Terminalia Bellirica, also known as Bahera, is a large deciduous tree belonging to the Combretaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a smooth, grey bark. The leaves are 10-20 cm long and 3-8 cm wide, and the flowers are small and yellowish-green in color. The fruit of the tree is a drupe, 2-3 cm in diameter, and has five distinct ridges.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Combretaceae |
| Genus | Terminalia |
Appearance
The Terminalia Bellirica tree has a dense crown and a spreading canopy. The leaves are oblong in shape, with a pointed tip and a smooth margin. The flowers bloom in clusters and are small, yellowish-green, and have a strong fragrance. The fruit is green when young and turns yellowish-brown when ripe. The fruit has a hard stone inside, which contains a single seed.
Care Guide
The Terminalia Bellirica tree prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The tree requires full sunlight to grow and can be grown in hardiness zones 9-11. Fertilization can be done once a year with a balanced fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary, but it can be done to control the size and shape of the tree.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Terminalia Bellirica tree is relatively disease-resistant and pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. Insects such as scale and mealybugs can also infest the tree. These pests can be treated with insecticides and fungicides.
Habitat
The Terminalia Bellirica tree is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and grasslands. The tree is also cultivated for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine in India and Nepal.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Terminalia Bellirica?
A: Terminalia Bellirica has several medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory infections, digestive problems, and skin conditions.
Q: Can Terminalia Bellirica be grown in containers?
A: The Terminalia Bellirica tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and is not suitable for container growth.
Q: What is the best time to prune a Terminalia Bellirica tree?
A: The best time to prune a Terminalia Bellirica tree is in the dormant season, which is typically in the winter months.
Q: How long does it take for Terminalia Bellirica fruit to ripen?
A: Terminalia Bellirica fruit takes approximately 5-6 months to ripen.
Related Plants
- Terminalia Arjuna
- Terminalia Chebula
- Terminalia Catappa
- Terminalia Ferdinandiana
References
- “Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 30 Nov 2021.
- “Terminalia bellirica – Baheda – Uses, Benefits, Ayurvedic Properties”. Easy Ayurveda. Accessed 30 Nov 2021.
- “Terminalia Bellirica”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 30 Nov 2021.
