Wendlandia heynei is an evergreen to semi-deciduous shrub or small tree in the Rubiaceae family, typically reaching 4–8 meters in height. It has a slender trunk with smooth, greyish bark and is easily recognized by its ashy-grey foliage and fragrant white flowers. The leaves are simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, 8–22 cm long and 5–8.5 cm wide, leathery in texture, acute at the tip, pubescent above, and densely grey-tomentose beneath. The flowers are small, white, and sessile, arranged in large, tomentose, pyramidal panicles. Each flower has a tubular corolla (1.2–2.5 cm long) with four spreading, recurved lobes. The fruit is a globose capsule, and the flowering period is from January to March, with fruiting from April to June.
Habitat
Wendlandia heynei is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is commonly found in montane and submontane regions, especially in the sub-Himalayan tracts up to 1200 meters elevation, often in open, exposed areas with mixed forests. It is also distributed in Central and South India and is considered fairly common in these habitats.
Planting and Care
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, exposed forested areas.
- Soil: Grows best in well-drained, moderately fertile soils typical of montane and submontane regions.
- Watering: Requires moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established.
- Propagation: Propagated by seeds or cuttings; young plants benefit from protection against harsh conditions.
- Maintenance: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged branches to maintain shape and health.
Additional Information
- Ornamental Use: Valued for its ashy-grey foliage and fragrant white flowers, making it attractive in gardens and landscaping.
- Medicinal Properties: Traditionally used to treat ulcers, wounds, diarrhoea, fever, urinary problems, skin illnesses, colds, coughs, and body pains. Bark is used for piles and fevers; root is considered an antidote for snakebite; leaf extracts have wound-healing effects.
- Ecological Role: Helps prevent soil erosion on hillsides and supports pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and moths.
- Distribution: Widespread across the Indian subcontinent, especially in the Himalayas, Central and South India, and neighboring countries.
- Local Names: Known as Tilaki, China, Chlli in various regions.
