Nahor Plant

Nahor Plant

Detailed Guide

Local Indian Name: Nahor Gachh)

Scientific Name: Mesua ferrea

Family: Calophyllaceae

Category: Evergreen Tree

Subcategory: Timber and Ornamental Tree

Native Region:

• Indigenous to India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia

• Found in tropical and subtropical forests of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and other Northeast Indian states

Introduction:

Nahor (Mesua ferrea), commonly known as Ironwood Tree, is a slow-growing, evergreen tree known for its hardwood timber, aromatic flowers, and medicinal properties. It is often cultivated as an ornamental tree due to its beautiful white flowers and glossy green leaves. In Assam, it has religious and cultural significance, frequently planted in temple premises.

Importance & Benefits:

• Timber: Known for extremely durable and high-quality wood, used in construction, shipbuilding, and furniture making.

• Medicinal Uses: The bark, flowers, and seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammation, skin diseases, and digestive issues.

• Ornamental Value: Often planted for shade, aesthetic appeal, and landscaping.

• Ecological Benefits: Plays a vital role in soil conservation and biodiversity enhancement.

Description and Cultivation:

• Height: Grows up to 15–30 meters.

• Trunk: Dark brown, hard, and dense with a rough texture.

• Leaves: Glossy, dark green, and lance-shaped, providing a lush canopy.

• Flowers: Fragrant, white flowers with bright yellow stamens, blooming in spring and summer.

• Fruits: Small, capsule-like with seeds inside, used for medicinal purposes.

Varieties and Cultivars:

• There are no major cultivars, but natural variations exist in flower and leaf sizes depending on the habitat.

Location and Light:

• Sunlight Requirement: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

• Altitude Range: Thrives up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

• Temperature Tolerance: Warm and humid conditions are ideal for growth.

Soil Preparation:

• Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil.

• pH range 5.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Adding organic compost enhances soil fertility.

Planting:

• Best Season: Monsoon (June–August) is ideal for plantation.

• Spacing: Maintain 5–7 meters between trees for proper growth.

• Pit Size: Dig 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm pits filled with organic matter before planting.

Watering:

• Young Plants: Require regular watering until established.

• Mature Trees: Drought-resistant but benefit from occasional deep watering in dry periods.

Pruning:

• Minimal pruning is required.

• Remove dead or weak branches to encourage healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests:

  • Termites

  • Scale insects

• Common Diseases:

  • Root rot due to waterlogging

  • Leaf spot infections in humid conditions

• Management Practices:

  • Regular removal of infected leaves and branches

  • Application of organic pesticides like neem oil

Environmental Conditions:

• Climate: Prefers warm, humid, and tropical climates.

• Rainfall: Thrives in areas receiving 1,500–3,000 mm of annual rainfall.

• Humidity: Requires moderate to high humidity.

Propagation:

• Seeds: Germinate within 2–3 weeks, best when planted fresh.

• Stem Cuttings: Can be used but less successful than seed propagation.

Uses:

• Timber: Used in construction, railway sleepers, bridges, and furniture due to its hardwood nature.

• Religious and Cultural Significance: The tree is considered sacred in many cultures.

• Medicinal Uses:

  • The flowers are used in treating skin infections and fever.

  • The seeds yield oil with antimicrobial properties.

  • The bark and leaves are used in digestive and inflammatory treatments.

• Ornamental Use: Planted in gardens, parks, and along roadsides for aesthetic value.

Monetary Benefits:

• High Timber Value: The wood fetches ₹2,500–₹5,000 per cubic foot, making it a highly profitable timber crop.

• Flower Market: Nahor flowers have medicinal and ornamental demand, sold for ₹200–₹500 per kg.

• Essential Oil Extraction: The seed oil is valuable in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

• Agroforestry Potential: Can be intercropped with shade-loving crops like black pepper or turmeric.

References:

1. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)

2. Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun

3. National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), India

4. Silviculture of Indian Trees - Troup