A small deciduous tree reaching 5-12 m tall, with a broad, often densely twiggy crown. The leaves are alternately arranged, simple oval with an acute tip and serrated margin, slightly downy below, 5-12 cm long and 3-6 cm broad on a 2-5 cm petiole. The flowers are produced in spring with the leaves, white, usually tinged pink at first, 2.5-3.5 cm diameter, with five petals. The fruit matures in autumn, and is typically 5-9 cm diameter (rarely up to 15 cm). The centre of the fruit contains five carpels arranged star-like, each carpel containing one or two (rarely three) seeds.

Astringent, antiseptic, antifungal, antiinflammatory and keratolytic; astringent and laxative (fruit); anthelmintic, refrigerant and soporific (bark, root bark)

Plants for a Future

Malic acid, tannin, flavonoids, flavones, octane-1.3-diol and beta-glycol.

In the treatment of intermittent, remittent and bilious fevers (infusion); reduces the acidity of the stomach (fruit juice); expels intestinal worms (root bark)

The Himalaya Drug Company