Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Camb.) Hook. f.

Description :

A large, deciduous tree, 20 to 30 m tall and with a diameter of 1.2 to 1.3 m. The trunk is short, and the crown is broad, spreading and rounded. The leaves are compound, with the leaflets in groups of 5 to 7 at the end of a stalk. The leaflets look like the fingers on a hand. The leaflets are large, 15 to 25 cm long and 5 to 8 cm wide. The leaflets are oblong-shaped, pointed and the edges are sharply toothed. The bark is grey and smooth gradually becoming rougher and darker with age. The older bark will peel off in strips 60 cm long. The white tinged, yellow flowers are borne in large upright bunches, 15 to 35 cm long, which are quite showy. The flowers occur between April and June. The fruit is a capsule. Each leathery capsule is about 5 cm long and contains one seed. The seed is smooth, shiny and dark brown in color. The fruiting period is May to November. It has no known insect or disease problems. It is reproduced both from seed and by vegetative means. The fruit is a solitary nut with low viability. Storage is difficult. Seed must be planted as soon as possible after collection. Fast growing with reported MAI's of 0.5 to 2.0 cm in diameter. Height growth of 60 cm in the first year is not uncommon. This tree is an important component of the coniferous forest. Planting programs may be needed to preserve this tree and insure its position as a member of the coniferous forest. Grain is straight to very fine even textured. Color is Light pinkish, white turning pinkish brown when exposed to environment having specific gravity of 0.53.

Distribution :

This tree is native to India, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan. In Pakistan it is found in the Himalayas Mountains. Specifically, it is found in Swat, Hazara, Murree Hills, and Azad Kashmir. It is also planted in gardens and along streets in cities because of its shade and flowers. A moderately intolerant tree that can stand some shade. It grows on deep, rich, moist soils. But prefers moist, shady sites. It requires a precipitation zone of 700 to 1500 mm/yr or more. It prefers a humid, cool, temperate climate with a temperature range of -20 to 35°C, in an elevation range of 1200 to 3300 m. It is easily coppiced, and coppice shoot and seedlings are readily browsed.

Uses :

Is used as Fuel wood. Making handles, furniture, fodder, buckets and bowls, bobbins, medicinal, and ornamental purposes.