Botanical nane: Madhuca Latifolia,
(Madhuca longifolia.Madhuca indica)
Family- Sapotaceae.
It is commonly known as Butter tree or Honey tree in English, Iluja in Malayalam, Iluppi in Tamil, Mahudo in Gujarati, Mahua in Hindi, Mohua in Bengali, etc.
It is a common tropical tree, growing up to 40 feet in height, and found generally in the plains and hill areas of south, central and north India. It is also found in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
It is like a coconut tree in its uses. All parts are used either for edible purposes or otherwise.
Come the onset of summer, you see rural women collecting its delcious flowers. They dry and sell the flowers in the market or store for breakfast or for brewing alcohol by fermenting.
Fermented mahua drink is a savoury alcoholic beverage for tribals and is a sine qua non in festivals and celebrations.
Fresh flowers can be used to make tonic or syrup which is good for health, for energy and immunity.
The tree has several cultural and religious significances for different communities. It is a holy tree in some temples.
Its medical uses are for skin, cough, diarrhea, burning sensation, nero-muscular weakness, fever, immunity building, sperm and semen growth, etc. The seed oil is used for skin infection and body massage.