Immerse yourself in the lush, green world of Tamil Nadu as we journey through the verdant forests and sprawling landscapes, acquainting ourselves with the fascinating names of trees in Tamil. An intriguing exploration that promises to be more than just a linguistic undertaking, this article goes beyond presenting mere translations and delves into cultural connotations, botanical characteristics, and ecological significance.

Rooted deeply in the fertile soils of South India’s rich culture, each tree’s name carries an enchanting tale wrapped in layers of folklore, mythology, or medicinal importance. So read on as we decode these arboreal titles, unraveling stories rooted in deep-seated traditions and offering a peek into the Tamil people’s profound relationship with nature.

Trees Name in Tamil List

Given below is the list of trees names in Tamil with English names.

1. Bamboo tree மூங்கில் மரம்

In Tamil, a bamboo tree is referred to as Munkil. Bamboo plants are a diverse perennial flowering species that are mostly evergreen. Bamboos are among the quickest-growing plants worldwide thanks to their unique rhizome-dependent system. They predominantly thrive in warm, tropical regions and hot temperate climates.

Bamboo, a natural composite material similar to wood, is extensively used in regions like South Asia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and East Asia. Its applications range from construction to cuisine, and it’s even a common feature in artistic endeavors like bamboo paintings and crafts. Economically and culturally, bamboo holds substantial value. It boasts strength comparable to that of robust softwood or hardwood timber while maintaining a similar strength-to-weight ratio as the timber itself.

2. Mango tree மாமரம்

In Tamil, the name of the mango is mankani. The tropical tree Mangifera indica produces the edible stone fruit known as a mango. It is said to have its roots in northeastern India, Bangladesh, and northwest Burma. The “Indian type” and the “Southeast Asian type” of modern mango cultivars are the consequence of ancient M. indica cultivation in South and Southeast Asia.

Mangoes come in several hundred varieties throughout the world. Mango fruit can vary in size, shape, sweetness, skin tone, and flesh color, which can be light yellow, gold, green, or orange, depending on the cultivar. Bangladesh’s national tree is the mango tree, while the mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

3. Almond Tree வாதுமை மரம்

An indigenous tree species to Iran and its neighboring nations, particularly those in the Levant, is the almond. This tree’s edible and popularly grown seed also goes by the name of almond. The almond’s fruit is a drupe with an outer hull and a tough shell containing a non-nut inside. Taking the shell off an almond to reveal the seed is called shelling. You can buy almonds with or without the shell.

After undergoing cleaning and processing, almonds have a long shelf life. They are frequently used in various dishes, especially sweet treats like marzipan. Almond trees flourish best in a moderate Mediterranean climate that undergoes cold winters. California is the most considerable producer of almonds globally, accounting for over half of the world’s total output. The almond tree is referred to as Vaadumai Maram in the Tamil language.

4. Coconut Tree தென்னை மரம்

Thennai maram is the Tamil name of the coconut tree. Coconut is used for food, fuel, cosmetics, traditional medicine, and building materials. Many people in the tropics and subtropics regularly consume the inside meat of the ripe seed and the coconut milk taken from it. Copra is the name for dried coconut flesh, and the oil and milk it produces are frequently used in cooking, particularly frying, as well as in soaps and cosmetics.

Add sweet coconut sap to beverages or ferment it to make palm wine or coconut vinegar. Many goods for furniture and décor can be made from hard shells, fibrous husks, and long pinnate leaves. In several countries, the coconut has religious and cultural importance, especially in the Western Pacific Austronesian nations, where it is a component of their mythology, hymns, and oral traditions.

It was also significant for ceremonial purposes in pre-colonial animistic religions. Hindu ceremonies and Tamil culture use it, which has taken on sacred significance in South Asian societies. It performs as the foundation for Hindu weddings and holy rites.

5. Palm Tree பனைமரம்

Africa and Madagascar constitute a third but much less significant palm tree zone, together with America and Asia from India to Japan and south to Australia and the islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans. The coconut and the African oil palm tree are the two palms that have the most significance for multinational trade since they are both excellent sources of fat and vegetable oil.

The coconut is an incredibly versatile plant. The tough inner layer of the fruit, known as the endocarp, is utilized to create charcoal, cups, bottles, and diverse domestic products by serving as a fuel source. Meanwhile, coir – a product derived from the husk of the fruit – is employed in the production of ropes and mats.

6. Lemon Tree எலுமிச்சை மரம்

Elumiccai maram is the name of the lemon tree in Tamil. In the flowering plant family Rutaceae, the lemon (Citrus limon) is a small evergreen tree indigenous to Asia, particularly Northeast India (Assam), Northern Myanmar, and China. The tree’s ellipsoidal yellow fruit is used worldwide for culinary and non-culinary purposes.

Very helpful for cleaning and cooking, it’s juice. Moreover, the rind and pulp are utilized in baking and cooking. Lemons are a literary representation of purification, freshness, and healing. Because it designates loyalty and love, the lemon tree is frequently associated with the Virgin Mary in the Catholic tradition. Nevertheless, because the lemon’s fruit is sour, it also represents bitterness and disappointment.

7. Banyan Tree ஆலமரம்

In Tamil, the Banyan tree is referred to as aalamaram. It’s also known as Banani and belongs to the fig family. What sets this tree apart is its ability to sprout additional trunks from accidental prop roots, which allows it to grow without a limit. Like other fig varieties, Banyans bear their fruit in a syconium formation.

The pollination of fig trees depends on wasps, as these insects find nourishment and protection in the syconium of the Ficus species. Banyan seeds are spread by fruit-eating birds. These seeds are minuscule, and survival chances for a seedling that sprouts on the ground are slim, given that most banyans grow in forested regions. In Hindu belief, the leaf of a banyan tree is considered the final resting place for the god Krishna.

8. Guava Tree கொய்யா மரம்

Koyya is the name of the guava tree in Tamil. The popular tropical fruit guava is grown throughout many tropical and subtropical areas. The guava tree is native to Central and South America. Guavas are one of the few tropical fruits that can grow to fruiting size in pots indoors, making them appealing to home gardeners in subtropical regions.

People often enjoy raw fruit or use it in beverages, preserves, and various recipes—the leaf and the fruit serve as medicinal elements of this plant. The guava leaf is beneficial for multiple health concerns, such as wound treatment, pain alleviation, diabetes management, and digestive issues.

9. Apple Tree ஆப்பிள் மரம்

Apple maram is the tree’s name in Tamil. Apple is a fruit that is present all around the world. The most frequently cultivated species in the genus Malus is the apple tree, grown worldwide. In Central Asia, where the tree first arose, the tree’s wild parent, Malus sieversii, is still flourishing and well.

The Tamil term for the tree is Apple maram. Globally, apples are a widely recognized fruit. The apple tree, belonging to the Malus genus, is the most normally grown species worldwide. Its original variant, Malus sieversii, continues to flourish in Central Asia, which is also considered this tree’s birthplace.

10. Jackfruit Tree பலாமரம்

The jack tree, also known as Pala maram in Tamil, is part of the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit tree families. This term is also fused to the South Indian language Malayalam, where it’s referred to as Chakka Pazham. Its origins can be traced back to myriad locations such as the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the Western Ghats of Sri Lanka in southern India and Bangladesh.

The jackfruit, known for its subtly sweet and fruity taste, is also discovered in Sri Lanka. One of its distinctive aspects is its relatively large size. It is the largest tree fruit globally, capable of attaining a weight of up to 80 pounds or 35 kilograms.

11. Jujube Tree லந்தைக்கனி

Illanthai Maram is the name of jujube in Tamil. In the Indian subcontinent, Jujube is known as Ber in Hindi, Regu chettu in Telugu, Ilandai in Tamil, Bore Hannu in Kannada, and Ajapriya, Kola, Badari in Sanskrit. It is a little deciduous tree or shrub with thorny branches that grow to a height of 5–12 meters. The flowers have five unnoticeable pale yellowish-green petals and are only 5 millimeters wide.

It’s widely accepted that the precise natural habitat of this extensively cultivated plant is indeterminable. However, it is speculated to have first grown in southern Asia, specifically in regions spanning Lebanon, northern India, and southern and central China. There’s also a reasonable possibility that it was brought into southeastern Europe.

Although the tree can withstand diverse temperatures and precipitation, it needs hot summers and adequate water for optimum fruiting. Fruit that has just been gathered, candied, and dried fruit are frequently used as snacks or with coffee. Black jujubes, which are smoked jujubes, are favored in Vietnam.

12. Ebony Tree கருங்காலி மரம்

Karunkali Maram is the name of an ebony tree in Tamil. The genus Diospyros, which also includes persimmons, has numerous species of ebony, a dense black or brown hardwood. Ebony is so dense that it sinks in water, unlike most woods. It is valuable as an ornamental wood due to its exquisite texture and mirror appearance when polished. Ebony has been used for a long time, and carved bits of it have even been discovered in Egyptian tombs.

Ebony was traditionally used to make the black pieces for chess, whereas boxwood or ivory was used to make the white pieces. Small and frequently fashioned of ebony, contemporary East Midlands lacemaking bobbins look beautiful when tied with brass or silver wire. Ebony is still used to making some high-end handgun grips, rifle fore-end tips, and billiard cue butts.

13. Arecanut Tree பாற்கடலை மரம்

The name of the Arecanut tree in the Tamil language is Paarkadalai Maram. A species of palm named Areca catechu thrives across large portions of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and East Africa. It is commonly referred to as betel nut to contrast it from the betel leaves frequently used to wrap it.

Consumption is carcinogenic to humans and has numerous negative health impacts. The histologic changes in the oral mucosa are caused by several essences found in the nut, including arecoline. It is well comprehended to be a significant risk factor for esophageal and oral malignancies. Similar to chewing tobacco, preventive measures are used to discourage its usage.

14. Fig Tree அத்தி மரம்

Atti maram is the Tamil name for the fig tree. The Moraceae, also known as the fig or mulberry family, includes the Ficus religiosa, or sacred fig, indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina. There are no flowers on the branches of fig trees. The fruit has a flower inside of it. Several tiny blooms produce the crunchy, edible seeds that give figs distinctive texture.

Figs are picked when they are fully ripe and half-dried on the tree by the cycles of nature. Figs should be grown in full sun, well-drained soil. Figs should be grown in full sun, well-drained soil. Medicine is also made from fruit, leaves, and roots. Chemicals in fig leaf and fruit may stimulate greater food absorption in the intestines. Moreover, it has blends that could restrain cholesterol and blood sugar.

15. Peepal Tree அரசமரம்

Arasa maram is the Tamil names of peepal tree. In India, the peepal, a large evergreen tree, is revered. In addition to emitting oxygen, it also has other significant medical advantages. Asthma, constipation, and excessive blood sugar levels are all treated with various components of the peepal plant, including the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits.

The peepal tree, also called Vasudeva, holds the highest level of sanctity in Hinduism. This tree is recognized as the Tree of Gods within Sanatan Dharma. Each leaf is believed to serve as a dwelling place for deities. Notably, on Saturdays, it is considered that Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu reside within this sacred tree.

16. Mast tree மாஸ்ட் மரம்

Mast maram is the Tamil name of the Mast tree. Several tree and shrub species generate bumper crops of their fruits or nuts every few years. This year is called a “mast year” since it is the collective noun for these fruits and nuts. The yield of acorns and beech nuts from two of our most recognizable trees, oak and beech, varies greatly yearly.

Pharmacological studies on Polyalthia longifolia have shown it possesses a tangible range of biological and pharmacological effects. These include potential antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-ulcer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities.

Table of Trees name in Tamil and English

Below is a table of tree names in Tamil and English.

NO.	Trees name in Tamil	Trees name in English
1	ஆலமரம்	Banyan Tree
2	வாதுமை மரம்	Almond Tree
3	பாக்கு மரம்	Arecanut Tree
4	வேலமரம்	Babool Tree
5	மூங்கில் மரம்	Bamboo Tree
6	மலைவேம்பு	Bead Tree
7	இலந்தைமரம்	Bhir Tree
8	அரசமரம்	Pipal Tree
9	தென்னை மரம்	Coconut Tree
10	பனைமரம்	Palm Tree
11	பலாமரம்	Jack Tree
12	மாமரம்	Mango Tree
13	வாழைமரம்	Plaintain Tree
14	வேப்பமரம்	Margosa Tree
15	பூவரசமரம்	Portia Tree
16	ஆப்பிள்  மரம்	Apple tree
17	மாதுளை மரம்	Pomegranate tree
18	கொய்யா மரம்	guava tree
19	பேரீச்சை மரம்	Date tree
20	வாழைமரம்	Banana tree
21	ஆரஞ்சு மரம்	Citrus Reticulata
22	சீதா மரம்	Custard Tree
23	நெல்லிக்காய் மரம்	Star Gooseberry Tree
24	சர்க்கரை பாதாமி மரம்	Apricot
25	நார்த்தங்காய் மரம்	Citrus Aurantium
26	அத்திமரம்	Fig Tree
27	சாத்துக்கொடி மரம்	Citrus sinensis
28	பேரிக்கா மரம்	Pear Tree
29	ஊட்டி ஆப்பிள் மரம்	Plum Tree
30	சப்போட்டா மரம்	Chikoo Tree
31	நாவல் மரம்	Jambolan Tree
32	எலுமிச்சை மரம்	Lemon/Lime Tree
33	முந்திரி மரம்	Cashew Tree
34	பப்பாளி மரம்	Papaya Tree
35	விளாமரம்	Wood Apple Tree
36	முருங்கை மரம்	Drumstick Tree
37	சீமை கருவேல மரம்	Prosopis juliflora tree
38	ஆமணக்கு	Castor bean tree
39	இலவம் பஞ்சு மரம்	Kapok tree
40	மலைவேம்பு	Melia dubia
41	கறிவேப்பிலை மரம்	Curry leaf tree
42	தைல மரம்	Eucalyptus tree
43	இலந்தைமரம்	Ber Tree
44	வேப்பமரம்	Margosa/Neem Tree
45	தேக்கு மரம்	Teak Tree
46	புளிய மரம்	Tamarind tree
47	சந்தனமரம்	Sandal tree
48	பிரிஞ்சி இலை மரம்	Bay Leaf tree
49	பட்டை மரம்	Cinnamon tree
50	மகிழ மரம்	Mimusops elengi (Bakula) Tree

FAQ’S

What functions do trees serve?

Globally, the biggest flora contributes to human survival by producing oxygen, sequestering carbon, maintaining soil stability, and harboring diverse animal species. Furthermore, they supply us with essential materials for creating tools and constructing homes.

Which tree is the most beneficial?

The chestnut is viewed as the most beneficial tree globally, with four primary species: Castanea chinensis (Chinese chestnut), Castanea sativa (European chestnut), and Castanea dentata (American chestnut).

What role do trees play in our environment?

Oxygen is produced by trees, which also reduces atmospheric carbon. They increase rainfall, lessen erosion, preserve healthy soil, lessen air pollution, feed and shelter wildlife, and absorb solar energy. Said trees are necessary for life to exist on Earth.

What are the Tamil Nadu sacred trees?

Compared to other regions in India, banyan and bodhi trees, often chosen for worship purposes, are significantly more common in Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rich diversity of trees in Tamil Nadu is not just part of its natural heritage but also deeply intertwined with its culture and traditions. Understanding the Tamil names of trees is an enriching experience that bridges the gap between language, nature, and society.

This knowledge can foster a greater appreciation for biodiversity, reminding us of our crucial role in preserving it. As we continue exploring the verdant tapestry of Tamil Nadu’s flora, remember that every tree has a story to tell. So, let’s learn more about our surroundings and strive to protect our environment because every tree counts.