Erinocarpus nimmonii

J. Grah.

Nimmo's erinocarpus

Malvaceae Edible: Fruit 65 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

Description

A small tree. The leaves are alternate and have irregular lobes. The flowers are large and yellow. They are in loose groups at the ends of branches. They have 5 large, spoon-shaped petals. The flowers are 5-7 cm across. The fruit are 4-5 cm across. They have 3 wings and are heart shaped. They have long stiff prickles.

Edible Uses

Fruit. Used as a vegetable. In good times the fruit is only occasionally eaten, but it becomes an important food in times of shortage. The woody fruit is 4 - 5cm long and covered with large broad-based prickles, The seed, however, has a fleshy albumen.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in deciduous forests. Deccan.

Where It Grows

Asia, India,

Cultivation

A fast-growing tree. The large yellow flowers are attractive.

Other Uses

The fibrous bark is used for making ropes. An excellent fibre for ropes. The white wood is soft. Of little value, it is sometimes used for yokes and rafters.