Did you know about this fruit??

Choerospondias axillaris, commonly known as the Nepali Hog Plum or the Choerospondias fruit, is a small to medium-sized tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The tree is also found in some parts of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand. The fruit of this tree has been an important part of traditional medicine and cuisine in the region for centuries.

Description and Habitat

Native to Nepal, India and Bhutan, Choerospondias axillaris is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 10-15 meters in height. The tree has a dense canopy with a spreading crown, and the branches are covered with smooth, gray bark. The leaves of the tree are pinnate, and each leaflet is about 5-15 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The tree produces small, white flowers that are about 4-5 mm in diameter.

The fruit of Choerospondias axillaris is a drupe that is 3-4 cm in diameter. The fruit is oblong or ovoid and has a greenish-yellow color when unripe. When the fruit is ripe, it turns a bright yellow color and has a sweet and sour taste. The fruit has a single large seed in the center, which is surrounded by a fibrous pulp.

Choerospondias axillaris is a hardy tree that can grow in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and can grow in areas with annual rainfall ranging from 600-1500 mm. The tree is found in the wild in forests, riverbanks, and foothills, and is often cultivated in orchards and home gardens.

Traditional Uses

The fruit of Choerospondias axillaris has been used in traditional medicine in South Asia for centuries. The fruit is believed to have a number of health benefits, including improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. The fruit is also believed to be effective in treating a number of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and constipation.

In addition to its medicinal properties, the fruit of Choerospondias axillaris is widely used in regional cuisine. The fruit is used to make pickles, chutneys, and jams, and is also used in curries and stews. The fruit has a unique flavor that is both sweet and sour, and is often used to add a tangy taste to dishes.

Modern Uses

In addition to its traditional uses, Choerospondias axillaris is also used in modern medicine and industry. The fruit is rich in antioxidants and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that the fruit may be effective in treating a number of health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.

The fruit is also used in the cosmetics industry. The oil extracted from the fruit is rich in vitamin E and is believed to have moisturizing and anti-aging properties. The oil is used in a number of cosmetic products, including soaps, lotions, and creams.

The wood of Choerospondias axillaris is also used in the furniture industry. The wood is hard and durable, and is used to make a variety of furniture items, including tables, chairs, and cabinets. The wood is also used in construction, and is often used to make doors, windows, and flooring.

This tree is deciduous and can reach a height of 20 metres. Purple-brown colour characterises the smaller branches. The compound leaves have three to six papery oval leaflets that are each up to 12 cm 4.5 cm (4.7 in 1.8 in) long and up to 40 cm (16 in) long. Because of the tree's dioecy, the male and female trees produce various kinds of flowers. Long clusters of male flowers with curved, 3 millimeter-long petals with dark veins. Solitary female flowers grow in the leaf axils at the ends of branches. They produce the edible drupe and are bigger than the male flowers. Sambar and barking deer eat and scatter the fruits that have fallen to the ground. The fruit also serves as an offering during religious rites.

Choerospondias axillaris is not currently listed as an endangered species. However, like many other plant species, it is facing threats due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change. The tree is also vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can have a negative impact on its growth and fruit production.

To conserve Choerospondias axillaris, efforts are being made to promote its cultivation and conservation in the wild. The tree is being planted in orchards and home gardens, and its fruit is being promoted for commercial use. This not only helps to conserve the tree but also provides livelihood opportunities for local communities.

In addition to promoting cultivation, efforts are also being made to protect the natural habitats of Choerospondias axillaris. This includes protecting forests and riverbanks where the tree is found, and raising awareness among local communities about the importance of conserving the tree and its ecosystem.

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