Description
Khirni (Manilkara hexandra) is a tree species in the tribe Sapoteae, in the Sapotaceae family
Manilkara hexandra is a slow-growing but fairly large evergreen species. Ceylon Iron Wood is a tree or a shrub, 3-12 m tall, with gray bark and smooth branchlets. Alternately arranged leaves are often closely clustered towards the end of branchlets, with conspicuous sca Leaf-stalks are 0.8-2 cm.
The leaf blade is obovate to obovate-elliptic, both surfaces smooth, base broadly wedge-shaped to obtuse. Flowers arise in fascicles in leaf axils. Berry is obovoid-oblong to ellipsoid.Plant Specifications
| Plant Height | 7 inch (18 cm) |
| Plant Spread | 5 inch (13 cm) |
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
| Common Name | Ceylon Iron Wood, milk tree, wedge-leaved ape flower, Khirni, Palu, Rayan |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 3-12 meter |
| Flower Colour | White or light yellow |
| Bloom Time | August-December |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Khirni care
It grows in tropical and temperate forests.
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 24 degrees C to 33 degrees C |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Khirni special feature
A handsome Indian evergreen tree often planted as an ornamental for its fragrant white flowers that yield a perfume; source of very heavy hardwood used for railroad ties. In olden time, the very hard timber was used for making lances.
Khirni uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for an ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- The leaves are applied to the head in the form of a poultice for severe colds
- Oil from the seeds is used for sores, scabies, wounds, and rheumatism
- The root of this herb is often used as an antidote for snake poison
- The dried flowers are used for bleeding hemorrhoids and dysentery with mucus
- Fresh flowers are also prescribed for excessive thirst, excessive perspiration, cough, and for indigestion
Culinary Use:
- Leaves