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Description
Choerospondias Axillaris, also known as the Indian Hog Plum, is a deciduous plant native to India and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which includes other fruit-bearing trees such as mangoes and cashews. This plant is well-known for its edible fruit and medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Choerospondias |
Appearance
The Indian Hog Plum is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its leaves are pinnate, with 6-10 pairs of leaflets that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are greenish-white in color. Its fruit is a yellowish-green drupe that is oval-shaped and about 2-4 cm in length. The fruit has a sour and astringent taste, similar to that of a green mango.
Care Guide
The Indian Hog Plum requires regular watering, especially during its growing season. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer every three months. This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Indian Hog Plum is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including fruit flies, stem borers, and anthracnose. Fruit flies can be controlled by using pheromone traps and applying insecticides. Stem borers can be prevented by wrapping the tree trunk with a plastic sheet. Anthracnose can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Indian Hog Plum is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of India, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Indian Hog Plum fruit edible?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and is used in various culinary dishes in India.
Q: Can the Indian Hog Plum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with adequate space and nutrients.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of the Indian Hog Plum?
A: The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever.
Q: Can the Indian Hog Plum be propagated from seeds?
A: Yes, the tree can be propagated from seeds or through grafting.
Related Plants
- Mangifera indica (Mango)
- Anacardium occidentale (Cashew)
- Pistacia vera (Pistachio)
- Spondias mombin (Yellow Mombin)
References
- “Choerospondias axillaris.” Useful Tropical Plants. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Choerospondias+axillaris.
- Gupta, A. K., & Tandon, N. (2016). “Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt & Hill: A review.” International Journal of Green Pharmacy (IJGP), 10(2), 77-82. https://www.greenpharmacy.info/index.php/ijgp/article/view/1071.
- “Indian hog plum.” CABI. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/115238.
