Gamhar (Gmelina arborea)

Gamhar (Gmelina arborea)

Local Indian Name:

• Hindi: Gamhar (गम्हार)

• Bengali: Gamari (গামারি)

• Tamil: Kumil (குமில்)

• Telugu: Gumadi (గుమడి)

• Malayalam: Kumil (കുമിൽ)

• Kannada: Shivan (ಶಿವಣ)

Scientific Name:

Gmelina arborea

Family:

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Category and Subcategory:

• Category: Deciduous Tree

• Subcategory: Fast-growing Timber and Agroforestry Tree

Native Region:

• Native to India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.

• Also found in China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Introduction

Gamhar (Gmelina arborea) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree widely cultivated for its high-quality timber, agroforestry potential, and medicinal benefits. It is highly valued for furniture, plywood, and paper industries due to its lightweight, durable wood. The tree is drought-resistant, grows well in various soil conditions, and plays a key role in reforestation programs.

Importance & Benefits

Economic Importance:

• Highly valued timber used in furniture, construction, and plywood.

• Used in agroforestry for intercropping with cash crops.

• Pulpwood for paper industries.

Environmental Benefits:

• Fast-growing and helps in afforestation programs.

• Prevents soil erosion and improves soil fertility.

• Provides shade and support for agroforestry crops.

Health & Medicinal Benefits:

• Bark and leaves used in traditional medicine for treating fevers and ulcers.

• Root extract has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

• Flowers and fruits are used in Ayurvedic treatments.

Description and Cultivation

Botanical Description:

• Height: Grows up to 30 meters tall.

• Trunk: Straight, cylindrical with smooth, grayish bark.

• Leaves: Large, opposite, and ovate-shaped.

• Flowers: Yellow, trumpet-shaped, and bloom during summer.

• Fruits: Small, round, green when unripe and yellow when mature.

Major Growing Regions in India:

• Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Varieties and Cultivars

• Local Wild Varieties – Naturally grown in forests.

• Cultivated Varieties – Improved clones for faster growth and timber yield.

• Hybrid Varieties – Developed for better disease resistance.

Location and Light

• Requires full sunlight for optimal growth.

• Best suited for open plantations with good air circulation.

• Tolerates partial shade but prefers warm and humid climates.

Soil Preparation

• Loamy, well-drained soil is ideal.

• Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic).

• Organic compost and fertilizers enhance growth.

Planting

• Propagation: By seeds, root cuttings, and tissue culture.

• Planting Season: Best time is June – August (monsoon season).

• Spacing: 3 × 3 meters for timber plantations.

• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering

• Regular watering during the first 2-3 years for establishment.

• Once mature, it is drought-resistant.

• Avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot.

Pruning

• Regular pruning ensures straight trunk growth.

• Remove dead and diseased branches.

• Thinning should be done after 3-5 years to maintain spacing.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

1. Bark Borers – Boreholes into the trunk.

2. Defoliating Caterpillars – Eat leaves and weaken growth.

3. Termites – Attack roots and stems.

Common Diseases:

1. Powdery Mildew – Causes white fungal patches on leaves.

2. Leaf Spot Disease – Leads to yellowing and falling leaves.

3. Root Rot – Occurs due to excessive moisture.

Management Practices:

• Neem oil and organic pesticides help control insect attacks.

• Fungicides can be applied for fungal diseases.

• Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Environmental Conditions

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.

• Temperature: 20°C – 35°C.

• Rainfall: 800 – 1500 mm annually.

• Altitude: Can grow up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

Propagation

• Seed Propagation: The most common method. Seeds should be soaked before sowing.

• Root Cuttings: Used for faster-growing plantations.

• Tissue Culture: Used in commercial cultivation.

Uses

Commercial Uses:

• Timber industry – Used for furniture, construction, and plywood.

• Paper and pulp industry – High-quality pulpwood.

• Agroforestry – Grown alongside cash crops for soil improvement.

Agricultural & Ecological Uses:

• Soil conservation and reforestation programs.

• Fast-growing shelterbelt tree for farmlands.

• Provides fodder for livestock in rural areas.

Medicinal Uses:

• Leaves and bark used for fever, inflammation, and ulcers.

• Fruits used in traditional medicine for digestive health.

Monetary Benefits

• Yield per acre: 400-600 trees can be harvested per acre.

• Market price: ₹1,500-₹5,000 per tree (based on age and quality).

• Plywood and furniture industry demand: High domestic and export value.

• Annual income per acre: ₹3-7 lakhs (depending on plantation density and quality).

References

1. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) – Gamhar Plantation Studies

2. National Agroforestry Policy, India – Sustainable Timber Cultivation

3. State Agricultural Universities – Timber and Agroforestry Research

4. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) – Gmelina arborea Growth Studies