Mahua

Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia

Same name in Beng, Hindi, English

A large deciduous tree with a short trunk and larger dome-shaped canopy. Of great importance to the tribal of India as the sugar-rich petals are used as food and (to a much lesser extent) alcoholic beverage

Bark: smooth, ash or light brown colored

Leaf: Simple, broadly elliptic, 5-8’’ long with a small, pointed tip, clustered towards the end of the branches

Flower: Creamy white, in dense clusters, petals fuse into a fleshy tube with a long protruding style

Fruit: Olive-shaped, fleshy, up to 2’’ long, orangish when ripe

Season: Leaves fall in winter and renewed in Mar-Apr. New leaves are usually red. Flowers appear at the same time. Fruits ripe in Jun-Jul

Range/habitat: Mostly central India, also Gujrat, Western west Bengal, and in sub-Himalayan belt from Kangra to north Bihar. Outside India, Nepal, and Upper Myanmar. Partial to stony ground in dry deciduous forests

Trivia and notes:  A must have tree to attract birds.

Where to Find: In Rabindra Sarovar, Kolkata, one mature tree in north western section of the lake, some 150 m from the AMRI fire victim memorial towards lake club on the left (lake) side (22.51168N,88.35895E)