Barna

A genus of nine species of evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, found throughout the tropics. In common with other members of the caper family, which all produce mustard-oil compounds, Crateva species are unpleasant smelling, with trifoliate leaves and garlic scented flowers. Crateva religiosa grows wild near streams and is widely grown as an ornamental and sacred plant, especially around temples, in India and Bangladesh. It was first recorded in Ayurvedic medicine in the 8th century BCE. Research in the late 20th century showed that the bark has anti-inflammatory effects and helps both remove and prevent urinary stones. Crateva roxburghii syn. C. religiosa var. roxburghii has similar properties.

Deciduous, spineless tree with white-marked bark, long-stalked leaves, divided into three leaflets, to 16cm (6in) long and 10cm (4in) wide. Cream to white flowers, 5-8cm (2-3in) across, sometimes yellow to orange, with long-clawed petals and dark red to purple stamens, are produced in terminal corymbs, followed by ovoid-globose berries.


Common Name:
Barna
Other Names:
Garlic Pear, Three-leafed caper, Varuna
Botanical Name:
Crateva religiosa syn. C nurvala
Genus:
Crateva
Family:
Capparidaceae
Native Location:
Asia to Australia and Pacific Islands.
Cultivation:
Moist, rich, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:
By seed sown when ripe at 18°C (64°F)
Harvest:
Young shoots, leaves and flowers are picked as required and used fresh. Leaves are also dried for infusions. Bark is collected throughout the year and dried for decoctions, or ground into powder.
Height:
15m (50ft)
Width:
9m (30ft)
Hardiness:
Min 15°C (59°F)
Parts Used:
Leaves, shoots, flowers, bark
Properties:
A bitter, pungent herb that has diuretic and rubefacient effects, improves digestion, and prevents and treats formation of stones in the kidney and bladder.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for urinary tract infections, urinary problems associated with prostate enlargement, kidney and bladder stones, gastritis, poor appetite, fevers (bark); obesity, rheumatism (leaves). Externally for rheumatism (leaves).
Culinary Uses:
Leaves and young shoots are cooked as a vegetable. Flowers are pickled. Berries and seeds are also edible.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 182-183