Synonyms
Spondias acuminata Roxb.
Spondias amara Lam.

Systematic Position
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae

Native: South and Southeast Asia

Common Names
English –Hog plum
Malayalam – Ambazham
Tamil – Ambazham
Hindi – Ambara

Description: It is a species of tree with edible sour fruits. It is a typical deciduous tree. It can grow up to 25 metres tall. Leaves are compound. Leafless when in fruit if grows in places where water is not available during flowering.

Habitat: Occasional in evergreen to moist deciduous forests.

Distribution: Indo-Malaysia ; throughout India; also cultivated

Uses:  The fruits have a sour taste and can be eaten raw when ripened. Various ethnic people prepare pickles or chutneys using immature fruits. The tender leaves and flower buds are also used in preparing a local fish delicacy.