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Anjan

Botanical: Hardwickia binata | Hindi: अंजन | Marathi: अंजन | English: Hardwickia, Indian Blackwood

Anjan

About

Hardwickia binata, commonly known as Anjan, is a deciduous tree species native to the Indian subcontinent, belonging to the Fabaceae family. Reaching heights of 15-20 meters, Anjan is characterized by compound leaves with opposite leaflets and small, greenish-white flowers arranged in axillary or terminal racemes. Its wood is highly prized for its strength and durability, often utilized in construction and furniture making. While not globally threatened, localized risks include habitat loss and over-exploitation for timber, necessitating conservation efforts for sustainable management.

Interesting Facts

Medicine and Wellness
Medicinal Uses: Hardwickia binata, or Anjan, holds medicinal value. Various parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine.
  1. The bark is employed to treat digestive issues
  2. It’s resin is used for healing Elephant’s wounds.
  3. It’s balsam is used in treating sexually transmitted diseases like leucorrhoea, chronic cystitis, gonorrhoea.
  4. Seed are used for dysentery.
  5. The natives of Chhattisgarh region used leave for headache.
  6. The natives of Kanker region in Chhatitisgarh use leaves for purgative and constipation.
Bees, Butterflies and Birds: Signify a healthy environment
Environmental Impact: Hardwickia binata, known as Anjan, is not only valued for its medicinal and timber uses but also plays a role in helping environment and ecology.
  1. Anjan’s bark is used for making ropes, paper, cordage and sails. These present environment friendly options over things made of synthetic material.
  2. Anjan’s resin is used in healing wounds of Elephants as well as producing varnishes.
  3. Anjan’s bark and leaves act as fodder for large herbivores like Elephant and Gaur (Indian Bison). Their propagation in forests is key to supporting their diet as well as reducing conflict with farmers.
  4. The Bark is found to have a good adsorption capacity for mercury and can be useful for removal of mercury from water under certain conditions.
  5. The tree can survive in arid conditions and help in afforestation of such regions.

Anandvan Trivia Quiz

Question 1: Why is “Anjan” tree important for Elephants?
Answer: The Anjan tree has an important role in supporting Elephant’s diet and well being. Elephants forage on the bark and leaves of Anjan tree. According to Sangam Literature the elephants are fond of the bark and sweet smelling oil of Anjan tree. Not just that, resin yield from heartwood is used for dressings the sore of elephants. Planting Anjan trees along with other fodder producing trees in forests inhabited by Elephants (as well as Gaurs) is key to supporting their diet and preventing them from going out and raid farms.

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