Haldu, Haldina cordifolia, is a tall deciduous tree of Indian forests, named for its yellow wood, from haldi, turmeric. Its timber is even, smooth and easy to work, prized for furniture, combs, turnery and pencils. In the rainy season it carries round, golden balls of tiny flowers, like a kadamba’s.
- Botanical name
- Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Tamil
- Manjakadambu
- Hindi
- Haldu
- Parts used
- Timber
- Habit
- Yellow-timber Rubiaceae; kadamba is a shop word
- Last updated
- 2026-10-25
How to recognise Haldu
It is a large tree with grey, flaking bark and very large, broad, heart-shaped leaves in opposite pairs.
Flowers are packed into round, yellow, pincushion-like heads about two to three centimetres across, appearing in the monsoon.
The fruit heads break up into many tiny capsules releasing small winged seeds.
Kadamba, Neolamarckia cadamba, has similar flower balls but they are larger and orange, and its leaves are narrower. Hymenodictyon has pale, leafy bracts instead of flower balls.
Traditional use of Haldu
Timber
The yellow wood is used for furniture, carving, toys, combs, bobbins and pencils, and for construction where it stays dry.
Indian woodcraft
Modern notes on Haldu
Wood scientists rate haldu as a good general-purpose timber, moderately hard and fine-textured, though not durable in damp conditions.
Laboratory studies report alkaloids and other compounds in the bark, but there are no clinical uses.
The wood seasons well but is prone to insect attack if left untreated.
Haldu safety
There is no established food or medical use.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows in moist and dry deciduous forest across India, Sri Lanka and into Southeast Asia, often on well-drained slopes.
It flowers in the monsoon, roughly June to August, when few other forest trees are in bloom, and bees work the flower heads heavily.
Its tiny winged seeds are wind-dispersed, and seedlings need light, so it regenerates in forest gaps.
Related plants
Also in Rubiaceae
Questions about Haldu
Is Haldu kadamba?
No. Kadamba is Neolamarckia cadamba, with larger orange flower balls.
What older names does Haldina cordifolia go by?
Adina cordifolia and Nauclea cordifolia.
Why is Haldu called haldu?
Its yellow wood recalls haldi, turmeric.
Is the wood durable?
Indoors, yes. In damp ground it decays fairly quickly.
Sources
- Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Ridsdale — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q1999760 (Haldina cordifolia)
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.