Family: Fabaceae
Common names: Indian redwing, Camp siege, Travellor’s terror, Bhoca, Endam, Kokkichedi
Indian redwing is a shrub or small tree that only grows to a height of 6 to 8 m. They are also called Travelers Terror because of the small curved thorns that are present below the leaves, and also on the stems.
These plants are very commonly seen in South Indian states like Karnataka and Tamilnadu, and also in other countries like Burma, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
Plant Characteristics
Indian redwings are small trees that have a wide canopy and beautiful bipinnate leaves. Leaves are similar to those of tamarind trees, dark green in color, and double compound.
Each leaf is 20 to 30 cm long with 4 to 8 pairs of branches, each having 10-17 small leaflets that are oval in shape, and 3 to 4 cm long.
The Indian redwing tree has long, arching branches and a thick canopy of leaves, which makes the tree very beautiful even when it is not in bloom.
The flowers are born in dense clusters at the tips of the branches. They are white in color and 2-3 cm in diameter. Indian Redwing flowers are slightly fragrant, blooming in abundance during summer, in March and April, when the entire tree is covered with flowers that attract different pollinators.
These flowers are short-lived and fall away very quickly, forming a mat of white petals below the tree.
Fruits of the tree are very unique – more colorful, and attractive than the flowers since they’re deep pink or red in color.
The fruits are samaroid, which means that they have a flattened, paper-like wing that helps in the propagation of the seed. Visually, these wings are very pretty and elegant, in shape and color.
Each fruit contains a single seed, which is roughly oval in shape and about a centimeter in diameter. These beautiful fruits are seen in large numbers making the plant quite a spectacle during summer.
Growing tips
Indian Redwing plants are seen most commonly in the wild near forest areas. They are not usually grown in home gardens since their prickly thorns make them difficult to maintain.
These trees need good sunlight and well-drained soil. They are quite sturdy and can handle heavy rains, weather fluctuations, and bad soil conditions. They do not need regular watering, fertilization, or pesticide application since these plants are quite sturdy requiring very little care and attention.
Pruning has to be done very carefully because the horns can easily prick and tear the skin. These plants are also known as Travelers Terror because they are a major nuisance for explorers who have to stop on the way to remove the prickly thorns from their clothes and skin.
Uses of Indian Redwing
Since Indian Redwings belong to the Green peas and Beans family of Fabaceae, their roots have nitrogen-fixing bacteria that can convert atmosphere nitrogen into nitrates and nitrites, which can be absorbed by other plants.
So these plants look beautiful as ornamental trees with their abundant flowers and bright red fruits, but they are usually not grown in our home gardens because of the thorns.
They are excellent butterflies and bee magnets as their fragrant flowers and beautiful fruits attract pollinators in abundance.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Indian Redwing plants produce seeds in abundance, which can be dried and then sown in moist soil to germinate in a few weeks.
Stem cuttings taken from the parent plant will also take root in soil, but one has to be very careful while cutting and handling pieces of stem.
Photographed at: GKVK University of Agriculture, Bangalore
