Madhuca longifolia

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महुआ Mahua
Species name: Madhuca longifolia

Madhuca longifolia, commonly known as mahwa or mahua, is an Indian tropical tree found largely in the central and north Indian plains and forests. It is a fast growing tree that grows to approximately 20 meters in height, possesses evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage, and belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is adapted to arid environments, being a prominent tree in tropical mixed deciduous forests in India in the states of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Orissa (Source: Wikipedia)

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Click on the tabs below to know more...

• Species identity and nomenclature
• Current Wikipedia entry
• Binomial Classification
• Morphological features
• Habitat and Geographical Spread
• Maps
• Medicinal Importance
• Cultural significance
• Commercial importance and cultivation
• Summary of PubMed articles
• Summary of NCBI molecular data
• External Links
• Images and Videos

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
Names of users who have contributed to this species page	shwetankverma, gauravm
Date on which this page was first created	2010/08/08
This page was last modified on:	24 November 2010 05:11:33
Name of the species	Madhuca longifolia
ID on Encyclopedia of Life	1155126
Synonyms	Please check Binomial Classification section for synonyms.
Common English Names	Mahua
Common Hindi Names	महुआ Mahua
Common Indian names	Mahua (Bengali); Mahua, Mahudo (Gujarati); Mahua (Hindi); Halippe,Hippe, Ippe, Movaro (Kannada); Illippa, Pooma (Malayalam); Mahua, Mohwa (Marathi); Illupei (Tamil); Ippa (Telugu)	Shwetankverma
Origins/Meanings of the common names

Taxonomy from Encyclopedia of Life

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Taxonomy filled in form

Angiosperm phylogeny. This image is copyrighted. Rights owned by Theodore C.H.Cole (Heidelberg) and Hartmut H. Hilger (Berlin) 2010. Please obtain copyright permissions before reuse.
Click here for the PDF of the phylogeny

Taxon	Value
Regnum (Kingdom)	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Ericales
Family	Sapotaceae
Genus	Madhuca
Source of data	'

Other closely related species

Species Division Common name Common Hindi name Aloe vera Aloe vera, Medicinal aloe, Burn plant Gheekumari घीकुमारी Acacia nilotica Arabic Gum, Black Piquant, Egyptian thorn, Prickly acacia बबूल Babool,कीकर Kikar Saraca indica Ashoka अशोक Ashok … further results

Division	Taxon details	Taxon morphology details
Magnoliophyta	Also called Angiospermae. The ancestors of flowering plants diverged from gymnosperms around 245–202 million years ago, and the first flowering plants known to exist are from 140 million years ago. They diversified enormously during the Lower Cretaceous and became widespread around 100 million years ago, but replaced conifers as the dominant trees only around 60-100 million years ago.	These are seed plants like Gymnosperms, but can be differentiated by the presence of flowers, seeds containing endosperm and seeds that produce a fruit. Angiosperms are the most diverse and highly evolutionarily successful group of land plants.

Species Class Common name Common Hindi name Acacia nilotica Magnoliopsida Arabic Gum, Black Piquant, Egyptian thorn, Prickly acacia बबूल Babool,कीकर Kikar Saraca indica Magnoliopsida Ashoka अशोक Ashok Adansonia digitata Magnoliopsida Baobab Gorakh imli गोरख इमली … further results

Class	Taxon details	Taxon morphology details
Magnoliopsida	Magnoliopsida is the scientific name for dicots. This class contains about ~1,99,350 species of Angiosperms. Eudicots are a subset of Dicots. Based on chloroplast DNA sequences, the divergence date between monocots and dicots is estimated to be ~200 million years, with a 40 million years uncertainty.	Dicots are diverse in habit, with half of all the species being more or less woody-stemmed - a reflection of the usual presence of a vascular cambium in the class. Annuals, biennials, vines, epiphytes, aquatics, parasites, and saprotrophs are also well represented in dicots. Vascular bundles of the stem are usually borne in a ring that encloses the pith. Vessel elements present except in some putatively primitive woody or aquatic families. Most dicots have a primary root system derived from the radicle, although some have an adventitious root system commonly seen in the class of monocots. Cotyledons are usually 2, seldom 1, 3, or 4. Leaves are mostly net-veined.

Species Order Common name Common Hindi name Madhuca longifolia Ericales Mahua महुआ Mahua Mimusops elengi Ericales Spanish cherry, Bullet wood बकुल Bakul, मौलसरी Maulsari

Species Family Common name Common Hindi name Madhuca longifolia Sapotaceae Mahua महुआ Mahua Mimusops elengi Sapotaceae Spanish cherry, Bullet wood बकुल Bakul, मौलसरी Maulsari

Family	Taxon details	Taxon morphology details
Sapotaceae		Trees or shrubs , usually producing latex. Leaves spirally arranged or alternate and distichous, rarely ± opposite, sometimes crowded at apex of branchlets ; stipules early deciduous or absent; leaf blade papery or leathery, margin entire. Flowers bisexual or unisexual , usually in sessile axillary clusters , rarely solitary; cluster pedunculate or in raceme-like inflorescence, bracteolate . Calyx a single whorl of usually 4--6 sepals, or 2 whorls each with 2--4 sepals. Corolla lobes as many to 2 X as many as sepals, usually entire, rarely with 2 lacerate or lobular appendages . Stamens inserted at corolla base or at throat of corolla tube , as many as and opposite corolla lobes to many and in 2 or 3 whorls; staminodes when present alternate with stamens, scaly to petal-like. Ovary superior, 4- or 5-locular, placentation axillary; ovules 1 per locule, anatropous . Style 1, often apically lobed . Fruit a berry or drupe, 1- to many-seeded. Seed coat brown (pale yellow in Pouteria annamensis), hard, shiny, rich in tannin; endosperm usually oily; seed scar lateral and linear to oblong or basal and round.

Species Genus Common name Common Hindi name Madhuca longifolia Madhuca Mahua महुआ Mahua

Based on classification

Family	Taxon details	Taxon morphology details
Sapotaceae		Trees or shrubs , usually producing latex. Leaves spirally arranged or alternate and distichous, rarely ± opposite, sometimes crowded at apex of branchlets ; stipules early deciduous or absent; leaf blade papery or leathery, margin entire. Flowers bisexual or unisexual , usually in sessile axillary clusters , rarely solitary; cluster pedunculate or in raceme-like inflorescence, bracteolate . Calyx a single whorl of usually 4--6 sepals, or 2 whorls each with 2--4 sepals. Corolla lobes as many to 2 X as many as sepals, usually entire, rarely with 2 lacerate or lobular appendages . Stamens inserted at corolla base or at throat of corolla tube , as many as and opposite corolla lobes to many and in 2 or 3 whorls; staminodes when present alternate with stamens, scaly to petal-like. Ovary superior, 4- or 5-locular, placentation axillary; ovules 1 per locule, anatropous . Style 1, often apically lobed . Fruit a berry or drupe, 1- to many-seeded. Seed coat brown (pale yellow in Pouteria annamensis), hard, shiny, rich in tannin; endosperm usually oily; seed scar lateral and linear to oblong or basal and round.

More details can be found in the Binomial Classification section.

Morphology from Encyclopedia of Life

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{{#EoLOnlyDescription:1155126}} 

General morphology

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
General morphological features of the plant

Seed dispersal mechanism
Bloom type
Life cycle of the plant

How to identify this species

For a detailed description, refer to the General Morphology details above

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
Type of plant	Woody (Tree/Shrub)
Plant height	More than 10 feet	Google images, Wikipedia
Flower color	Brown
Flower shape
Floral symmetry
Phyllotaxy of leaves
Leaf shape
Is the leaf petiolated or sessile?
Is the leaf simple or compound?

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
IUCN Conservation Status	Not Evaluated	EoL
Indian States in which the species has been documented	Andhra Pradesh,Bihar,Chhatisgarh,Gujarat,Jharkhand,Karnataka,Kerala,Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra,Orissa,Rajasthan,Tamil Nadu,West Bengal	Wiki / plant databse of india
Locations at which the species has been documented
Biotic zones inhabited	East Coast, Indo-Gangetic Plain
Details about the habitat
Is this species native to India?	Yes
Is the species indigenous/endemic to Sub-Himalayan regions?	Yes
Is the species indigenous/endemic to Western Ghats?
Is the species indigenous/endemic to Eastern Ghats?

More plants native to India Species name Common name Common Hindi name Plant type Native plant Biotic zone Abelmoschus moschatus Okra, Abelmosk, Ambrette seeds, Annual hibiscus, Bamia Moschata, Galu Gasturi, Muskdana, Musk mallow, Musk okra, Musk seeds, Ornamental okra, Rose mallow seeds, Tropical jewel hibiscus, Yorka okra मुश्कदाना Mushkdana, कस्तूरीदाना Kasturi-dana, जंगली भिंडी Jangli bhindi Acacia concinna Soap pod शिकाकाई Shikakai Woody (Tree/Shrub) Northeastern Himalayas Eastern Ghats Western Ghats Central Deccan Plateau East Coast West Coast Indo-Gangetic Plain Acrostichum aureum Golden leatherfern, Mangrove fern Fern Northeastern Himalayas Eastern Ghats East Coast Indo-Gangetic Plain Outlying Islands Aegle marmelos Bel, Beli fruit, Bengal quince, Stone apple, Wood apple बेल Bel Allium sativum Cultivated Garlic लेह्सन Lehsan … further results

If no maps are displayed below, it means the required data is absent. Click on "Edit with form" button on top of the page to add this information.
{{#generateMap:Andhra Pradesh,Bihar,Chhatisgarh,Gujarat,Jharkhand,Karnataka,Kerala,Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra,Orissa,Rajasthan,Tamil Nadu,West Bengal|Madhuca_longifolia_brahma.svg|align=center}}

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
Does this species have any medicinal use?	Yes

Other plants of the same family having medicinal use: Species name Common name Common Hindi name Family Ailment type Medicinal use description Madhuca longifolia Mahua महुआ Mahua Sapotaceae Infectious diseases Accidents Pains and Inflammation Systemic disorders Organ-specific disorders Mimusops elengi Spanish cherry, Bullet wood बकुल Bakul, मौलसरी Maulsari Sapotaceae Infectious diseases Pains and Inflammation Common ailments Organ-specific disorders The bark, flowers, fruits and seeds are astringent, cooling, anthelmintic, tonic, and febrifuge. It is mainly used in dental ailments like bleeding gums, pyorrhea, dental caries and loose teeth. Extract of flowers used against heart diseases, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia and act as antiduretic in polyuria and antitoxin. The snuff made from the dried and powdered flowers used in a disease called Ahwa in which strong fever, headache and pain in the neck, shoulders and other parts of the body occurs. Ripened fruits facilitates in burning urination. The ripe fruit pounded and mixed with water is given to promote delivery in childbirth. Powder of dried flowers is a brain tonic and useful as a snuff to relieve cephalalgia. Decoration of bark is used to wash the wounds. (Wikipedia) For curing dental disorders, the tender stems or the powdered skin of the bark are used for cleansing the teeth . One combination of powders of its bark skin, roots of Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Saireyaka (Barleria prionitis) leaves and skin of an almond fruit is burnt into ash and is used to cleanse the teeth and strengthen them. For treating swollen and bleeding gums, the extract of its bark skin and that of Khadira (Acacia catechu) are effective when gargled. The unripe fruit is used as a masticatory and helps to fix loose teeth. The extract also has action on the urinogenital tract - as a diuretic and preventing premature ejaculation.(Herbalremedies)

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
General types of ailments this species is used for treating	Infectious diseases, Accidents, Pains and Inflammation, Systemic disorders, Organ-specific disorders
Specific ailments for which the species is used	Snake Bite, Blisters, Bronchitis, Cachexia, Cholera, Cough, Dysuria, Fever, Fistula, Gingivitis, Laxative, Smallpox, Bee sting, Suppuration, Tuberculosis, Wound	Dr.Duke
Medicinal systems which use this plant	Ayurveda, Folk Medicine
Details of Medicinal use
Parts of the plant used for treatment
Names of some medicinal active compounds in this plant, if known.
Details of the active chemical compounds found in this plant
Is the molecular basis of the medicinal action known?
Details of molecular basis of action
Are the toxic effects of consumption of this plant known?
Details of the toxic effects of the plant species
Have there been validation/clinical studies related to this plant?
Details of the clinical studies related to the plant species

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
Is this plant/plant-derived product used in food preparations?	Yes	User-reported
Part(s) of the plant used in the food preparations	Bark, Leaves, Flower, Fruit
Details of use in food preparations
Does this species have any religious significance?
Religions which mention/give significance to this species		Google images, Wikipedia
Religious occasions
Details of religious use

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
Is this plant cultivated commercially in India?	Yes
Uses for which the plant is commercially cultivated	Human consumption, Medicinal use, Religious use, Wood
Plant parts of commercial value	Root, Stem, Bark, Leaves, Flower, Seeds	NCBI Taxonomy, Wiki
Products where this plant is used		User-reported
Description of use	About 30-40 percent of the tribal economy in north India such as in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa is dependent on the mahua seeds and flowers. The tree has a potential of enhancing rural income. (Hindu) Madhuca indica (syn. Madhuca latifolia, Bassia latifolia,) is a deciduous tree found in India. It bears edible flowers and fruit. The tree has a spreading root system so can be used to prevent soil erosion. The timber is hard and is used in construction. Bark of the tree is known to have medicinal properties. Seed is rich in oil and has been used in soap and candle making. Seed cake is used as an organic fertilizer. M. indica is being explored as a potential source of biofuel. (NCBI Taxonomy)	Hindu, NCBI Taxonomy
States where this plant is cultivated commercially	Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa
Best period for planting this plant
Best period for harvesting this plant
Method of propagation
Water requirement of this plant
Pests and Diseases affecting this plant during cultivation
Other considerations while cultivating this plant

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Pubmed Word cloud

This word cloud is obtained using the tool LigerCat by searching the Pubmed database. LigerCat builds the cloud from the most relevant Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms. Each term's relative size indicates how many times it appears in the PubMed search results. Click on a term to access the full LigerCat cloud, with live PubMed search capabilities. LigerCat has been developed for the Biology of Aging Project.

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• If there is an error message below, it means that there is no retrievable information available on NCBI
  
• If the number of nucleotide sequences is less than 100, very little genomic work has been done on this species. A respectable number of nucleotide sequences is above 10000.
• Most of the nucleotide sequences may come from three sources:

1. Studies on single genes, where people try to sequence genes such as some specific dehydrogenases important,say, for tannin production
2. Sequences of Ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer, whose sequence is used for generating molecular phylogenetic trees to establish species relationships
3. Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) which can tell about which genes are present and expressed in the species at a particular time in the given tissue

{{#queryDB:taxonomy |Madhuca longifolia }}

Parameter	Value(s)	References See complete references in the References section at the end
Details of modern scientific knowledge available for this species	Very little is known about the DNA/RNA/Proteins of this species. NCBI Taxonomy search on 10 Aug, 2010 revealed just 1 EST and 1 protein sequence, that too from a chloroplast thioesterase gene. However, Nandan Biomatrix Limited is supposed to have undertaken a genome sequencing project. The seed has a high oil content and the plant is thus being explored as a source of biofuel	NCBI Taxonomy.
Are herbarium specimen available for this species?
Institutes having herbarium samples

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Click here to go to Google Images

Mahuwa tree in Chattisgarh

Madhuca indica (Mahua) in Hyderabad, AP

References

Hindu (Web): Article from The Hindu, Accessdate=2010-08-08

NCBI Taxonomy (Web): NCBI Taxonomy entry on Madhuca, Accessdate=2010-08-10

Dr. Duke (Web): Dr. Duke's ethnobotanical db referenced by GRIN, Accessdate=2010-08-10