Hardwickia binata

The majestic tree stands tall

A few words: Only recently did we heard about this magnificent species at the Auroville Botanical Gardens.  We were given the task of collecting the giantess' seeds. Unfortunately, seed season was over. On the bright side, we had the chance to get a closer look at the tree. The most outstanding characteristic, in my view, would be the bark, which bears a likeness to crocodile skin.

Crocodile bark

Common name: Anjan tree

Scientific name: Hardwickia binata

Scientific classification: Kingdom: Plantae
                                               Phylum: Angiospermae
                                               Class: Eudicots
                                               Order: Fabales
                                               Family: Fabaceae
                                               Subfamily: Detarioideae
                                               Genus: Harwickia
                                               Species: binata

Mature leaf

Type of species: Indigenous

Distribution:  The tree is most commonly found in the dry open forests of Central and South India. However, its range extends to the western Himalayas up-to 1500m elevation.

Habitat: Dry deciduous forests

Conservation status: Least concern

Distribution map:

Sourced from envis.frlht.org