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Bael Tree (Aegle marmelos)
The Bael tree, scientifically known as Aegle marmelos, holds significant cultural and medicinal value, particularly in the Indian subcontinent.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Aegle marmelos is a thorny tree.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa ex Roxb., or Aegle marmelos Correa
- Family: Rutaceae (Citrus family)
- Synonyms/Common Names: Bael Tree, Indian Bael, Bilva, Shivaphala, Bel, Holy Fruit Tree
Distribution and Habitat
- Indigenous to India.
- Found wild all over sub-Himalayan forests.
- Extensively cultivated in India.
- Has spread to other regions, including Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous tree, typically 6 to 8 meters tall. Some sources state it grows up to 12-15 m tall.
- Slow-growing, medium-sized tree.
- Short trunk with thick, soft, flaking bark.
- Spreading, sometimes spiny branches.
Traditional Uses
- Used for over 5000 years by inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent.
- Widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
- Leaves, bark, roots, and fruit have traditional uses.
- Considered very auspicious and sacred to Hindus.
- The offering of bael leaves is a compulsory ritual in the worship of Lord Shiva, especially in hilly regions.
Quirky Facts
- The Bael fruit is described as being baseball-sized with a very hard skin and sticky, marmalade-like pulp that is highly aromatic.
Genetic Information
- Genetic transformation studies have been conducted on Aegle marmelos.
Other Interesting Points
- The genus *Aegle* comprises 3 species according to some sources.