Morinda

Morinda is a genus of flowering plants in the madder family, Rubiaceae. It comprises approximately 80 species, distributed in tropical regions around the world. The genus is best known for its species Morinda citrifolia, commonly known as noni or Indian mulberry, which has a wide range of traditional medicinal uses in various cultures.

Taxonomy

The genus Morinda was first described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The name Morinda derives from the Latin words 'morus', meaning mulberry, and 'indicus', meaning from India. Despite its name, the genus is not closely related to the true mulberries (genus Morus).

Description

Morinda species are evergreen trees, shrubs, or vines. They are characterized by their large, simple leaves, and small, tubular flowers which are often white or cream in color. The fruit is a multiple fruit, similar to that of the pineapple or mulberry.

Distribution and habitat

Morinda species are native to tropical regions of Asia, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands, with a few species extending into Africa. They are typically found in coastal areas, forest margins, and disturbed sites.

Uses

Many species of Morinda, particularly M. citrifolia, have been used in traditional medicine in various cultures for centuries. The fruit, leaves, roots, and bark are used in treatments for a wide range of ailments, from digestive problems to skin conditions. However, the efficacy of these treatments is not well-studied in modern medicine.

In addition to their medicinal uses, some Morinda species are also used in dye production. The roots of M. tinctoria, for example, produce a yellow dye, while the roots of M. citrifolia produce a red dye.

See also

• List of Morinda species
• Traditional medicine
• Rubiaceae

References

Morinda Resources
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