Sapotaceae

Native: India and Sri Lanka (Endemic Endangered)

Systematic Position

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Ericales Bercht. & J. Presl

Family: Sapotaceae

Common Names

English –  Mahua, Butter Tree

Malayalam –  ഇരിപ്പ

Description: A large tree with a short trunk and rounded crown. Leaves are simple, alternate or crowded at the branch tip, elliptic in shape with about 20cm long. Inflorescence dense clustures in the leaf axis near the ends of branches. Calyx brown with yellow or creamish white petals. Fruit is a berry ovoid in shape, fleshy, greenish with 1-4 seeded.

Distribution: India and Sri Lanka

Uses: Used as a source of food and medicine.