Bel Patra Plant

Description

1. Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Aegle marmelos

• Common Names: Bel, Bael, Bengal Quince, Stone Apple, Bilva, Bel Patra

• Family: Rutaceae (Citrus family)

• Type: Deciduous, slow-growing tree

2. Origin & Distribution

• Native To: India and Southeast Asia

• Widely found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and other tropical regions.

3. Physical Characteristics

• Height: Can grow up to 8–12 meters (26–40 ft) tall when mature.

• Leaves: Compound leaves with three leaflets (trifoliate), known as Bel Patra, considered sacred in Hinduism.

• Flowers: Small, greenish-white, fragrant flowers.

• Fruit: Round or oval, with a hard woody shell; pulp is aromatic, yellow-orange when ripe, containing seeds and mucilage.

4. Growing Conditions

• Light: Thrives in full sunlight.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil, but tolerates poor soil and drought conditions.

• Watering: Requires moderate watering; drought-tolerant once established.

• Temperature: Grows well in 25–35°C; tolerates hot summers.

• Humidity: Can grow in both dry and humid climates.

5. Maintenance & Care

• Pruning: Remove dead or diseased branches to maintain shape.

• Fertilization: Apply organic compost annually for healthy growth.

• Pests/Diseases: Generally hardy but may face attack from fruit flies, scale insects, or leaf spot.

6. Uses & Benefits

• Religious Significance: Bel leaves are sacred to Lord Shiva; used in pujas and temple offerings.

• Medicinal Value:

  • Fruit pulp is used in Ayurveda for digestive health and cooling properties.

  • Leaves, roots, and bark are used for treating fever, diarrhea, and respiratory issues.

• Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamin C, tannins, calcium, and antioxidants.

• Cultural Importance: Symbol of purity and prosperity in Hindu traditions.

7. Lifespan

• Long-lived tree that can survive for decades, producing fruit annually after 6–7 years of planting.