Poovarasu (Thespesia populnea)

Poovarasu, paras pipal in Hindi, is the portia tree, a coastal evergreen of the hibiscus family with heart-shaped, poplar-like leaves. Its flowers open yellow with a maroon eye in the morning and fade to pink or purple by evening. Tamil children roll its leaves into whistles called poovarasam peepee. Its hard, durable wood was used for carvings, cartwheels and boat parts.

Botanical name: Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Corrêa
Family: Malvaceae
Tamil: Poovarasu
Hindi: Paras pipal
Sanskrit: Pārśvapippala
Parts used: Wood, Fruit in lists, Leaves in lists
Habit: Coastal evergreen with hibiscus-like flowers that turn from yellow to pink
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Poovarasu

It is a small to medium evergreen tree with a dense, spreading crown.

The leaves are heart-shaped and glossy, on long stalks, so they tremble like poplar leaves.

The flowers are cup-shaped, yellow with a dark red centre, turning pink to purple as they age the same day.

The fruit is a round, flattened, woody capsule that stays on the tree and rarely splits.

Sea hibiscus, Talipariti tiliaceum, has similar flowers but larger, rounder leaves and hairy undersides.

Traditional use of Poovarasu

Household

Children roll poovarasu leaves into whistles, and the leaves are used to wrap food.

Tamil village practice

Craft

The wood was carved into toys, idols, cart wheels and gun stocks.

South Indian craft practice

Siddha

Bark and fruit are used in Siddha preparations for skin complaints.

Siddha practice

Modern notes on Poovarasu

The heartwood contains gossypol-related compounds that make it resistant to insects and decay.

Studies on bark and leaf extracts for skin are mostly laboratory work.

It tolerates salt spray and is planted as a coastal windbreak.

Poovarasu safety

Do not take bark preparations by mouth without a trained practitioner. The tree is harmless in gardens and avenues.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows on tropical coasts from Africa through India to the Pacific.

Its fruits float and spread by sea.

Bees visit its flowers.

Related plants

Also in Malvaceae

Questions about Poovarasu

Why do the flowers change colour?

They fade from yellow to pink as they age during the day.

What is poovarasam peepee?

A whistle children make from its leaves.

Is Poovarasu related to hibiscus?

Yes.

Is the wood of Poovarasu useful?

Yes, for carving and tools.

Where does Poovarasu grow?

On tropical coasts and in villages.

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.