Indian Laurel Tree

Indian Laurel Tree

Context: Forest department authorities in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh recently removed the bark from an Indian laurel tree, causing water to gush out.

About:
• The Indian Laurel tree, scientifically known as Ficus microcarpa, is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• These trees are widespread across Asia, the Western Pacific Islands, and Australia.
• As an ornamental tree, it boasts a dense canopy, smooth light-gray bark, and glossy lanceolate leaves.
• The thick foliage of the Indian Laurel tree provides an excellent habitat for diverse bird species, and its small, round figs serve as a food source for birds.

Application:
• The wood of the Indian Laurel tree is utilized for making furniture, cabinetry, joinery, paneling, specialty items, boat-building, railroad cross-ties (when treated), decorative veneers, and musical instruments such as guitar fretboards.
• Antheraea paphia (silkworms) feed on the leaves of this tree, producing tussar silk (Tussah), which is a commercially important type of wild silk.
• The bark of the Indian Laurel tree is used medicinally to treat diarrhea, and oxalic acid can be extracted from it.
• Additionally, both the bark and the fruit of the tree yield pyrogallol and catechol, which are used for dyeing and tanning leather.