BATS AND THE KADAM TREE

The small, orange-coloured fruit of the kadam tree is edible and its seed is dispersed by bats, birds and other animals. In 1930 Ridley identified the Indian flying fox, Pteropus giganteus, as a kadam tree seed planter.

Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus)

Whatever attraction the fruit has is outweighed by the enticing fragrance of kadam tree flowers. Commercially, they are used in the creation of attar, a scented oil, which is a base for Indian perfumes.

The flowers and their romantic aroma have over centuries become associated with the monsoon season. The crash of thunder impels the buds to burst open. Winds accompanying monsoon weather are laden with kadam flower perfume. Hollows of kadam tree trunks collect rain water flavoured with the kadam flower sweetness.

Although monsoons can deliver death and destruction as well as life-giving water, the monsoon flower of the kadam tree is only associated with good fortune.

The kadam tree is a sacred tree, as are many other bat planted and pollinated trees.

The tree grows to 45 metres(147 feet)in height, and has a spreading crown that provides shade. Fresh kadam tree leaves provide a nourishing fodder for domestic animals. Fallen leaves enrich the soil.

The nectar of the tree's honey-ball flower attracts honey bees and is a boon to apiculture.

Kadam tree wood is not highly durable, but it is useful in the fashioning of dugout canoes, furniture, matchboxes, spools for jute mills, carving, tea chests, boxes, crates, paper pulp and coffins.

The root of the kadam tree yields a yellow dye.

Decoctions from the bark and leaves of the kadam tree can reduce fever, sooth dry throats as a gargle and enhance general well being when taken as a tonic.

In 1879 Pickering recorded that the kadam tree was a native of the Siamese countries, now Thailand. Presently the kadam tree is a popular plantation tree in Australia, Asia, Central America, South America and South Africa. It can be felled for commercial use after 10 to 15 years of growth.

References:

Agroforestry Tree Database, Anthocephalus cadamba; http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/AF/asp/SpeciesInfo.asp?SpID=17933

Fujita, M.S. 1991. Flying Fox (Chiroptera:Pteropodidae) Pollination, Seed Dispersal, and Economic Importance: A Tabular Summary of Current Knowledge, Resource Publication No. 2, Bat Conservation International

Hedrick, U.P., editor, Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, Dover Publications, 1972 (First published in 1919)

Human Flower Project, Pom-Pom of the Monsoon; http://humanflowerproject.com/index.php/weblog/comments/pom_pom_of_the_monsoon/ (Search for "kadam")

Usher, George, A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man, Constable and Company Ltd, 1974

The Plant

Family: Rubiaceae (Gardenias, Coffee, Quinine)

Species: Anthrocephalus cadamba

The Bat

Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus)

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