Category: Town Planning

A recent photograph taken along Ayyanar Kovil Road captures a familiar yet often overlooked presence in the Rajapalayam landscape, the hardy siru paalai (streblus asper). Commonly seen lining roadsides in this region, this modest tree (also known as kurudu maram) stands as a testament to resilience, utility, and ecological value in dry terrains.

Siru paalai is a small evergreen or semi-evergreen tree, typically growing between 4 to 10 metres in height. Its grey, fibrous bark and dense foliage make it well-suited to withstand the harsh conditions of scrublands and arid zones. The leaves, small and thick with a distinctive sandpaper-like texture, are one of its most striking features. In fact, their roughness was once put to practical use, serving as a natural abrasive to polish wood and even ivory.

Known by several names, including the “toothbrush tree” and “Siamese rough bush,” siru paalai is deeply rooted in traditional practices. True to its nickname, its twigs have long been used as natural toothbrushes, or datun, valued for their ability to maintain oral hygiene and strengthen gums.

Ecologically, siru paalai plays a quiet but vital role. Its hardy nature makes it ideal for afforestation and dryland restoration efforts. It supports local biodiversity, acts as a natural windbreak, and can be used effectively in hedging and fencing. Its strong wood is also used for making small tools, while its leaves occasionally serve as fodder.