Axle wood, Button tree, Gum ghatti
Anogeissus latifolius

Family: Combretaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows to about 40 m high. The bark is smooth and greenish-white. It peels off in flakes. The leaves are alternate. The leaves have leaf stalks. The leaves are 3-12 cm long by 2-7 cm wide. They are oval or sword shaped and pale green. The flowers are in small round heads. They are green. The fruit is a dry stone fruit. It is compressed and has two wings.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Nepal up to about 1200 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The fried gum is powdered and eaten with salt and capsicum. It is used in sweetmeats. It is also used as an emulsifier. It is also used in chocolate. It is used in making ladoos and Indian sweet.

Edible parts

Gum

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The tree when bruised yields gum.

In southern India the gum is collected March to September.

Its other names

Local names

Chakwa, Dhamada, Dhaura, Dhawda, Dhauti hade, Dhawnra, Dhowda, Ghatti tree, Nunnera, Panchman, Pansi, Pasi, Yon

Synonyms

Conocarpus latifolius Roxb. ex DC;