Psydrax umbellata

Description

The genus name Canthium is derived from the Malay word 'canti',which was the name given to a tree in Malacca which was the first described species of the genus.Umbelled Canthium is a small unarmed tree,commonly found in peninsular India.Young branches are 4-sided,leaves ovate,sharp tipped.White fragrant flowers occur in leaf axils,umbelled on a short thick peduncle.Sepal cup is egg shaped,with the margin with 5 small teeth.Flower-tube is hairy within.Petals,4 in number,spread out.The style prominently protrudes out,capped by a 2-lobed spherical,or rather mitre-shaped stigma.Fruit is obovate.Flowering: September-December.