Chironji Tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree, growing to about 50 ft
tall. It bears fruits each cotaining a single seed, which is popular
as an edible nut, known as chironji. It is common in our forests
mostly in eroded ravine lands. It avoids waterlogged areas, but occurs
locally in clay soils. It can be identified by the dark grey crocodile
bark with red blaze. A good species for afforesting bare hill slopes. It
has tickly leathery leaves which are broadly oblong, with blunt tip and
rounded base. Leaves have 10-20 pairs of straight, parallel veins.
Pyramidal panicles of greenish while flowers appear in early spring.
Fruits ripen from April to May and remain on the tree for quite a long
time. Flowering: January-March.
Medicinal uses: The roots are acrid, astringent, cooling,
depurative and constipating, and are useful in treatment of diarrhoea.
Leaves are used in the treatment of skin diseases. Fruits are used in
treating cough and asthma.