ayurveda, kadam tree has been used as an anti-asthmatic, antipyretic, anti-helminthic, and anti-inflammatory agent along with other traditional uses
• The tree is grown as an ornamental plant and also for timber and paper-making
• Kadam is an ideal tree for reforestation programs. It is also grown along roadsides and avenues in villages for its big shade.
• The kadam flowers are used in making perfumes and essential oils
• Kadam fruit juice is helpful in quenching excessive thirst during high fevers
• Kadam fruit juice also helps in increasing breast milk in lactating women
• The kadam leaf juice can help treat leucorrhoea and increase menstrual flow

What are the benefits of Kadam flower?

Beneficial for diabetic patients

Diabetes, often known as blood sugar, is a silent killer that is defined by elevated blood sugar levels brought on by changes in the metabolism of carbohydrates. You run the risk of developing a number of other problems if you don't take care of your blood sugar level right away. Numerous researches have demonstrated that the kadam tree's roots, leaves, and bark contribute to lowering blood sugar levels. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the root and methanolic extracts of the leaves both show anti-diabetic effects.

Treats fungal infections

The Kadam tree is anti-fungal. A paste made from this tree's extracts was once used to treat a variety of skin and ear conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of plant extracts to combat various bacteria and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton rubrum.

Antibacterial in nature

Kadam tree is able to treat infections arising from bacteria. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts from the fruit of this tree carry antibacterial properties to cure bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc.

Cures parasitic infections

Parasitic infections crop up from poor hygiene practices or eating tainted foods According to studies, using Kadam regularly strengthens the immune system and aids in the eradication of parasitic illnesses. The Kadam tree also treats other parasitic infection symptoms like vomiting, pain, reduced appetite, or loose motions are also cured by Kadam tree. This tree contains anthelminthic properties that may cure parasitic infections such as pinworm, roundworm, threadworm, or tapeworm.

Good for digestion

The extracts of Kadam tree can be used to treat the symptoms caused due to the digestive disturbances such as loose motions, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Kadam tree is a blessing for digestive system. Diarrhea, dysentery, and colitis can all be effectively treated with a decoction of bark skin.

May prevent cancer

Cancer develops as a result of the unchecked spread of aberrant cells throughout any organ. These abnormal cells are more likely to spread to the surrounding and distant tissues spreading cancer. Kadam tree has anti-tumor properties that can prevent the spread of cancer by diminishing the growth of cancer-producing cells. This tree has bioactive substances that function similarly to chemotherapy.

Treats joint and muscle pains

Kadamba is very helpful for treating rheumatism, muscle stiffness, and other joint and muscle diseases. It functions naturally as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It has flavonoids like quercetin, daidzein, silymarin, apigenin, and genistein that help in reducing the pain and stiffness brought on by musculoskeletal problems.

Heals wounds faster

Since ancient times, this tree has been renowned for its remarkable healing abilities. Many studies have shown that the Kadam tree extracts result in increase tensile strength that leads to shrinking of the wounded area. The scar marks also disappear faster.

Protects liver

The decoction of kadam often helps in eradicating IBS and other liver related problems. It is great for keeping a healthy liver as it contains chlorogenic acid that is proven to have antihepatotoxic properties.

Reduces Cholesterol

The inner walls of the blood arteries become narrower due to the deposition of plaque brought on by a high level of triglycerides and cholesterol. As a result, there is an alteration in the blood flow to the heart and brain, which raises the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. The kadam tree is used to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Reduces high-fat

A body with high levels of fat is more susceptible to diseases. That’s why nutritionists and doctors suggest losing weight and staying fit. One of the best benefits that you can draw from a kadam tree is using its root extracts. High levels of lipid-lowering action are present in this extract. Research has shown that it can help you lose body fat.

How to grow Kadam Tree at home easily?

Seed collection and processing

For this technique of seed collection, you need to collect dry kadam fruits and wet them to extract the seeds. Remember that the average weight of a dry fruit is around 11–12 gms, but when wet, it can increase up to 50gms. Each fruit gets 450–460 gms of pure seeds. Follow the steps mentioned below to collect seeds.

• Orange colored ripe fruits of the Kadam tree need to be collected. You can get that anytime between September and December.
• Now you have to let these fruits rot for three or four days. After that, you have to discard the pulp and take the seeds outside to dry them.
• For that, you need to rub the fruits to make a slurry paste and sieve it.
• You will get a black paste, and you have to sieve that. Put the leftovers in a plate or pan.
• Now dry it to extract the seeds.

Techniques

• Take roughly 0.1 gramme of the Kadam seeds you have collected
• Take a wooden tray, and then fill it with fungicide-sprayed sandy river soil
• Lay the seeds in this tray in February
• Kadam plants are always cultivated in shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight and the cascading effects of rain
• You must thoroughly moisten the soil beds prior to planting, and then scatter the seeds on top. Instead of burying the seeds in the ground, it is advised that you pat them with your hands.
• Water the soil bed frequently when the sowing is being done. Keep in mind that these tender seedlings are sensitive to both drought and excessive moisture.
• Germination will take place in 21 days from the date of sowing. After germination, remove the shade.
• Take the seedlings out of the wooden tray when they are 5 cm tall and place them in a polybag container with fungicide.
• Cover once again with shade
• The planting process is finished when the plant reaches a height of 35 to 50 cm. It can now be moved to your garden.

Propagation

IBA 500 ppm and NAA 500 ppm can be applied to Kadam tree vegetative cuttings to increase rooting and survival.

Plant management

Kadam trees thrive in rich, damp alluvial soils, frequently along riverbanks. The soil for Kadam tree growth must have good drainage and shouldn't be flooded. The Kadam trees are generally planted with a 5 x 5 m spacing during the monsoon season. Seedlings should be planted with their earthen balls in order to ensure effective establishment.

Care tips for Kadam flower tree

Kadam tree will be a beautiful addition to your home garden, and you need to provide the following essentials.

Light

The Kadam tree requires plenty of sunlight to survive. So, while planting this tree, make sure the location receives a good amount of sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. The dull, soggy, and damp areas are not conducive for the growth of a Kadam tree.

Water

The kadam tree prefers slightly moist soil. So, check the consistency of the soil by putting your finger 1 inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry then water it. But do not overwater otherwise the tree will get infected by fungus and die.

Fertilizer

You can apply an organic fertilizer once a month for a healthy Kadam tree. Coir compost is a good option that will look after the nutritive requirement of the tree.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for Kadam tree to thrive is between 25-30°C. Remember that this tree cannot tolerate cold weather and that’s why they are often found in low-lying plain lands. Again, very high heat is also not healthy for this tree.

Soil

Kadam tree grows well on fertile alluvial soil. All the nutrients this tree requires is often found in this soil type.

Ref Links: -

https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/kadamba-tree/
https://www.herzindagi.com/health/kadamba-tree-health-benefits-article-179628
https://natureinfo.in/kadam/#:~:text=Plant%20Description,by%20smooth%20black%20tests%20inside.
https://www.ugaoo.com/blogs/ornamental-gardening/growing-kadamba-lord-krishnas-favourite-tree
https://vikaspedia.in/agriculture/forestry/tree-crops/neolamarckia-cadamba#:~:text=It%20grows%20well%20in%20deep,with%20their%20balls%20of%20earth.
https://www.ugaoo.com/blogs/ornamental-gardening/growing-kadamba-lord-krishnas-favourite-tree
https://garden.ballatha.com/Kadam-Tree,Kadamb-Plant,Kadamba-Tree-%e0%b4%95%e0%b4%9f%e0%b4%ae%e0%b5%8d%e0%b4%aa
https://housing.com/news/neolamarckia-cadamba-usage-and-growing-tips/