Celastrus Paniculatus, Mal kangani - 0.5 kg Seeds

Celastrus paniculatus, known as Mal-kangani or Jyotishmati and sometimes the Black-oil Plant or Intellect Tree, is a large woody deciduous climber (liana) rather than an upright tree, scrambling high into the forest canopy with panicles of small greenish flowers followed by yellow capsules that split to reveal scarlet-arilled seeds.

It is one of the most important medicinal plants of Ayurveda: the oil pressed from its seeds is a classic nervine tonic used traditionally to sharpen memory and intellect and to treat joint and nervous complaints. The plant grows wild across the foothills and deciduous forests of India, from the sub-Himalayan tract through central and peninsular India up to moderate elevations, on well-drained soils with support to climb.

• Family: Celastraceae
• Native region: Indian subcontinent and tropical Asia
• Mature height: 6-12 m (climbing)
• Growth rate: Moderate

The seeds have a hard coat and benefit from pre-treatment. Lightly scarify or rub off the aril and soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing about 1-2 cm deep in a well-drained tray or polybag. Germination is somewhat slow and uneven at around 14-21 days; once seedlings are established and 20-30 cm tall, transplant them near a trellis or tree that they can climb.