Dillenia Indica 15 Seeds, Elephant Apple Edible Fruit Shrub Tree, Fragrant Chulta
The Plant Attraction
Dillenia Indica
Also known as: The Elephant Apple, Chulta
Here is a very ornamental shrub or small tree that is highly prized for its large, handsome and fragrant flowers, as well as for its edible fruit. It is native to southeastern Asia, from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka east to southwestern China (Yunnan) and Vietnam, and south through Thailand to Malaysia and Indonesia.
It is an evergreen that can grow to 30 m tall, but in cultivation it will reach an average of 15 m.
The flowers are large, up to 5 inches across, with five ivory white petals and numerous yellow stamens which are very attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. The leaves are 15-36 cm long and are simply beautiful, with a conspicuously corrugated surface with impressed veins, much like ribbed potato chips. The large fruit weighing up to a couple of pounds are 7.5-10 cm in diameter. The fruit pulp is sour and used in Indian cuisine in curries, jam, and jellies. It is often mixed with coconut and spices to make chutneys.
Not only the fruits have medicinal values but the leaves and the bark also showed numerous pharmacological activity. Studies have shown that the plant possesses various activities like Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, dysentery, Antidiabetic etc.
Grow chulta in full to partial sun in an acidic, humusy soil with average drainage & water. This tree prospers with lots of heat and high humidity. It's sensitive to cold, but will survive a brief encounter with frost. It makes an impressive and magnificent tropical shade and feature tree in any garden with the space. Chilly and dry winters causes some foliage to abort. It is also said to make a great large container plant if you don’t want to put it in the outside landscaping. USDA zone 9 B - 11.
This offer is for 15 seeds.