Native: India

Common Names

English –  Mahua

Malayalam –   മഹുവ

Description: A medium-sized deciduous tree, which grows up to 16-20m in height. It has a short, stout trunk that reaches 80cm in diameter. The crown is rounded with multiple branches. The bark is grey, vertically cracked and wrinkled, exfoliating in thin scales. Leaves are alternate and clustered at the end of branchlets, they are simple, alternate with about 10-25cm long x 6-12cm broad. Young leaves are pinkish or reddish-brown. Flowers are borne on the axis of leaves. The flowers last for only one night (nocturnal) and then fall off. Fruit is a berry containing 1-4 shiny, oily brown seeds.

Distribution:  Endemic to the Southern Western Ghats (reported only from Kerala).

Uses: The plant has anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties. Flowers are used to treat chest problems and increase breast milk production. The oil can be used as fuel for internal combustion engines, in engineering design, and for oil extraction. It can also be used as a massage oil and in creams. The flowers can be fermented to produce an alcoholic beverage called mahura wine.