- Regional name:
- Marathi - Bael, Bengali - Bela, Gujarati - Bil, Kannada - Bilpatre, Malayalam - Kuvalam, Sanskrit - Bilva, Tamil - Vilvam, Telugu - Maredu, Urdu - Bel, Hindi - Bael
- Wood Apple (Limonia Acidissima) Vilvam Maredu Bael Bitter Orange Stone Aegle Marmelos Living Plant In Poly Bag Rare Exotic Baelplant (Healthy Live Plant)
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Fruit Plants, Trees, Medicinal Plants
- Family:
- Rutaceae or Lemon family
- Light:
- Sun growing, Semi shade
- Water:
- Normal, Can tolerate less, Can tolerate more
- Primarily grown for:
- Fruit or Seed
- Flowering season:
- Year-around flowering, Flowers are inconspicuous
- Flower or Inflorescence color:
- White
- Foliage color:
- Green
- Plant Height or length:
- 4 to 6 meters
- Plant Spread or Width:
- 4 to 6 meters
- Plant Form:
- Irregular, Spreading, Upright or Erect
- Special Character:
-
- Indigenous (native to India)
- Fragrant flowers or leaves
- Auspicious or Feng Shui plant
- Good for making bonsai
- Plant for puja or prayer flower or leaves
- Good for screening
- Attracts bees
- Thorny or Spiny
- Suitable for avenue planting
- Hanging or weeping growth habit
- Salt or salinity tolerant
- Good on seaside
- Must have for Farm house or big gardens
- Generally available in India in quantities of:
- Less than ten
- Plant Description:
- Limonia acidissima, also known as wood apple, elephant apple, monkey fruit, and curd fruit, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. It is native to India and Sri Lanka, but has also been introduced to other parts of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The plant is a small to medium-sized tree, reaching up to 30 feet in height. The leaves are pinnate and the flowers are small and white. The fruit is large and round, with a hard, woody shell and a pulpy, acidic interior. The fruit is edible and is often used to make jams, chutneys, and cand, or used as a flavoring in curries and stews. The fruit also has medicinal properties.
Growing tips:
Caring for Limonia acidissima, or wood apple, involves providing the right growing conditions for the tree. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
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Sunlight: Wood apple trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
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Soil: The tree can grow in a variety of soils but prefers well-draining, sandy soils.
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Watering: The tree is drought-tolerant, but young trees should be watered regularly to establish a deep root system. Once established, the tree only needs to be watered during prolonged dry spells.
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Fertilizer: Wood apple trees do not require regular fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the early spring to promote growth.
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Pruning: Prune the tree to shape as desired and to remove dead or diseased wood.
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Pests and Diseases: Limonia acidissima is generally free from serious pest and disease problems but it is still important to look out for the common signs like yellowing leaves and malformed fruits, which can indicate issues.
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Climate : It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, it is not cold hardy and temperatures below 20F will damage the tree.
Wood apple tree is relatively easy to care for and is well suited for home gardens or small orchards. With the right care, it can be a productive and attractive addition to your landscape.
Benefits:
Limonia acidissima, or wood apple, has a number of potential benefits due to its unique nutritional and medicinal properties. Here are a few examples:
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Nutritional: The fruit of the wood apple tree is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B complex, calcium, and phosphorus.
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Digestive Health: The fruit and its juice have been used traditionally to treat constipation, indigestion, and other digestive problems.
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Cardiovascular Health: The fruit may have potential to help with hypertension and improve overall cardiovascular health.
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Antimicrobial: The fruit contains compounds with antimicrobial properties that may help to fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
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Anti-inflammatory: The tree leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce inflammation in the body.
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Boost immunity: The tree leaves and fruit both have the property of boosting immune system
It's worth noting that the studies regarding these benefits are mainly based on traditional uses and folkloric evidences, further research are required to prove the effectiveness of this plant in modern medicine.