Indian Leadwort - Elephant Apple

Indian Dillenia - Elephant Apple

Has growing exotic plants captivated you so much that you occasionally search for some rarity, another challenge? We have another interesting plant for you, or rather a shrub called Indian Dillenia.

Indian Dillenia (lat. Dillenia indica) - is also known as "elephant apple". It was first named and described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. It belongs to the order of higher dicotyledonous plants from the Dilleniaceae family (lat. Dilleniaceae). This family includes monoecious, and exceptionally dioecious lianas, shrubs, trees and herbs. This family comprises 11 genera and a total of 300-400 species. One of the genera is Dillenia (lat. Dillenia) - trees from this genus number about 65 species. They grow mainly in tropical Asia and Madagascar. The fruits of some species are edible. These include Indian Dillenia and Philippine Dillenia (lat. Dillenia philippinensis).

Indian Dillenia grows as an evergreen shrub or low-growing tree. It reaches a height of 15 m on a low solid trunk, with a dense spreading crown. In the wild, it can grow up to 40 m tall. It has soft stilt roots on the ground surface. The bark on the Dillenia trunk is colored in a reddish-brown shade. It peels off in scales. Dillenia leaves are glossy, 15-36 cm long and grow alternately in fan-shaped clusters. On the underside, the leaves may be finely felted.

Dillenia flowers are large, measuring 15-20 cm in diameter. They are beautiful and unmissable. The flower consists of 5 white petals and yellow stamens.

TIP: Dillenia blooms for only one day. Don't miss its flowers!

The fruits resemble apples in shape and also smell like them. Hence the name elephant apple. Like the flowers, the fruits are also large. The size of the fruits is 5-15 cm, most commonly 12 cm. The fruits contain many seeds, inside they are pulpy and edible. In its native environment, it thrives in lowland forests and rainforests of Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka, India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, and others).

How to Grow Indian Dillenia?

In our conditions, Dillenia is grown as a decorative houseplant. As a tree, it will thrive in a greenhouse with suitable conditions.

Dillenia does best in a sunny location. A sunny terrace, conservatory, greenhouse, or on a south-facing windowsill. It likes hot climates. It thrives best in clay-sandy but nutrient-rich soil that is kept moist.

Dillenia seeds can be grown year-round; it's not necessary to sow them precisely in spring. Before sowing, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. The water can be lukewarm. Then remove the seeds and dry them slightly. Prepare a mini greenhouse for growing exotic plants, which will maintain the required temperature for germination and humidity. The suitable temperature is around 25°C. Use regular substrate designated for sowing plants. This substrate can be heated in the microwave for half a minute. This way, the space in the mini greenhouse warms up faster. Press the Dillenia seeds about 1 cm deep into the prepared substrate. Spray with a hand water sprayer.

TIP: If you don't have prepared substrate, you can also place the Dillenia seed in perlite or coconut fiber. The seeds won't mold and you have better oversight of what happens to them during germination. For Dillenia, germination takes approximately 1 month.

Transplant grown seedlings individually into pots. Put perlite or stones at the bottom of the pot for a drainage layer. If temperatures are lower than 18°C, cover the seedling with a cap made from a cut PET bottle. Dillenia indica is a plant that can grow independently as a specimen or in a group of several plants. Fertilize Dillenia regularly with fertilizer for exotic plants. Dillenia thrives in room temperature that doesn't fall below 18°C year-round. Place the transplanted seedlings where they will have sufficient sunlight.

Dillenia indica is a beautiful tree that will decorate your home.

In Dillenia, the fleshy calyx petals are consumed during flowering, which have a specifically sour taste that adds flavor to the famous Indian curry sauce.

Consumption of Dillenia

The calyx leaves around the fruit are also consumed. The fruits, which taste like unripe apples, contain many seeds in a pulpy mass. Dillenia is used to prepare refreshing drinks, where the calyx leaves are mixed with cane sugar and water.

Dillenia fruits can be cooked as a vegetable and served with chicken meat. Or with meat during grilling.

For sweet preparations, jam can be made from Dillenia. Chutney is prepared according to traditional recipes. Chutney is a thick spicy sauce that enhances the flavor of dishes. Chutney originates from India, from where it came to us through England. Preparing chutney is time-consuming, approximately like preparing marmalade.

T I P: Recipe! - Fruits with rich pulp are suitable for making chutney. We use calyx leaves, if you also use fruits - peel the fruits and remove the seeds. Cut into pieces and place in a larger pot. Pour vinegar over them. Simmer until soft in a stainless steel pot under a lid. Then add onion, garlic, salt and pepper. We can lightly add olive oil. Add spices - grated ginger, turmeric, mace, coconut - all according to taste. We can also add curry, chilli spices, or ground paprika. Cook everything and blend into a thick paste. We can season with sugar at the end. Pour the hot mixture into prepared jars, seal with lids and turn upside down and let cool. Sterilize the jars with chutney briefly.

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Author: Hana Michalíková