Bael Tree, Golden Apple, Bengal Quince

Aegle marmelos

Physical Characteristics

Aegle marmelos is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Nepal, Myanmar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Oil Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Gum Oil Edible portion: Fruit, Leaves condiment, Spice, Vegetable. Fruit - eaten raw or made into marmalades, jams, jellies, drinks etc[ 287 , 301 ]. The orange fruits have an aromatic, pleasant-flavoured yellow pulp[ 301 , 306 ]. At ripening the pulp contains scented mucilage, which has a sweet flavour[ 306 ]. The fruit may be cut in half, or the soft types broken open, and the pulp, dressed with palm sugar, eaten for breakfast[ 303 ]. It contains a significant quantity of vitamin C[ 254 ]. The fruit is a subglobose berry 50 - 125mm in diameter with a hard woody shell[ 306 ]. Young leaves and shoots - cooked as a vegetable or used as a condiment[ 301 , 404 ]. They are said to reduce the appetite[ 303 ]. An infusion of the flowers forms a refreshing beverage[ 301 ]. Nutrition. Fruit: Moisture% 58. Energy KJ 577. Energy Kcal 138. Protein g 2.3. Vit A ug 0.13. Vit c mg 219. Iron mg 0.55.

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery Vitamin C The fruits, leaves, twigs and root of the bael tree are used medicinally[ 254 ]. They contain coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and oil[ 254 ]. The dried pulp is astringent. It reduces irritation in the digestive tract and is an excellent remedy in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery[ 254 , 287 ]. A decoction of the astringent unripe fruit, combined with fennel and ginger, is prescribed in cases of haemorrhoids[ 303 ]. A decoction of the unripe fruit is highly valued as an aphrodisiac and has gained a reputation of being the viagra of the plant world[ 307 ]. The ripe fruit is also laxative and demulcent[ 254 ]. It eases stomach pain and supports healthy function of the stomach[ 254 ]. It has been surmised that the psoralen in the pulp increases tolerance of sunlight and aids in the maintaining of normal skin colour[ 303 ]. It is employed in the treatment of leucoderma[ 303 ]. Marmelosin derived from the pulp is given as a laxative and diuretic[ 303 ]. In large doses, it lowers the rate of respiration, depresses heart action and causes sleepiness[ 303 ]. For medicinal use, the young fruits, while still tender, are commonly sliced horizontally and sun-dried and sold in local markets[ 303 ]. They are much exported to Malaysia and Europe. Because of the astringency, especially of the wild fruits, the unripe bael is most prized as a means of halting diarrhoea and dysentery, which are prevalent in India in the summer months[ 303 ]. The leaves are astringent and are used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[ 254 ]. The dried root is used in the treatment of earache[ 254 ]. It is dipped in the oil of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) then set alight - the oil from the burning end is then dripped into the ear[ 254 ]. This practice is not recommended![ 254 ].

Known Hazards

The leaves are said to cause abortion and sterility in women[ 303 ]. The bark is used as a fish poison[ 303 ].