SafePlants

Nepal Butter Fruit (Aesandra butyracea)

Aesandra butyracea, also known as the Nepal Butter Fruit or Indian Buttertree, is a multipurpose tree with cultural significance to the Chepang people of Nepal's Chitwan region.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the seeds of the tree are used to extract "Chiuri ghee" or butter. While ghee itself may not be inherently dangerous, ingestion of large quantities of seeds could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in pets.
• The leaves of the tree are used as tree fodder.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aesandra butyracea (Roxb.) Baehni
• Family: Sapotaceae (Mahua family)
• Genus: Aesandra
• Species: butyracea
• Synonyms:
  • Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H.J. Lam.
  • Bassia butyracea Roxb.
  • Madhuca butyracea (Roxb.) J. F. Macbr.

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in the valley regions of the Pithoragarh District of the Kumaon subdivision of the Himalayas.
• Grows at altitudes from 200 meters.
• Normally grows on sloping land with deep soil.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall.
• It is a light-demanding species with some tolerance to frost.

Uses

• The main product of the tree is "ghee" or butter, extracted from the seeds.
• The trees produce good fuel wood, hard and durable timber.
• The leaves are used as tree fodder in many areas in Nepal.

Further Information

• Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families database.
• Electronic Plant Information Centre of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Tropicos