Hog plum, Himalayan ambarell
Spondias axillaris

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 6-14 m high. The leaves are compound and have leaflets along the stalk with one at the end. There are 9-13 leaflets. The leaves are 7-17 cm long. The flowers are in small groups. They are dark red. The fruit are oval and fleshy with a hard stone. The skin is thin and smooth.

Fruit are rich in Vitamin C. They are high in antioxidant activity.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In India it grows between 300-1,500 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brazil, China, Himalayas, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, South America, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten fresh and raw. They are also made into jellies and ice creams. The ripe fruit are used for pickles. The fruit when processed can be stored for 5 years. The inner bark is chewed for its sweet taste and to reduce hunger.

Fruit are sold in markets. They are popular when processed.

Edible parts

Fruit, bark

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

The yield can be 6-187 kg per tree.

Its other names

Local names

Balam, Ban gulo, Belam, Caja-do-himalaia, Dieng-saliat, Homoi tenga, Khamoli chali, Khula, Lapsi, Lumsee, Lupsi, Mitha amora, Silet-kung, Thei-khuang-chawm, Theseli, Thesili

Synonyms

Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) B.L. Burtt & A.W. Hill; Spondias acuminata Gamble; Probably now a synonym of Spondias pinnata.