Know the herbs

Scientific name

Parkia speciosa Hassk.

Family

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Local name

Petai (Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Pulau Pinang, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu), petah, petai papan

Description

Parkia speciosa is a large tree that can reach a height of 35 m, sometimes larger. The bark is reddish brown, the branches are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are compound, alternate, bipinnate, with 14-18 pairs of pinnae, each pinnae has 31-38 leaflets. The leaflets are opposite, oblong, with rounded tips, and smooth edges. The axillary flower clusters are pendulous, head-shaped, and long-stemmed. The flowers are bisexual, creamy white. The fruit is a pod, 35-45 cm long, twisted, and green when young and turning brown or black when ripe. Each pod contains up to 18 seeds. The seeds are foul-smelling, green, and ellipsoid in shape.

Usage

Petai is used for postpartum maternal care, treating shingles, and controlling high blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

Malaysia Herbal Monograph (source: Globinmed)