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Published 13 December 2020
This is a small tree with a smooth, green bark/bole bearing rather zig-zag twigs. The bark bleeds light-brown (sap) when slashed. The leaves are lanceolate to elongate elliptic; generally sessile, reaching up to 10 cm in length and about four cm in breadth, gradually acuminate with a thick midrib and very thin irregular lateral nerves. Flowers are borne on terminal branches with a solitary flower in each leaf axil. The fruits are globose, yellow to orange with the calyx forming a shallow cup at the base.
Permit me to tell a small story before we come back to the plant of the day.
POLITICO
Closing America’s Oral Health Care Gap
Comprehensive Oral health care remains out of reach for millions of people in the United States. This is particularly true for those with low incomes, those in rural communities and those in communities of color. Some progress has been made in improving oral health for younger children, but adults who lack economic opportunity, affordable housing, healthful food options, access to sufficient health insurance or enough financial resources, struggle with significant barriers to receiving timely and quality dental care. The lack of access to routine care can lead to serious dental disease and is tied to several chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. What will it take to improve access and quality of oral care for Americans, especially for the most vulnerable?