Hello, I am Terminalia paniculata

…but you can call me Kinjal, if you’re feeling friendly. Most Goans do.

Now I know what you’re thinking — Terminalia …. what now? Don’t worry, I get that a lot.

My scientific name sounds like I belong in a hospital ward, but I promise I’m very much alive and thriving right here.

Let’s break that name down before you panic-ulata.

Terminalia because my leaves tend to gather towards the ends (or terminals) of my branches, like they’re attending an exclusive rooftop party.

paniculata because my flowers grow in panicles — fancy botanical-speak for “branching clusters that look organised but are actually chaotic, like human families.”

I am a large, deciduous tree, which means I like to shed my leaves now and then. Don’t judge — even trees need to de-clutter. On a good day, I can grow up to 30–35 metres tall, which is my polite way of saying please don’t ignore me on this walk.

I am also known as Kindal and Flowering Murdah.

My Story

Where will you find me, you ask?

I’m a true-blue Indian native, especially fond of the Sahayadris (or Western Ghats, if you prefer the English name) — you will see me across Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Kerala… lush forests are my comfort zone.

I like moist, tropical climates, good rainfall, and soils that don’t give me attitude.

About my looks

I have a straight, sturdy trunk, rough greyish-brown bark, and leaves that turn a warm yellow or coppery red before falling.

My flowers are small, greenish-white. Interestingly my fruit has one large and two small papery wings. It looks a bit like a winged-nut. Can you guess why this is so?

Yes, this is my way of aiding dispersal of my seeds. This makes my winged babies - nature’s own helicopters – ready to spin away with the breeze.

The surprises don’t end here --- It is my fruit, rather than my flower, which make me more colorful. As the months warm up, my reddish-brown-rust coloured fruits paint my canopy in an attractive hue.

My claim to fame: strength and service

Now here’s where things get serious — but only for a moment.

My wood is hard, heavy, and durable. Humans noticed this and thought, Ah yes, let’s put this tree to work.

My timber is widely used for:

Beams and rafters
Flooring
Furniture
Agricultural tools

I’ve even helped hold up houses. No big deal. Just casually supporting civilisation.

In coastal Karnataka and Goa, Kinjal wood has been traditionally prized — strong, reliable, and not prone to throwing tantrums. Unlike some people. :-)

Medicinal side hustle

I’m not just brawn; In traditional medicine, parts of me have been used for:

Digestive issues
Inflammation
Strengthening tonics

My role in the forest

Here’s something I’m particularly proud of:

I am an important canopy tree. Birds, insects, and forest folk depend on me for food, shelter, and general hanging-out space. When I stand tall, I help regulate the forest microclimate, protect soil, and keep ecosystems balanced.

Basically, I’m doing climate work before it was cool to talk about it.

A small complaint (since we’re being honest):

Despite all this, I don’t always get the recognition I deserve. Humans just walk past you, if you aren’t on social media.

But that’s okay. I know my worth. Quiet strength is still strength.

So…

Next time you see my tall frame and terminal leaf clusters waving above you, maybe give me a nod.

I’m Kinjal — holding up forests, homes, and ecosystems, one solid trunk at a time.

I’ve been standing here for decades, and it’s nice to finally be noticed.

Enjoy the rest of your walk!

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