Kaim is a tree native to India. Can be thought of the Indian cousin of the
thai born Kratom (M. speciosa), more popular in the West.
The Mitragyna genus is found in tropical
and sub-tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Asian species of Mitragyna are
often found in rainforests, while the African species are often found in swamps.
Mitragyna species are used medicinally as well as for their fine timber
throughout the areas they grow. Kaim reaches heights of 50 feet with a branch
spread of over 15 feet. The stem is erect and branching. Flowers are yellow
and grow in ball-shaped clusters. The flowers are very fragrant, and remind
one of the better known
Kadam flowers. Leaves are a
dark green in color, smooth, rounded in shape, and opposite in
growth pattern.