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Description
Limonia Acidissima, commonly known as the Indian Wood Apple Tree, is a deciduous tree native to India. It belongs to the Rutaceae family and is known for its edible fruit, which is called the wood apple. The fruit is green and round, with a hard and woody shell that protects its soft, fibrous, and aromatic pulp.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Limonia |
Appearance
The Indian Wood Apple Tree can grow up to 15 meters tall, with a trunk that can reach up to 1.2 meters in diameter. Its leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets that are oblong and pointed, measuring up to 20 cm long. The tree blooms in the summer, producing small, fragrant, and white flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit, which is the most distinctive feature of the tree, is green when unripe and turns yellowish-brown when ripe. It measures about 10 cm in diameter and has a hard and woody shell that needs to be broken to reveal the soft and fibrous pulp inside.
Care Guide
The Indian Wood Apple Tree requires full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering during the growing season. Fertilize the tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer. The tree is hardy to USDA Zones 10-12 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Indian Wood Apple Tree is susceptible to fungal diseases such as anthracnose, which causes dark spots and lesions on the leaves, fruits, and twigs. The tree is also prone to pests such as mealybugs, scales, and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Indian Wood Apple Tree is native to India, but it is also found in other parts of Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. It grows in dry and arid regions, often near riverbanks and in deciduous forests. The tree is widely cultivated for its fruit, which is used in traditional medicine and culinary applications.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Indian Wood Apple Tree easy to grow?
A: Yes, the Indian Wood Apple Tree is relatively easy to grow, as it is drought-tolerant and can adapt to different soil types.
Q: What is the taste of the wood apple?
A: The wood apple has a sweet and sour taste, with a slightly musky aroma.
Q: Can the wood apple be eaten raw?
A: Yes, the wood apple can be eaten raw, but it is often used in culinary preparations such as chutneys, jams, and beverages.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of the wood apple?
A: The wood apple is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity.
Related Plants
- Limonia crenulata
- Limoniastrum guyonianum
- Limoniastrum monopetalum
- Limoniastrum feei
- Limoniastrum sinense
References
- Limonia Acidissima – The Useful Plants of India. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Limonia_acidissima.html
- Limonia Acidissima – Useful Tropical Plants. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Limonia+acidissima
- Indian Wood Apple – The Spice House. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.thespicehouse.com/blogs/ingredient-of-the-month/indian-wood-apple
