Indian ash tree, Wodier tree
Lannea coromandelica

Family: Anacardiaceae

What it is like

A shrub or medium sized deciduous tree. It grows 15-20 m tall. The bark is grey but red inside. It peels off in round plates. The leaves are 45 cm long and have 5-11 leaflets. These are egg shaped and pointed. They are 6-15 cm long by 3-8 cm wide. The leaves turn yellow before falling. The flowers are yellow-green. They are 0.5 cm wide. Male and female flowers are on separate branches. There are 4 sepals and petals. The fruit is fleshy and 1.5 cm wide with a dull red pitted stone.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows throughout the hotter parts of India. In Pakistan it grows up to 1,200 m above sea level. IN southern China it grows between 100-1,800 m above sea level. It is often on rocky limestone hill. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andamans, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

A gum from the trunk is used in confectionary. The young leaves and shoots are eaten uncooked or also steamed or used in soup. The powdered bark is used to flavour roast fowl. The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also pickled.

Edible parts

Leaves, bark - flavouring, gum, fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown easily from cuttings. It is used for fencing.

In India fruit are produced March to May.

Its other names

Local names

Ajasringi, Appriyada, Bhadi, Bulha, Chaa koh, Chang nom, Dabdabe, Dang paguel-kung, Djaran, Gobi, Gojal, Halonre, Hik, Indramai, Jengra, Jeol, Jhingam, Jhingan, Jia, Jiyal, Kadjaran, Kaimil, Kalasan, Kayoo kooda, Kekedo, Kok khan, Kuk, Kuratige, Latang, Laupe, Mae yuu waai, Mai-hkam, Mangi, Mavedi, Mohin, Moi, Moin, Nabe, Nanum, Odiyam Maram, Oi chaang, Pechka, Pee-chiang, Pohon lanea India, Saa keh, Seng-luu-khai, Se-tho-kee, Shemat, Shimti, Ta khram, Taung-gwe, Tawi-taw-suak, Thulo dabdabe, Weet, Wodier, Zun-burr

Synonyms

Calesium grande Kuntze; Dialium coromandelicum Houtt.; Haberlia grandis Dennst.; Lannea grandis Engl.; Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb.; Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Parker; Odina pinnata Rottler; Odina wodier Roxb.; Rhus odina Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.;