Givotia moluccana (L.) Sreem.

Givotia moluccana (L.) Sreem., commonly known as Poothali or Vellaipoothalai, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family that is naturally found in India and Sri Lanka. It is a handsome tree with broad spreading umbrella shaped crown, shining brown rough bark and broad heart-shaped leaves with grey hairy shade on the dorsal surface. This tree is most easily recognized by its remarkable blood-red latex, which exudes from cuts or injuries to the bark. The species bears small unisexual, pale yellow colour flowers. The fruits are fleshy drupe containing hard oily seeds. The seeds are reported to be used in the treatment of skin diseases, while the red latex has been applied externally to minor cuts and wounds in traditional folk medicine. The light, soft wood of the tree is suitable for carving. Three trees are present at our Chayathara campus. As a part of conservation, Green Ahalia has carried out germination trials and few seedlings are raised in the nursery. A roadside plantation was also carried out.