Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)

Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) Plant Guide

Local Indian Name:

• Hindi: कदंब (Kadamba)

• Sanskrit: कदम्ब (Kadamba)

• Bengali: কদম (Kodom)

• Tamil: கடம்பு (Kadambu)

• Telugu: కదంబ (Kadamba)

• Malayalam: കടംബ (Kadamba)

• Kannada: ಕದಂಬ (Kadamba)

• Marathi: कदंब (Kadamba)

• Assamese: কদম (Kadam)

Scientific Name:

Neolamarckia cadamba

Family:

Rubiaceae (Coffee Family)

Category and Subcategory:

• Category: Deciduous, Fast-growing Tree

• Subcategory: Flowering & Timber Tree

Native Region:

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

• Found widely in the Western Ghats, Northeast India, Central India, and riverine forests.

Introduction

Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) is a fast-growing, tropical evergreen tree known for its fragrant, orange-yellow spherical flowers and medicinal, timber, and religious significance. It holds a special place in Indian mythology, often associated with Lord Krishna and Goddess Durga.

The tree is widely cultivated for timber, shade, ornamental, and environmental purposes. It is commonly seen in temple courtyards, gardens, parks, and along roadsides. Kadamba is also an important agroforestry species due to its rapid growth and adaptability.

Importance & Benefits

Economic Benefits:

• High-value timber for plywood, furniture, and paper industries.

• Flowers are used in perfumes and essential oils.

• Fast-growing tree suitable for commercial plantations.

Environmental Benefits:

• Reduces air pollution and improves oxygen levels.

• Helps in soil conservation and afforestation.

• Supports biodiversity by attracting bees, butterflies, and birds.

Medicinal & Cultural Importance:

• Bark, leaves, and flowers are used in Ayurveda for treating fevers, skin diseases, and inflammation.

• Religious and mythological importance in Hinduism.

• Flowers are used in traditional festivals and rituals.

Description and Cultivation

Botanical Description:

• Height: 10-20 meters, can grow up to 45 meters in ideal conditions.

• Trunk: Straight, cylindrical, and smooth greyish bark.

• Leaves: Large, glossy green, ovate, about 15-30 cm long.

• Flowers: Bright yellow-orange, spherical, highly fragrant, bloom in monsoon.

• Fruits: Small, fleshy, and edible for birds.

Major Growing Regions in India:

• Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Western Ghats.

Varieties and Cultivars

• Common Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) – Grown for timber, shade, and religious significance.

• Burflower Kadamba (Neolamarckia macrophylla) – Larger leaves, used in agroforestry.

• Hybrid Kadamba Varieties – Developed for faster growth and higher timber yield.

Location and Light

• Climate: Prefers tropical and subtropical climates.

• Sunlight: Requires full sunlight (6-8 hours daily).

• Elevation: Grows well up to 1,200 meters above sea level.

Soil Preparation

• Type: Prefers loamy, well-drained soil with good fertility.

• pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Soil Enrichment: Add organic compost, farmyard manure, and green mulch for better growth.

Planting

• Propagation: Through seeds, stem cuttings, and root suckers.

• Best Planting Season: June to September (monsoon season).

• Spacing: 4-5 meters apart for healthy growth.

• Pit Size: 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm, filled with organic matter before planting.

Watering

• Young Plants: Water twice a week during the first 6 months.

• Mature Trees: Drought-tolerant, but needs watering once every 10-15 days in dry months.

• Rainfed Areas: Thrives with natural rainfall.

Pruning

• Purpose: Maintains shape, removes diseased branches, and improves airflow.

• Timing: Best done in winter or post-monsoon season.

• Method: Trim low-hanging branches and old wood to encourage new growth.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Leaf Webber Caterpillar (Diaphania indica) – Feeds on young leaves.

• Stem Borers (Batocera rufomaculata) – Attack the trunk and weaken the tree.

Common Diseases:

• Powdery Mildew: Affects leaves, leading to white fungal patches.

• Leaf Spot Disease: Causes yellow-brown spots on leaves.

Management Practices:

• Organic Methods: Use neem oil spray and cow dung-based bio-pesticides.

• Chemical Control: Mild fungicides and insecticides when needed.

• Preventive Measures: Ensure proper drainage and remove infected parts.

Environmental Conditions

• Temperature Range: 20°C to 35°C.

• Rainfall: Requires 1,200-2,500 mm annually.

• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity levels (60-80%).

Propagation

• Seeds: Best method, germination takes 15-20 days.

• Stem Cuttings: Used for rapid propagation.

• Tissue Culture: For large-scale commercial plantations.

Uses

Timber & Commercial Uses:

• Plywood, furniture, matchsticks, and paper industry.

• Used in making musical instruments and handicrafts.

Religious & Cultural Uses:

• Sacred tree in Hindu mythology, associated with Lord Krishna.

• Flowers used in temple offerings and traditional ceremonies.

Medicinal Uses:

• Leaves and bark used in Ayurvedic medicines for skin diseases and fever.

• Kadamba flower extract used for anti-inflammatory treatments.

Environmental & Agroforestry Uses:

• Acts as a shade tree in coffee, tea, and spice plantations.

• Enhances soil fertility and prevents erosion.

Monetary Benefits

• High Market Demand: Timber and flower industries require Kadamba wood and flowers.

• Income Potential:

  • A well-maintained 1-acre plantation can yield ₹3-6 lakh per year.

  • Kadamba timber sells for ₹600-1,500 per cubic foot.

  • Dried flowers and essential oils have a niche export market.

• Government Subsidies:

  • Supported under National Agroforestry Policy.

  • Eligible for reforestation and afforestation grants.

References:

1. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Reports on Kadamba Cultivation

2. National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Government of India – Uses of Kadamba in Ayurveda

3. Agroforestry Research Reports (ICAR) on Kadamba as a Shade Tree

4. Ancient Hindu Texts and Mythological References on Kadamba Tree

5. Traditional Knowledge from Farmers and Forest Departments

Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) is a fast-growing, economically valuable, and culturally significant tree. It provides multiple benefits, including timber, medicinal properties, and environmental sustainability, making it an excellent choice for commercial plantations, reforestation projects, and ornamental landscaping.