Keek mara Cheria Germara (Holigarna nigra)

Cheria Germara (Holigarna nigra Bourd.) is one of the native trees of Kodagu, Karnataka, occurring in the forests and natural landscapes of the region. It is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to approximately 30 metres in height.

The tree is characterised by a fissured bark and stout, rough, hairless (glabrous) branchlets. Like other members of the family Anacardiaceae, the species is part of a plant family that includes several economically and ecologically important trees.

Taxonomy

Kodava name: Keeka mara  ( Cheria Germara )
Botanical name: Holigarna nigra Bourd.
Family: Anacardiaceae

Flowering and Fruiting

• Flowering: Begins in February
• Fruiting: Extends up to July

Uses

The wood of Cheria Germara has traditionally been used in Kodagu for making funeral biers used during funeral ceremonies.Its use in this context reflects the traditional relationship between native forest resources and the cultural practices of the people of Kodagu.