Indian elm tree
Holoptelea integrifolia
Family: Ulmaceae
What it is like
A large tree. It loses its leaves. It grows 25-50 m high. The bark is grey or dark brown. It is rough in patches. The trunk is usually divided low down and has buttresses. The leaves are smooth and have a short blunt tip. The base is rounded. The young leaves often have teeth. The leaves are 8-15 cm long. The flowers are small and green in dense clusters. The flowers can be male and bisexual in the same cluster. The fruit are round, thin and papery disks. They are yellow-brown when ripe. The seed is in the centre.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in wasteland. On poor soil the tree is stunted. It grows in dry deciduous forest. It does best on sandy or gravelly soil with good drainage. It is damaged by frost. In XTBG Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand
How it is used for food
The seed contain a fatty oil. The seeds are also roasted and eaten. The cooking water is drained off. The ripe fruit are eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit, seeds - oil, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds.
It grows quickly. In India fruit are available between February to May.
Its other names
Local names
Aali maram, Arjan, Aval, Aya, Ayil, Banchilla, Begana, Charla, Chilbil, Chirabilva, Chirhol, Churil, Dauranja, Dhamma, Kachao, Kaladri, Kanci, Kanjho, Kanju, Karanjalam, Karanji, Khulen, Kunjo, Myauk-seik, Nemali, Nilavahi, Papar, Papara, Papdi, Papri, Pedanevili, Pohon elem India, Punjo, Pyauk-seik, Rajain, Rasbija, Thapasi, Thavasai, Turuda, Vavli, Vellaya, Waola, Yensadad