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Description
Aegle Marmelos, commonly known as the sacred fruit tree or bael, is a fruit-bearing tree native to India and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Rutaceae and is highly revered in Hindu mythology. The tree can grow up to 40 feet tall and produces a round, woody fruit that is 5 to 10 inches in diameter. The fruit has a hard, woody shell and is filled with a fibrous, aromatic pulp that has a sweet and tangy flavor. Aegle Marmelos is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Aegle |
| Species | A. marmelos |
Appearance
Aegle Marmelos has a medium-sized, deciduous tree with a straight trunk and a dense crown of branches. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a glossy green surface and a slightly serrated edge. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are pale green or yellow in color and bloom in clusters. The fruit is round and woody, with a hard shell that is covered in small, sharp spines. Inside the fruit, there is a fibrous pulp that is yellow or orange in color and has a sweet and tangy flavor.
Care Guide
Aegle Marmelos is a relatively low-maintenance tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Here are some care tips to help your sacred fruit tree grow healthy and strong:Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Water deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate slightly alkaline or acidic soil.Sunlight: Aegle Marmelos thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aegle Marmelos is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections, particularly in humid climates. Common pests that may affect the tree include aphids, mites, and scale insects.
Habitat
Aegle Marmelos is native to India and Southeast Asia and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in warm, humid climates and prefers well-drained soil. The tree is often grown in home gardens, orchards, and temple courtyards for its medicinal and religious significance.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Aegle Marmelos?
A: The fruit, leaves, and bark of the tree have been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, respiratory infections, and fever.Q: How can I propagate Aegle Marmelos?
A: The tree can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or air layering. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting in well-drained soil.Q: How often should I fertilize my Aegle Marmelos tree?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production.Q: How do I harvest Aegle Marmelos fruit?
A: The fruit should be allowed to ripen on the tree before harvesting. Once ripe, the fruit will fall to the ground or can be gently plucked from the tree.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Rutaceae family include:
- Citrus limon
- Citrus aurantium
- Citrus sinensis
- Ruta graveolens
- Zanthoxylum americanum
References
- “Aegle marmelos.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b657
- “Aegle marmelos.” Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/Crops/Aegle_marmelos.html
- “Bael Fruit.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1178/bael-fruit
