Mahua or Madhuca, Madhuca longifolia
Mahua or Madhuca ( Madhuca longifolia, family: Sapotaceae) is a medium sized to large deciduous tree with spreading and round crown. The plant is native to Indian subcontinent. In Bangladesh, it is found in the Hilly areas of Chottogram. Mahua is a slow growing species. It can attain a height of up to 20 m. The trunk is small. Bark is almost smooth, gray or brown with cracks on it. Common names : Mahua, Madhuca, Mahwa, Butter tree. Young leaves are bronze-colored , mature ones are dark green. Leaves become 10-15 cm long, elliptical-oblong, tip pointed. The species is one of the most beautiful trees in Bangladesh. For this it is generally planted in parks and gardens. Flowers are fleshy, borne at the tip of the twigs in clusters, creamy in color. Sepals 4, petals 8-9. The fragrant flowers bloom in the spring in Bangladesh. The fruit is a berry, 2 5 to 50 mm long; gre...