Butter Tree Mahua
Madhuca longifoliafam. Olacaceae
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Pl. E620 — Madhuca longifolia
Madhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifoliaMadhuca longifolia
IOverview
Overview
The Butter Tree Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is a medium-sized tree native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Known for its edible flowers, fruits, and leaves, this tree is valued for its ornamental qualities as well as its utility in providing food resources. One distinctive feature of the Butter Tree Mahua is its ability to grow up to 16 meters tall, making it a prominent presence in landscapes while also serving practical purposes through its various parts that are edible.
Quick answers
What is Butter Tree Mahua?
The Butter Tree Mahua (Madhuca longifolia) is a medium-sized tree native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Butter Tree Mahua thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It prefers dry to moist conditions and is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for subtropical climates. To grow this tree successfully, ensure the soil remains well-drained while maintaining some moisture. The Butter Tree Mahua can reach a height of 16 meters and produces edible flowers, fruits, and leaves. For propagation, consider seed or cutting methods.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
16.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Butter Tree Mahua for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Butter Tree Mahua to experience growing this versatile tree.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; mix sand with regular potting soil for potted plants.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after last frost, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; place in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during dry spells. Provide full sun exposure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees for shape and remove dead branches; flowers can be harvested but not commonly done.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitLeaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 4 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)BangladeshIndiaNepalSri Lanka
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e620d0c5-dcc5-451d-9f59-f042d1a4ffdf
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