Celtis timorensis
Celtis timorensis Span.
Celtis timorensis, a member of the Cannabaceae family, is a tropical Asian tree known for its strong excrement-like odor from the bark and sap, caused by skatole. The species name derives from Timor, where the type specimen was collected. In Thailand, it is colloquially called 'wipe the bottom timber' due to its smell, and in Sri Lanka, its heartwood is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating syphilis, chickenpox, and measles.
Description
Celtis timorensis is distributed across tropical regions including the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China South-Central, China Southeast, Christmas Island, East Himalaya, Hainan, India, Java, Laos, the Lesser Sunda Islands, Myanmar, Nepal, the Nicobar Islands, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The tree is distinguished by the malodorous compounds in its bark and sap, which emit a strong, unpleasant smell. The tree's name in Thai reflects this odor, and it is associated with local legend involving Phra Ruang. Its heartwood has traditional medicinal uses in Sri Lanka for treating specific diseases.
Distribution
Global · Andaman Is. · Assam · Bangladesh · Borneo · Cambodia · China South-Central · China Southeast · Christmas I. · East Himalaya · Hainan · India · Jawa · Laos · Lesser Sunda Is. · Myanmar · Nepal · Nicobar Is. · Philippines · Sri Lanka · Sumatera · Thailand · Tibet · Vietnam
Synonyms
Sponia pendulaCeltis cinnamomeaCeltis crenato-serrataCeltis dysodoxylonCeltis hamataCeltis reticulosaCeltis waitzii