eChapter Name: Xeromphis spinosa
9788194849551
eBook Name: WILD FRUITS OF INDIA
by P.C. Tripathi
1. Botanical Name : Xeromphis spinosa (Thumb.) Keay
2. Family : Rubiaceae
3. Common Name : Thorny Bone-apple, Common emetic nut
4. Name in Indian languages
Mainphal (Hindi), Ghela, Khajkanda(Marathi), Madkarai (Tamil), Karacchulli (Malayalam), Marrga (Telugu), Kaarekaayi-gida (Kannada), Patova (Oriya), Madanah (Sanskrit), Kare pan (Kodwa).
5. Description
Xeromphis spinosa is a plant of family Rubiaceae. It is a spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 7 metres tall. The plant sometimes adopts a climbing habit. The fruits matures in the month of June-July. The whole fruit expect the seed is consumed at ripe stage.
6. Origin and distribution
It is native of East Asia, Southern China, Indian subcontinent, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia. It is found all over India except higher hills. It is also found in the Himalayas, up to an altitude of 1600 m. It is common in hilly area of Rajasthan.