Description
The deciduous tree with trifoliate leaves is traditionally used as a sacred, offering by Hindus in India to Lord Shiva.
What makes it special:
- The hard shelled fruits are exquisitely aromatic.
- Refreshing juice and preserves.
Bael is botanically known as Aegle marmelos ant it is deciduous tree with trifoliate leaves. The branches sometimes bear long straight spines. The bark is shallowly furrowed and corky. Bael is an indigenous fruit tree of India.
Bael grows in wild and semi-wild in the North India states of Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. It is considered holy in Hindu religion and the leaves are used as offerings for Lord Shiva.The flowering season starts in late May. It has pale yellowish green sweetly scented flower. The slightly pear-shaped fruits are green in color and turn yellowish on ripening.Constituents:
Bel Tree, Bilva Patra, Bel Patra ( Grown through seeds ) - Plant | 1 |
Plant Specifications
Plant Height | 24 inch (61 cm) |
Plant Spread | 5 inch (13 cm) |
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Common Name | Bel patra |
Maximum Reachable Height | Up to 10 meter |
Flower Colour | Yellowish green |
Bloom Time | April-May |
Difficulty Level | Easy |
Planting and care
Refer our Garden Guide for detailed procedures and meanings of words related to gardening.
Light Requirement
Re-potting
Plant Protection
Donts
Bel Tree care
Initial care for 1-2 weeks after receiving plant at your location:
Key requirements to keep plant healthy:
Sunlight | More than 6 hours of sunlight a day is ideal for plant and natural direct bright light for the rest of the day. |
Watering | Apply 4 cup (Approx. 200 ml) water when top soil (1-2 inches) in pot feels dry to touch. |
Soil | Soil should be well drain and fertile, rich in organic content. |
Temperature | 20 to 35 degree Celsius |
Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer once a month (Oct-Jan). |
Bel Tree special feature
Sacred plant
Bel Tree uses
Medicinal Use:
- Bel benefits in healing digestive disorders, ulcers, headache, hypertension, diabetes, and numerous other ailmentsThe ripe fruit works as a laxative but is not digested easilyUnripe bel fruit, on the other hand, promotes digestion and cures diarrhea
- Note: Use only after consulting the Health specialist
Culinary Use:
- The pulp is often processed as nectar or squash (diluted nectar)