Kanjiram

Planted in the memory of Rani Lakshmibai on the occassion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsa

Overview & Habitat

Strychnos nux-vomica belongs to the Loganiaceae family, known for its alkaloid-producing species.
The tree is native to Southeast Asia, thriving in dry forests and open grasslands across India, Sri Lanka, and Southern China.
While its scientific name may be unfamiliar, its reputation is well-known.
The plant’s deadly seeds can induce violent convulsions and death in small doses, earning its place in history as both a weapon and, paradoxically, a medicine.

Standing at 12-18 meters in height, Strychnos nux-vomica is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a robust, thick trunk.
The bark is pale and smooth, often bearing vertical furrows as the tree matures.
The wood is dense and yellowish-white, used in rural areas for construction and toolmaking.
The tree’s glossy, dark green leaves are oval-shaped, about 8-12 cm long, with smooth edges that hide its venomous secret.
The seeds are encased in orange-red, spherical fruits resembling small oranges, with a tough rind protecting up to five flat, disc-shaped seeds.
These seeds have been harvested, both legally and illicitly, for centuries.

The flowers of Strychnos nux-vomica are small and greenish-white, clustering together in cymes and releasing a faint but unpleasant odor.
They bloom between February and May, marking the arrival of the fruit.

The fruit is a round berry, about 4-5 cm in diameter, with a leathery, hard shell encasing soft pulp.
Despite its toxicity, the pulp attracts certain birds and animals that seem unaffected by the alkaloids.
Inside, the seeds are smooth, flat, and dull greyish in color, containing high concentrations of alkaloids like strychnine and brucine.
Even a small amount of these seeds can be lethal to humans.

The genus Strychnos includes several species, many of which are alkaloid-rich.
Strychnos nux-vomica is the most infamous due to its high concentrations of strychnine.

Despite its deadly potential, Strychnos nux-vomica has numerous uses.
In traditional medicine, strychnine has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese practices for centuries to stimulate the digestive system, treat paralysis, and serve as a tonic for the nervous system.
It is still used in homeopathic medicine, often in highly diluted forms, for treating digestive issues, headaches, and irritability.
In the 19th and early 20th century, Western medicine employed it as a treatment for certain heart conditions and as a respiratory stimulant.
Strychnine has been used in pesticides, especially in rodenticides, though its use has been phased out due to toxicity and risks to non-target species.