Mochras is a deciduous tree attaining a height up to 40 m and a girth up to 6 m or more and distributed throughout the hotter parts of the country. This species is native to Pakistan and India, globally distributed from Indo-Malesia to Australia. Within India, it is widely distributed throughout, including the Andamans, up to an altitude of 1500 m. Bark 0.5-1 cm thick, pale-ashy to silvery-grey externally, brownish internally, external surface rough with vertical and transverse cracks, mucilaginous on chewing; fracture, fibrous. Exudates of stem traded in name of Mochras. Used in Ayurveda, Sidha and Folk system of Medicine.
It is used to treat dysentery, haemoptysis of pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, menorrhagia, burning sensation, strangury, blood impurities, skin eruptions, splenomegaly, chronic inflammations, ulcers, gonorrhoea and for restoring skin color.
Other Names: Silk Cotton Tree, Bombax ceiba, Simul tree, Silk Cotton Tree, Red Kapok Tree, Shimul, Mochras, Sambali, Sāmali, Salmalia Malabarica, Gum Resins of Bombax, Supari ka Phool, Samaghul Mochras, Mullilave, Shalmali, Bürugu Cettu
