Family: Malvaceae
Common name: Dinnerplate tree, Bayur tree, Karnikara tree, Kanak Champa, Buddha tree, Maple-leaved Bayur tree, Muchakunda, Karnikar tree
Dinnerplate tree is a tall, beautiful tree loved among gardeners for their lovely white flowers that are fragrant and attractive to pollinators. They are native to South East Asia, and thrive well in tropical weather with good sunlight and rainfall.
Tree characteristics
Dinnerplate trees can grow to a height of 15-20 meters with a well-rounded canopy. The trunk is straight and sturdy, slowly growing buttresses as they grow older, becoming thicker and irregular in shape.
The trunk also has lenticels, perforations that allow for exchange of gases with the atmosphere.
Leaves of the Dinnerplate tree are oval to rounded with irregular lobes and a wavy margin. They are 15-25 cm in diameter with a dark green upper surface and a rusty green lower surface.
The leaves have a rough, leathery texture and do not tear even when they are squeezed by hand. This characteristic makes the leaves very useful as plates for eating, or for wrapping food, giving the tree its name Dinner plate tree.
Dinnerplate trees are known and loved for their beautiful creamy white flowers. These flowers are produced in clusters, each flower measuring 10-12 cm in diameter.
The flowers have five distinct petals radiating from a darker colored center. Dinnerplate tree flowers are strongly fragrant especially at night attracting moths, bats, and other nocturnal pollinators. And also bees, butterflies, and insects during the day.
Flowering season is from April to June and the flowers can last for several weeks. The sepals of the flowers are held together when they are buds, opening up and arching outwards to give the flowers a unique appearance.
Fruits of the Dinnerplate tree are woody capsules measuring about 5-8 cm in length. They are shaped like capsules and brown in color, with a rough, bumpy exterior.
The seed capsules contain several flattened and winged seeds. In fact, the name Pterospermum means ‘winged seeds’. Seeds are small, about 1-2 cm long and are dispersed easily by wind.
Gardening tips
Dinnerplate trees need bright, direct sunlight and well-drained soil, but they can stand poor soil conditions as well. Before planting, make sure the soil is aerated and well-drained. Also allow enough space for the tree to spread its canopy around.
Watering is needed only when the tree is small, till it is established in the soil. Pruning can be done to remove extra-long or diseased branches. Fertilization and treatment for pesticides can also be done till the tree is mature.
Uses of Dinnerplate tree
The large and strong leaves of the Dinnerplate tree have been used as dinner plates, and for wrapping food. They are also stitched or compressed together to form environment-friendly disposable plates.
The fragrant flowers can be kept in cupboards and closets to impart a pleasant fragrance. They also have some religious significance and is used in rituals and ceremonies. Wood is relatively soft and used for making wooden planks or boxes.
Dinnerplate trees also have some medicinal uses in the treatment of cuts, wounds, ulcers, tumors, blood disorders, and leprosy. Dried leaves and wood are used as fuel for burning.
The trees are grown as ornamentals and also as nesting place for birds and small animals that depend on the thick canopy to build their homes.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Mature seeds can be collected from dark brown seed capsules and planted in moist, well-drained soil to germinate. Stem cuttings also root well in soil, and can be replanted into a suitable location.
Photographed at: Hampi, Karnataka
