Mavalingam (Crateva magna): names, uses, safety

Mavalingam, varun in Hindi and varuna in Sanskrit, is a riverbank tree of the caper family whose bark is a well-known Ayurvedic ingredient for urinary complaints. In spring it flowers on bare branches in cream and yellow, with long purple stamens. Older Indian books call it Crateva nurvala. A Pacific and South-east Asian cousin, Crateva religiosa, has its own page.

Botanical name: Crateva magna (Lour.) DC.
Family: Capparaceae
Tamil: Mavalingam
Hindi: Varun
Sanskrit: Varuṇa
Parts used: Bark in lists, Leaf
Habit: Riverbank garlic-pear tree; the bark is the Ayurvedic varuna
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Mavalingam

It is a medium-sized deciduous tree, often ten to fifteen metres tall, common along streams and rivers.

Each leaf has three long-pointed leaflets on a long stalk, and crushed leaves smell faintly of garlic.

The flowers open in late winter and spring, often before the new leaves, with four petals that turn from cream to yellow and long purple stamens.

The fruit is a round to oval berry with a hard rind, holding seeds in pulp.

It is easy to confuse with bael, whose leaves also have three leaflets, but bael has spines and a large, woody fruit.

Traditional use of Mavalingam

Ayurveda

Varuna bark is the main ingredient of formulas for urinary stones and urinary complaints, often as a decoction.

Ayurvedic practice

Siddha

Mavalingam bark is used in Siddha preparations for urinary and joint complaints.

Siddha practice

Ritual

It is planted near temples and tanks in South India for its flowers and shade.

South Indian practice

Modern notes on Mavalingam

The bark contains lupeol, which has been studied in rats for preventing kidney stones.

Human studies of varuna for kidney stones are small and not strong enough to replace standard care.

Bark is stripped from wild trees for the herbal trade, which can kill them if done heavily.

Mavalingam safety

Kidney stones need a medical diagnosis; do not rely on varuna alone. Use the bark only under a trained practitioner, and avoid it in pregnancy.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows along rivers and streams through tropical and subtropical Asia.

Its roots help hold riverbanks against erosion.

Its leaves feed caterpillars of gull and other white butterflies.

Related plants

Also in Capparaceae

Questions about Mavalingam

What is varuna?

The Sanskrit name for this tree and its bark.

What is Mavalingam used for?

In Ayurveda, mainly for urinary stones and complaints.

Is Mavalingam the same as bael?

No. Bael has spines and a big woody fruit.

When does Mavalingam flower?

In late winter and spring, often on bare branches.

What was the older name of Crateva magna?

Crateva nurvala.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.