Category: Eco Park
This photograph taken at Sanjeevi Malai Eco Park shows Catunaregam spinosa, a hardy, thorny native species known for its ecological value and traditional medicinal uses.
Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, the plant grows as a shrub or small tree reaching heights of 3 to 8 metres. Locally referred to as Kattu Narthai or Mullai Narthai, it is well adapted to dry landscapes and is commonly found in scrub jungles, dry deciduous forests, riverbanks, and open areas across India and South Asia.
The species can be identified by its woody stem with strong paired thorns and white, fragrant tubular flowers that typically bloom ahead of the monsoon season. It produces round, hard berries that turn from green to yellow upon ripening. Its fruits serve as a food source for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife, supporting natural ecosystems in the region.
In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Siddha, different parts of the plant are used for therapeutic purposes. The fruit is associated with digestive benefits and anti-diarrheal use, while the root and bark are known for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
With minimal maintenance requirements after establishment and a wide range of ecological and medicinal benefits, Catunaregam spinosa can be a valuable species in efforts to restore and sustain fragile ecosystems in dry hill regions.
