Flacourtia indica

HABIT: Flacourtia indica, is a deciduous shrub or small tree with a distinctive habit. It typically reaches a height of 4-8 meters and forms a dense crown with slender branches adorned with spines or thorns. The dark green, glossy leaves are alternate and have serrated margins. The plant produces small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow or cream-colored flowers that grow in clusters or small racemes. The fruits are round to oval, initially green and maturing to a dark purple or black color. They are edible and have a tart flavor. Overall, the plant's bushy habit, thorny branches, and ornamental fruits contribute to its appeal in landscaping and culinary applications.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Least Concern

MEDICINAL USES: Flacourtia indica holds significance in Ayurvedic medicine, where its bark, leaves, and roots are utilized to treat fever, diarrhea, and inflammations. The root and ash have been employed as alternative therapy for kidney issues. Recent findings indicate that Flacourtia indica exhibits potential benefits in treating various pathological conditions in experimental animals. Studies have demonstrated its hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities (Selim, S., Akter, N., Nayan, S. I., Chowdhury, F. I., Saffoon, N., Khan, F., ... & Alam, M. A. (2021). Flacourtia indica fruit extract modulated antioxidant gene expression, prevented oxidative stress and ameliorated kidney dysfunction in isoprenaline administered rats. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, 26, 101012.).

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: The edible fruits of Flacourtia indica are utilized in culinary preparations, including jams, jellies, pickles, and beverages. The plant is also valued for its medicinal properties, with various parts such as the bark, leaves, and fruits used in traditional remedies to treat conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, stomach disorders, and skin infections. Additionally, the wood is occasionally utilized in construction, the bark can be used for dye production, and the leaves and twigs serve as animal fodder.