Market Information System - Non Timber Forest Product

Mahua is a large deciduous tree, 20 meters in height with a spreading top. It has thick leathery leaves and small, fleshy, pale or dull white musk-scented flowers in dusters near the end of branches. Its fruits are fleshy, greenish" with brown and shining seeds. Seed 1-4, brown, shining, 2.5-3.5 cm long.

It is an Indian tropical tree found largely in the central and north Indian plains and forests. It is common throughout West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The tree is indigenous to the Central India.

It is the source of Vitamin A and C, Ethyl-cinnamate, Sesqiuterpene alcohol, Argonine, Glutamic acid, Histidine, Arbinose, Rhamnose have been isolated.

Seeds-1085300 quintals/ Year, Flowers- 1500000 quintals/ Year (Source: IIFM study report)

The Mahua tree is a very important source of food for the Gonds and other tribes in Central and Western India. They are also used for making alcohol, vinegar, syrups and jams. Mahua oil is largely used in the manufacture of soaps, besides cooking. Mahua flowers and seeds have healing Power and Curative Properties, used in Bronchitis, Rheumatism, Diabetes, Piles, Arthritis, Problem of Breast Milk Secretion, Bleeding Gums, Tonsillitis, Eczema, and Skin Disorders.