Malabar Ebony (Tinduka)

Malabar ebony is a slow-growing evergreen tree with a black trunk, glossy leaves and round fruits that turn yellow when ripe. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and grows along streams in Kerala.

Known in Sanskrit as Tinduka, its astringent fruit and bark are used in Ayurveda. They are traditionally included in mouth-care preparations and in skin-care pastes, and the sticky fruit pulp was once used to caulk boats.