Synonyms: 

Dillenia elliptica Thunb.

Dillenia elongata Miq.

Systematic Position

Kingdom:  Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Dilleniales

Family: Dilleniaceae

Native: Southeastern Asia

Common Names

English – Elephant Apple

Malayalam – മലമ്പുന്ന

Description: It is an evergreen large shrub or small to medium-sized tree growing to 30 m tall, its trunk is crooked and irregular. The leaves are 15–36 cm long, with a conspicuously corrugated surface with impressed veins. The flowers are large, 15–20 cm diameter with five white petals.

Habitat: Occur in damp places near swamps and river banks.

Distribution: India, China, Indochina, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Java and Borneo.

Uses: Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as in culinary preparations for its tart fruits.