Madhuca longifolia (J.Koenig) J.F.Macbr.

Madhuca longifolia (J.Koenig) J.F.Macbr.

• Scientific Name: Madhuca longifolia
• Family: Sapotaceae
• Genus: Madhuca
• Species: longifolia
Common Names:
• English: Indian Butter Tree, Madhuca Tree
• Malayalam: Iluppa (ഇലുപ്പ)
• Tamil: Iluppai (இலுப்பை)

Synonyms:
• Madhuca latifolia (a synonym used in older botanical literature)
• Bassia longifolia (an older synonym, prior to its reclassification under the genus Madhuca)
Botanical Description:
• Habit: Madhuca longifolia is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 15-25 meters in height.
• Leaves: The leaves are simple, large, alternate, and oblong to elliptic in shape, with smooth margins and a leathery texture.
• Flowers: The flowers are creamy white, small, and fragrant, borne in large clusters. They appear in the summer and attract bees and other pollinators.
• Fruits: The fruit is a drupe, typically yellowish or brownish when ripe, with a sweet pulp. The seeds inside the fruit are hard and used for various purposes.
• Bark: The bark is rough and dark brown or greyish.
• Roots: The tree has a deep, extensive root system that makes it drought-resistant.
Uses:
1. Culinary:
o The flowers of the tree are edible and are used in making traditional sweets and alcoholic beverages in many parts of India. The fermented flower is used to make Mahua wine, a traditional alcoholic drink in central and northern India.
o The seeds of the tree can be used to extract mahua oil, which is edible and is also used for cooking.
o The fruit pulp is sometimes used in cooking, particularly in chutneys and local sweets.
2. Medicinal:
o The flowers are used in traditional medicine as an antipyretic (fever-reducing agent) and for treating coughs and respiratory ailments.
o The bark is used in treating diarrhea, intestinal problems, and inflammation.
o The leaves and seeds are used in some traditional medicine practices to treat skin diseases and wounds.
3. Industrial Uses:
o Mahua oil (from the seeds) has applications in soap-making, cosmetics, and as a biofuel.
o The wood of the tree is valued for making furniture and other wood products due to its durability.