Scientific name: Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.
Family: Rutaceae
Synonym: Crataeva marmelos L.
Bengla/Vernacular name: Bel.
Tribal name: Belgulu, Uraik fang (Chakma); Uraifang (Chak); Krah-hinor (Khasia); Thing-sharuh (Lushai); Orayapang sthei, Orey sthei (Rakhaing); Shephalbupaong, Siplaw bofang (Tripura); War-e-si apang (Marma).
English name: Wood apple, Bel fruit, Bengal quince, Stone apple.
Description of the plant: A small to medium-sized aromatic tree, deciduous; stem and branches, light brown to green; strong axillary spines present on the branches. Leaves, alternate, pale green, 3-foliolate, occasionally 5-foliolate, petiolate, lateral leaflets ovate-elliptic. Flowers greenish-white, in short axillary panicles. Fruit large, globose, with hard woody shell.
Plant parts used: Fruit.
Medicinal uses: Fruit juice is taken for the treatment of constipation, diarrhoea and dysentery.
Distribution: Cultivated in homesteads as a fruit tree and also grows wild.
