Botanical Name

Madhucalongifolia

Family

Sapotaceae

Sanskrit name

Madhooka

English name

Indian butter tree

Hindi name

Mahuwa

Kannada name

Hippe mara

Habit

Tree

Habitat

Tree, adopt to grow in different types of soil

Plant Description

Deciduous tree with large spreading crown. Stem brown, bark cracked showing inner red colour. Leaves longer, leathery with prominent mid rib. Flowers fleshy, pale yellow, corolla tubular and aromatic. Fruits fleshy and greenish.

Distribution

Throughout central and northern parts of India

Religious significance

Fragrance during worship (Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Budhhism religions.

Part used

Flower, fruit

Medicinal uses

Used in skin diseases, burning urination, fever, diarrhea, premature ejaculation, less sperm count,dry cough.

Other uses

Flowers can be eaten fresh. Alcoholic beverage is prepared. Fruit coat is eaten as vegetable, inner cotyledon ground in to meal

Ecological significance

Attracts honey bees and nectar feeding birds