Assyrian Plum(Cordia Myxa)

Cordia Myxa

Assyrian plum by Erika Ann

Cordia myxa, commonly known as the Assyrian plum or Indian cherry, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Boraginaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.


General Description:

Cordia myxa is a small to medium-sized tree, reaching heights of up to 10 meters. It has a spreading canopy and produces clusters of small, white flowers followed by spherical fruits.


Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Boraginales
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Cordia
Species: Cordia myxa

Habitat and Ecology:

Cordia myxa is found in a variety of habitats, including dry forests, scrublands, and along riverbanks. It is well-adapted to arid conditions and is often found in semi-arid regions.


Physical Characteristics:

The leaves of Cordia myxa are ovate to lanceolate, with a smooth texture and serrated margins. The fruits are spherical drupes, yellow when ripe, and contain numerous small seeds.


Benefits and Uses:

Cordia myxa has a long history of use in traditional medicine, where it is believed to have various therapeutic properties. The fruits are edible and are often consumed fresh or used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and beverages.


Threats and Protection:

While Cordia myxa is not currently considered to be threatened, habitat loss and overexploitation of its resources pose potential threats to its long-term survival. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the continued existence of this species in the wild.


Conclusion:

Cordia myxa is a valuable plant species with cultural, ecological, and economic significance. Its edible fruits and medicinal properties make it an important resource for local communities, while its ability to thrive in arid environments contributes to its ecological resilience.


References:

1. Khattak, K. F., & Simpson, D. G. (2006). "Assessment of the nutritional and antioxidant potential of some food ingredients". Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 86(2), 238-242.

2. Oza, M. J., & Kulkarni, Y. A. (2014). "Cordia myxa Linn. as a potent medicinal plant: A review". Pharmacognosy Reviews, 8(15), 127-134.

3. Singh, V., & Pandey, R. P. (2019). "Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cordia myxa Linn.: A review". Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 241, 111992.

4. Meena, M. C., & Rao, M. M. (2005). "Ethnobotany of Cordia myxa Roxb. in Rajasthan, India". Ethnobotany, 17(1/2), 25-30.

5. Goyal, B. R., & Goyal, R. K. (2010). "Pharmacological potential of Cordia myxa". Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 198-203.

6. Assa, J. S., & Assa, R. S. (2015). "Medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Jordan, the Tafila region". Jordan Journal of Biological Sciences, 8(3), 169-176.

7. Atikur Rahman, M., & Hossain, M. A. (2012). "In vitro free radical scavenging activity of methanol extracts of two Bangladeshi medicinal plants". American Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2(2), 86-91.

8. Singh, S., & Mohan, P. (2009). "Ethnobotanical studies of medicinal plants of Jammu and Kashmir, India". Ethnobotany, 21(1/2), 91-95.

9. Nandal, U., & Bhardwaj, A. (2013). "Traditional uses and medicinal potential of Cordia myxa Linn. in Churu district of Rajasthan". Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 12(3), 460-464.

10. Alqarawi, A. A., & Al-Arfaj, A. A. (2017). "Traditional uses and pharmacological activities of Cordia myxa Linn.: A review". Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 6(4), 2204-2207.