TreeCultivatedPerennialMedicinal

Ehretia acuminata R. Br.

Puna · Brown Cedar

Synonyms: Ehretia laevis Roxb. (misapplied in part); Ehretia acuminata var. obovata Benth

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Description

Ehretia acuminata is a deciduous to semi-evergreen tree, usually 8–20 m tall, with a rounded crown and smooth grey to brown bark. Leaves are simple, alternate, elliptic to ovate, acuminate at the apex, with finely serrate or entire margins and prominent veins. Flowers are small, white to creamy-white, fragrant, and produced in large terminal or axillary branched cymes. Fruits are small, globose drupes, orange to reddish-orange when ripe, each containing a hard stone.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative

Medium-sized tree with alternate acuminate leaves and rounded crown.

Floral

Numerous small white fragrant flowers arranged in large branched cymes.

Fruit & Seed

Small orange-red drupes containing a single hard seed.

Distribution

Native range: South Asia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and northern Australia.

In Pakistan: Occurs naturally in northern Pakistan, particularly in the Himalayan foothills, and is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental and shade tree.

Phenology

Flowering

Fruiting

Flowering: April–June Fruiting: July–October

Ethnobotany & Uses

Medicinal Uses

Bark, leaves, and fruits are used in traditional medicine to treat fever, cough, wounds, digestive disorders, and inflammation.

Timber Uses

Wood is strong and durable, making it suitable for furniture, tool handles, agricultural implements, and interior construction.

Ecological Importance

Fruits are eaten by birds and other wildlife, aiding natural seed dispersal.

Ornamental Uses

Frequently planted as a shade and avenue tree because of its attractive crown and fragrant flowers.

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Where it grows on campus

North-North-West Campus1

individuals mapped across 1 zone

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Taxonomic Notes

Ehretia acuminata is distinguished by its acuminate leaves, clusters of fragrant white flowers, and small orange drupes. It is an important timber and ornamental tree throughout its native range. The accepted name is recognized by Flora of Pakistan, Plants of the World Online (POWO), and World Flora Online (WFO).