(Dillenia indica ) Very Rare Tropical Plant Tree !Chalta / Elephant Apple
Common name: Elephant Apple, Indian catmon, Hondapara Tree, Ma-tad Chalta, Karambel.
Bengali Name: Chalta, Chalita (চালতা)
Tribal name: Ulugach, Dabrusi (Chakma); Kra Aning (Marma); Jhaipola (Tipra); Thabru, Dabru, Chauralei (Murong).
Botanical name: Dillenia indica

Description :
A native plan of south eastern Asia, found in India, Bangladesh and Srilanka, east to southwestern China (Yunnan) and Vietnam, and south through Thailand to Malaysia and Indonesia.
Uses:
Elephant Apple(chalta) has wide ranges of use in places it grows.
Elephant apple used as curry aromatizer, Unripe elephant apples make a zesty, pungent pickled chutney, the jelly-like pulp us used for jams and preserves,when sugar is added, the fruit makes a light, refreshing juice.
OTHER USES :
Red dye – A red dye is obtained from the tree bark. Wood from Elephant Apple is strong,heavy and long lasting,used for boat making, furniture etc
The elephant apple has been used for its curative properties in Indian subcontinent for centuries. It’s a fruit commonly used in Ayurveda to treat nervousness, stomach upsets and fatigue . Additionally the bark and juice from the leaves were given as a treatment for diarrhea and cancer, Amoebic dysentery, cough and cold.
Bloom Color:
White/Near White
Bloom Time:
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Foliage:
Evergreen
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Propagation Methods:
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Seed does not store well; sow as soon as possible