木橘 mu ju

Crateva marmelos Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 444. 1753.

Trees to 10 m tall; spines to 3 cm. Leaflet blades ovate to elliptic, 4-12 × 2-6 cm, base rounded to narrowly cuneate, margin crenulate, apex acuminate or sometimes acute. Calyx lobes ca. 1 mm. Petals white, ca. 1 cm. Stamens nearly as long as petals. Gynoecium ca. 6 mm. Fruit greenish yellow, 10-12 × 6-8 cm; mesocarp ca. 3 mm thick. Seeds ca. 8 mm. Fr. Oct. 2n = 18, 36.

Cultivated in forests on slightly dry hillsides; 600-1000 m. S and SW Yunnan [native to India].

This species is used medicinally.