Spider tree
Crateva nurvala

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A tree that loses many leaves during the year. It grows 10-15 m high. The leaves have 3 leaflets spread out like fingers on a hand. The side two are oblique. The flowers are in loose arrangements at the ends of branches. The fruit are oval and 2 celled. The seeds are flat and angular.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In north India it grows up to 600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The tender shoots and leaves are cooked and eaten. The fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, shoots, fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds

Its other names

Local names

Barna, Mirbarun

Synonyms

Crateva lophosperma Kurz;