Seeds of this tree contains oil. 'Marottikka thinna kakkaye pole' is a very famous saying in Malayalam. In my childhood we will cut the seeds and these are used as 'chirathu' instead of vessels made from clay on Thrikkarthika.
My father told me that marotti enna(marotti oil) and punna enna(punna oil) were used to light lamps (vilakku) in those days. marotti pinnakku was used as manure for coconut trees and it was a good pest repallant too. 'Kan mazhi' was prepared by lighting the lamp in marotti oil in those days.
My father told me that marotti enna(marotti oil) and punna enna(punna oil) were used to light lamps (vilakku) in those days. marotti pinnakku was used as manure for coconut trees and it was a good pest repallant too. 'Kan mazhi' was prepared by lighting the lamp in marotti oil in those days.
Botanical name: Hydnocarpus Pentandra Oken
Malayalam:Marotti
English name:Chaulmoogra
A belief exists about this plant is that its presence indicates water in the soil. Its oil is considered to be the most auspicious among tribals. Oil is a medicine to leprosy. Oil is also used for making soap.