Madhuca longifolia (J.Konig) J.F.Macbr.
| Kannada Name : | Ippe, Kaadippe, Hunage |
| Common Name : | Mahua, Butter tree |
| Family Name : | Sapotaceae |
| Scientific Name : | Madhuca longifolia |
| Species Type : | Indigenous |
| Phenology : | Evergreen |
| Conservation Status : | Not known |
| Flowering Period : | March - April |
| Fruiting Period : | June - August |
| Origin : | India |
Uses
The flowers are regarded as anthelmintic, cooling, demulcent, laxative and tonic. They are used in the treatment of coughs, colds and bronchitis and in the treatment of snakebites. The bark is astringent and emollient. It is used in the treatment of leprosy. The bark is used externally to treat itchy skin and bleeding gums.
Description
Medium to large sized, deciduous, much branched tree, up to 18 m high, sap white. Young growth tomentose. Leaves often clustered at the end of branches, simple, alternate, narrowly oblong, elliptic, oblanceolate or obovate, glabrous, cuneate at the base, rounded to acuminate at the apex, margin entire. Inflorescence a fascicle. Flowers are cream, corollas fleshy, juicy, clustered at the end of branches, pubescent. Fruit a berry, ovoid, fleshy, tomentose, greenish, 1-4 seeded. Seed is large, elliptical, compressed.
