Anacardiaceae · Holigarna

Cherei / Black-Flowered Varnish Tree

Holigarna nigra

Treeoutdoor
Habit
Tree
Found in India
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
Flowering
March-May

Plant Details

Scientific name
Holigarna nigra
Genus
Holigarna
Habit
Tree
Habitat
Evergreen forests
Habitat type
Forest
Native to
India
Found in India
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
Flowering & fruiting
March-May
Conservation status
Not Evaluated (NE)

Leaf characters

Leaf arrangement
AlternaterecordedOne leaf per node, arranged in a spiral or zigzag up the stem.Leaves are simple, alternate, and spathulate, with a cuneate base, entire margins, and an obtuse or occasionally retuse apex; — Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Simple leaf type
Leaf type
SimplerecordedA single, undivided leaf blade.Leaves are simple, alternate, and spathulate, with a cuneate base, entire margins, and an obtuse or occasionally retuse apex; — Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Simple leaf shape
Leaf shape
Simplerecorded
Entire leaf margin
Leaf margin
EntirerecordedA smooth, unbroken edge with no teeth or notches.Leaves are simple, alternate, and spathulate, with a cuneate base, entire margins, and an obtuse or occasionally retuse apex; — Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Typical of the family

Pinnate venation leaf character
Venation
Pinnate

Characters marked “recorded” are for Cherei itself; the rest are typical of the Anacardiaceae family.

Flower & fruit characters

Inflorescence
Panicle
Fruit
Drupe

Typical of the Anacardiaceae family — flowering plants only; individual species can differ.

Local Names

Malayalam
Cherei, ചെരി

About Cherei

Black-Flowered Varnish Tree (Holigarna nigra) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, where it grows as a tree. In India it has been recorded in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. It grows in evergreen forests. Flowering and fruiting run from March to May.

Illustration representing the Anacardiaceae family
Botanical family

Anacardiaceae

Cashew family

Cherei belongs to the Anacardiaceae family.

The illustration represents the family — not necessarily this exact species.

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Common plant problems

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