Horina or Boro horina, Lepisanthes rubiginosa

Horina or Boro horina (Lepisanthes rubiginosa, family: Sapindaceae) is a small tree with branches, attaining a height of 15 m. It is found in village thickets in Bangladesh. It is also found in South and Southeast Asia and in Australia. The little leafy tree is a beautiful one. It can be planted as an ornamental plant beside roads, in parks and gardens.

Leaves are paripinnate (leaves are in pair in a pinnae), Leaflets 6-12, opposite or almost opposite, pale green in color, ovate-oblong, 5-15 cm long and 3-8 cm wide.  

Inflorescence 15-30 cm long. Flowers are sweet-scented, very small, brownish white or yellowish, terminal; peatls 4, sepals 4. These bloom in March-April.

Fruit is round, 1-3-lobed, almost glabrous, 1-1.5 cm long. When ripe, the fruits turn blackish. Before ripening, the fruits gradually turn yellow and red. And this is one of the easiest ways to detect the tree. 

Fruits are sweet-tasted. Children love these. These are favorite food of squirrels and birds too. Flowers and fruits can be seen at a time in the tree. Propagation is caused seeds.

Fruit is nutritious and energising. It is used to increase skin glamour and strengthen and gum. A decoction of leaves and roots are used in fever. Timber is used as firewood.