Question

Malabar kino is red colored gum obtained from _________.

• A. Albizzia lebbek
• B. Pterocarpus marsupium
• C. Lannea coromandelica
• D. Cochlospermum religiosum

Hint:

Pterocarpus marsupium wood is also traditionally used to make water drinking cups, as the water extracts wood compounds that help manage blood glucose levels in diabetes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Natural plant exudates (such as gums and resins) are important non-timber forest products. They are harvested by making incisions in the bark of specific tree species.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Malabar kino (also known as East Indian kino) is a highly astringent, dark ruby-red gum-resin obtained from the bark of Pterocarpus marsupium (commonly known as Bijasal or Vengai).
When the bark is incised, a red liquid exudate flows out and solidifies into brittle, angular grains.
This gum is rich in kinotannic acid and is used in medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and toothaches.
Let us review the other options:
- Albizzia lebbek yields a dark, lower-grade gum.
- Lannea coromandelica yields Jhingan gum, widely used in sizing paper and calico printing.
- Cochlospermum religiosum yields Katira gum, used as a substitute for gum tragacanth.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, Malabar kino is obtained from Pterocarpus marsupium, corresponding to option (B).