Haldu (Haldina Cordifolia/हळदू,
हेदू, गिरिकदंब) is a deciduous
tall tree with a large crown and is the sole species in the genus Haldina. The tree has long, straight, clean bole and is often buttressed & fluted at the base.
The buttresses are sometimes of irregular and fantastic shapes. When growing in
more isolated positions it produces a thick bole and massive branches with a
large spreading crown.
Leaves are opposite, broadly ovate, heart shaped glossy
green in colour. Flowers are tiny, yellow, in globose pedunculate heads and
fragrant with protruding stigmas. The new leaves give a magnificent look,
followed by creamy yellow flowers. The tree attracts lots of bees and insects
and subsequently birds. The grey or light-black bark is startling yellow when
freshly cut but turns pale red-brown on exposure. Hence the name Turmeric wood
or Yellow teak.
Haldu has a striking similarity with Kaim (Mitragyna Parvifolia/कळम) as the
flowers and leaves appears almost same. But the leaves of Haldu are nearly
circular, heart-shaped at base and with a pointy tip. Also there is difference in the stigma of flowers, if closely admired!
Natural regeneration of this species is difficult as the
tiny seeds as well as young seedlings in forests are easily washed away. The
proportion of seedlings which survive and establish themselves in forests is
relatively very small. Further available trees are cut due to demand for its
wood, which is reported to be acid-resistant, making it suitable for use as
laboratory bench tops etc.
Haldu is propagated by seeds. Seed is very small and so
should only just be covered with soil. The seed is best sown in a seed-box that
is placed in light shade and protected from heavy rain. It should be watered carefully with a
very fine spray. Germination ordinarily takes place in about 20 - 40 days.
Young seedlings grow very slowly in their first year and are very susceptible
to being washed away or beaten down with rain at this time. Plants develop a
thin but long tap root in their first year, this thickens and develops
considerably in the second year. Growth is faster in the second year and onward.
Young trees prefer a position in light to moderate shade,
but become more light demanding as they grow older. It succeeds in most of the soils
but well-drained soil, growing best in deep, fairly fertile conditions. For
instance, on lower slopes of hills among boulders. Usually growing along rivers
or transitional areas between swampy wetlands and dry loamy areas, which are
flooded for short periods. The tree has a massive tap-root system in proportion to
its size, which makes it very resistant to drought. The tree can tolerate temperatures within the range of 5°- 47°C.
The Yellow Teak is also harvested for local medicinal use.
It pacifies vitiated pitta and known to be useful in inflammation, urinary
retention, wounds and ulcers, skin diseases, biliary colic, infection,
dysentery, fever and burning sensation.
Haldu is often planted as ornamental, avenue tree and even
for its shade. But the tree is potentially great agroforestry species too! The tree produces fuel wood and fodder for livestock. It can be
coppiced within limits. It provides good amount of green manure. It yields a
yellow dye, which was used for dyeing wool and linen. In some parts of India,
the tree has a religious significance in Hindu marriage rituals.