Arjuna (scientific name: Terminalia arjuna) is a flowering plant of the genus Terminalia. [1] They are deciduous, medium or large sized trees, about 20-25 m tall. They flower from March to June. [2] [3] They have long fruits
Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are the original habitats of Arjuna. [4] Arjuna trees are found in most parts of Bangladesh. It grows abundantly, especially on both sides of the road and in the forests of Chittagong and Sylhet. Suitable for trees to achieve humid and temperate climate. This plant usually grows well in loamy soils.
Cultivation
Damp and fertile loam soil is suitable for arjuna cultivation. The tree blooms in Boishakh-Ashar and ripens in Poush-Falgun. Seedlings can be produced from Arjuna seeds. Seeds are usually collected from ripe fruits in March-April. The seeds are soaked in cold water for 48 hours before sowing and then sown in the seedbed. The ratio of soil to manure in the seedbed will be 3: 1. Nine month old germinated seedlings are collected from the seedbed or nursery and planted. Planting should be done at a specific place at the beginning of the monsoon.
Bark and seed preservation
Arjuna's bark is used medicinally in Bengal. The bark can be collected from mature trees, cut into small pieces, dried in the sun for 4-5 days, packed in burlap sacks and stored in a dry place for one year and its effectiveness remains intact. In addition, fully mature seeds can be collected from the plant, dried in the sun and stored in airtight containers for up to one year.
Usage
The bark, leaves and fruits of the Arjuna tree are used as herbal medicine. The wood of Arjuna tree is quite hard. Arjuna was once used to make the wheels of bullock carts. The wood of this tree is used for construction of houses, agricultural implements, vessels, boats, trenches, mast, mines and tube wells. Tannin extracted from its bark is used in leather. Arjuna's bark is used to make medicines for heart disease, leaf juice for diarrhea and leaf tassar for silkworm food