Jilapi Babul, Blackbeed tree, Pithecellobium dulce

Jilapi Babul or Blackbeed tree (Pithecellobium dulce, family: Leguminosae) is a medium-sized evergreen tree with pofused branches and spreading crown. The tree can reach a height of 10-15 m. Trunk is spiny. Bark is grey. The tree is native to Americas. It is introduced to South and Southeast Asia. 



Common names: Khoia babla, Jilapi babul, Jilapi, Dokkhini babul, Blackbeed tree, Manila tamarind.


Leaves are bipinnate, each pinna has a single pair of ovate-oblong leaflets. Young leaves are brownish. In Bangladesh flower blooms in spring, They are small, fragrant, greenish-white, 1 cm in diameter, borne in globose head. 


The edible fruit is a pod, 10-15 cm long. When ripe (in summer) it turns tightly-coiled shape and reddish-brown in color and this is the main characteristic of the tree. Fruit tastes sweet and sour. Seeds are shiny, black in color. 


Leaves and raw fruits are used as cattle fodder. Bark is used in fever.



The tree is drought resistant and can survive in dry lands. It is suitable for cultivation as a street tree. 

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  2. Ami jantam na eto shundor gaach amader deshe ache, good work!

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