Name: Thai Wood Apple Plant
SKU: PLA-INF-36
Price: 651.00 INR
Availability: InStock

Thai Wood Apple Plant

Thai Wood Apple Plant Details

Botanical Name:
Limonia acidissima (Thai Variety).
Common Names:
Thai Wood Apple, Elephant Apple, Monkey Fruit, Bael Fruit (in some regions).
Bloom Type:
Seasonal bloomers produce small, fragrant flowers, followed by round, hard-shelled fruits.
Flower Colors:
Pale green to yellowish-white.
Fragrance:
Mildly sweet fragrance from flowers; fruits have an earthy, tangy aroma when ripe.
Growth Habit:
- Type: Tropical deciduous tree.
- Height: 20–30 feet (6–9 meters) under optimal conditions.
- Spread: 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 meters).
- Lifespan: Long-lived tree with a productive life spanning several decades.
Other Details:
- Native Habitat: Widely cultivated in tropical Asia, particularly in Thailand, for its fruits and ornamental value.
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 9–12.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy to loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5).
- Light: Thrives in full sunlight; requires at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily.
- Special Traits: Known for its hard, woody shell encasing sweet-sour, aromatic pulp, the Thai Wood Apple is a versatile plant with culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications.

Planting Tips for Thai Wood Apple Plant

Site Selection:
- Choose a sunny, open location with room for the tree to grow to its full size.
Soil Preparation:
- Ensure the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter.
- Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal for healthy growth.
Planting Time:
- Best planted in spring or early summer when the weather is warm and conducive to root establishment.
Planting Process:
- Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- Place the sapling, ensuring the root crown is at the soil level.
- Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch around the base.
Watering:
- Water regularly during the initial growing years to establish roots.
- Once mature, the tree becomes drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizing:
- Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–3 months during the growing season.
- Organic compost or manure can be added annually for sustained soil fertility.
Pruning and Maintenance:
- Prune annually to remove deadwood, shape the tree, and enhance airflow within the canopy.
- Thinning excess branches promotes better fruiting.
Pest and Disease Control:
- Common Pests: Scale insects and fruit flies. Use neem oil or organic pesticides for management.
- Diseases: Fungal infections like leaf spot or root rot may occur in poorly drained soils. Ensure proper watering practices and remove infected parts promptly.
Temperature and Care:
- The ideal temperature range is 68–95°F (20–35°C). Protect young trees from frost by covering them or moving to a sheltered location.

Benefits and Uses

Fruit Quality: The hard-shelled fruits contain sweet, tangy pulp rich in flavor and nutrients.
Nutritional Value: High in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and antioxidants, the fruit is excellent for digestive health.
Culinary Uses: Used in beverages, chutneys, and desserts; the pulp can also be consumed fresh or dried.
Medicinal Value: Traditionally used in Ayurveda and herbal medicine for treating digestive issues, boosting immunity, and improving skin health.
Ornamental Value: Its unique fruits, glossy foliage, and sturdy structure make it an attractive addition to landscapes.

The Thai Wood Apple Plant is a perfect blend of beauty, utility, and hardiness, making it an excellent choice for tropical and subtropical gardens.

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