Contents
Description
Dillenia Indica, also known as the Elephant Apple Tree, is a large evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. It is known for its large, edible fruit, which resembles an apple and can weigh up to 2kg. The fruit is popularly eaten raw, cooked, or made into jams and pickles. The tree also has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and inflammation.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Dilleniaceae |
| Genus | Dillenia |
Appearance
The Dillenia Indica tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a wide-spreading canopy. The leaves are large, dark green, and glossy, with a length of up to 30 cm. The flowers are fragrant, white or pale yellow, and can reach a diameter of 15 cm. The fruit is green when unripe, turning yellow when ripe, and has a diameter of 10-15 cm. The fruit has a hard shell and contains numerous seeds embedded in a yellowish pulp.
Care Guide
The Dillenia Indica tree is relatively easy to grow and care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the tree regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5-7.5.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Dillenia Indica tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Mealybugs: These insects can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
- Caterpillars: These insects can defoliate the tree. Use Bacillus thuringiensis to control them.
- Fungal diseases: The tree can be affected by various fungal diseases, including powdery mildew and leaf spot. Apply fungicides to control them.
Habitat
The Dillenia Indica tree is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in moist, lowland forests. It can also grow in wetlands, riverbanks, and disturbed areas. The tree prefers well-drained soil and a warm, humid climate.
Question and Answer
- Q: Can the fruit of the Dillenia Indica tree be eaten?
- A: Yes, the fruit is edible and is commonly eaten raw or cooked.
- Q: What are the medicinal properties of the Dillenia Indica tree?
- A: The tree is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and inflammation.
- Q: What type of soil does the Dillenia Indica tree prefer?
- A: The tree prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5-7.5.
- Q: What are the hardiness zones for the Dillenia Indica tree?
- A: The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Related Plants
- Dillenia Philippinensis
- Dillenia Reticulata
- Dillenia Suffruticosa
- Dillenia Javanica
References
- “Dillenia indica (elephant apple).” CABI. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/14510
- “Elephant Apple (Dillenia indica).” Useful Tropical Plants. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dillenia+indica
- “Dillenia indica.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:325406-2
