A lofty deciduous tree 22-25 m in height and 2.5-3 m in girth with a clean bole of 3-4 m. Bark very tough, exfoliating in large plates or scales. Leaves 22-45 cm long, crowded at the ends of branches, paripinnate, leaflets 3-6, elliptic or oblong, obtuse, entire, base oblique; flowers greenigh white in large terminal panicles; capsules black, woody with winged seeds.

Stimulates the cardiovascular system (stem bark); antipyretic and astringent (bark).

Tetranor-triterpenoids and flavonoids (plant); tannic acid and a bitter substance (probably a resin) (bark).

For gargles, vaginal infections, and enemata; it is also sometimes given for the treatment of rheumatic swellings (bark decoction); applied as a poultice for muscular and joint pain (bark powder); in sporadic fever, dysentery and debility (bark).

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.