Burflower-tree
Anthocephalus Cadamba
Burflower-tree
Anthocephalus Cadamba
Burflower-tree is one of the fast-growing tree species and is well-suited for reforestation purposes. It is an evergreen tree and considered a multi-beneficial tree, from traditional medicine, fragrance material, to carbon sequestering. In Indonesia, it is popular with name jabon tree and highly sought after by local farmers in West Java due to its compatibility with local soil conditions to the region.
Environmental Impact
Tree Usage
Anthocephalus cadamba
Burflower-tree, Leichhardt pine
Cadamba (India), Jabon (Indonesia), White Jabon, Kalempayan (Central Java – Indonesia), Kaatoan Bangkal (Philliphine)
Rubiaceae
Least Concern
Each mature tree can absorb 288 kg of carbon
Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam
The burflower tree can grow up to 45 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of 100 cm, a straight bole, a broad crown, and sometimes buttresses.
It thrives in secondary forests on deep, moist, well-aerated alluvial sites, which are often periodically flooded, as well as in well-drained entisols. It grows well at altitudes of 300-800 meters with an average annual rainfall of 1,600 mm.
In traditional medicine, various parts of the Burflower-tree or jabon tree, including the bark, roots, fruits, seeds, flowers, and leaves, are used to treat ailments like fever, skin conditions, and digestive issues.
Its flowers are ingredients in perfumes and essential oils.
The tree’s leaves are widely used as livestock fodder, although the tree is fast-growing and the leaves are not considered a primary choice for livestock feed.
Can be used for light construction and as raw material for plywood. Due to its fast growth and high wood yield, the burflower-tree or jabon tree is also economically valuable for small-scale farmers.
- Burflower-tree or jabon tree has unique flowers with orange color and spherical shape, visually appealing, and have strong sweet fragrance smell.
- In India, burflower-tree or jabon tree holds deep cultural and religious value for many communities, associated with love, devotion, and spirituality. Its visual beauty has inspired many artists in poetry and art.
- Various religion in India have strongly believed that God lives inside the tree. The tree is also closely associated with the God of Krishna.
- West Java, Indonesia, offers ideal soil conditions for the growth of the burflower tree or jabon, making it a favorite among local farmers in our tree-planting efforts.
- In India, its flowers are usually combined with sandalwood to create a popular fragrance called attar.
