Hardwickia binata Roxb.

An ornamental tree. The leaves are used in India to feed the cattle. The wood is also reputed to be durable.

A medium or large deciduous tree. Leaves alternate, bifoliolate; stipules small, caducous; leaflet sessile, entire, 2.5-6.5 cm long, 1.2-3 cms broad, obliquely ovate, obtuse, coriaceous, glabrous with 3-6 arched veins; petioles slender, 1.2-2.5 cm long. Inflorescence long, slender racemes in terminal panicles, bracts minute, caducous. Calyx 5 mm long, sepals distinct, membranous, sometimes dotted, ovate or orbicular petaloid, yellowish-green. Petals absent. Stamens 10, filaments slender, mostly with fertile anthers. Ovary oblong, stigma large, peltate. Pods strap-shaped, narrowed at both the ends, 5-11 cm long, 1.3-2.5 cm wide, dehiscing at the apex, compressed, glabrous, veined. Seed 1, near the tip of the pod.

Distribution: It is a native of India introduced at Hyderabad, Miani Forest and elsewhere in the plains.

Fl. Per.: October -January.