| General Description | Aegle marmelos is a deciduous tree native to India and Southeast Asia. It is also known as bael or bael fruit. The significance of the tree in traditional medicine and cultural practises is well recognized. It is a member of the Rutaceae family and may grow up to 18 metres tall. The bark is smooth and light grey, and the leaves are scented and alternate. |
| ID Characteristic | Aegle marmelos has alternate leaves, borne singly or in 2's or 3's. They are composed of 3 to 5 ovals, pointed, shallowly toothed leaflets, 4-10 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, the terminal one with a long petiole. New foliage is glossy and pink-maroon. Mature leaves emit a disagreeable odour when bruised. |
| Landscape | Aegle marmelos is highly regarded in traditional medicine, and its cultural importance can increase the landscape value of the species. It has sacred significance in various cultures and is utilized in Ayurvedic treatment. Moreover, Aegle marmelos offers shade, making it an ideal choice for parks, gardens, and other outdoor locations that require shade. Trees are frequently used as animal habitats. Aegle marmelos may attract birds and insects, adding to the area's biodiversity. |
| Propagation | Aegle marmelos can be grown by seeds, cuttings, or grafting. The most prevalent form of propagation is seeds, which have a high success rate when sown in well-draining soil. |
| Cultivation | Aegle marmelos is tolerant to a wide range of environments, but it flourishes in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils with plenty of sunlight. It can endure urban areas but benefits from good care and maintenance, especially in terms of soil quality and protection from harsh weather conditions. Regular watering during the establishing period is essential, and paying attention to possible pests and illnesses aids to good growing. |
| Bark/Stem Description | The bark of Aegle marmelos is smooth and light grey in colour, with a corky feel. As the tree ages, the bark becomes more distinct, typically producing small furrows and wrinkles. The stem is strong and may reach great heights. It is critical in sustaining the tree's branches and leaves. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Aegle marmelos leaf buds are often tiny and coated with scales. As the buds grow, they produce trifoliate, lustrous leaves. The leathery leaves are oval in form and have serrated edges. During the dry season, the tree loses its leaves. Aegle marmelos blooms are tiny, greenish-white, and fragrant. They are bisexual and clustered. The blossoming season varies, although it usually takes place in the spring. The smell of the blossoms enhances the tree's aesthetic value by attracting pollinators like bees. |
| Leaf Description | Aegle marmelos has trifoliate leaflets that are placed alternately on the branches. Each leaf has three leaflets that are either elliptical or ovate in form. The leaflets are shiny and have serrated borders. When crushed, the leaves have a leathery texture and exude a nice scent. |
| Flower Description | Aegle marmelos’s fragrant flowers blooms in clusters of 4 to 7 along the young branchlets, have 4 recurved, fleshy petals, green outside, yellowish inside, and 50 or more greenish-yellow stamen. |
| Fruit Description | The fruit of Aegle marmelos (popularly known as bael fruit) is a big, woody capsule with a hard, woody shell. When mature, the fruit's exterior surface is normally smooth or slightly wrinkled, and the colour ranges from green to yellow. The fruit is usually spherical or somewhat pear-shaped, with a diameter of 5 to 12 centimetres. Furthermore, embedded in the pulp are 10 to 15 seeds, flattened oblong, about 1 cm long, bearing woolly hairs and each enclosed in a sack of adhesive, transparent mucilage that solidifies on drying. |
| Colour Description | During development, the fruit of Aegle marmelos undergoes a characteristic colour metamorphosis, beginning green and progressing to a vivid yellow when completely ripe. Botanical studies highlight the glossy green hue of the leaves of Aegle marmelos. Furthermore, the bark of young trees is smooth and light grey, with more apparent texture and colour differences as the tree ages. |
| Texture Description | The texture of Aegle marmelos varies greatly. The bark of young trees is smooth with a light grey, almost cork-like feel. As the tree becomes older, the bark develops small furrows and wrinkles, adding to its characteristic texture. The leaves of Aegle marmelos have a leathery texture, which contributes to their robustness and lifespan. |