CHALTA
(Dillenia indica)
Flower of Elephant apple or Chalta of South East Asia.
Chalta is probably a native of India . It's also grows in south Asia .
It bears green fruits which resemble large apples is called Elephant apple or Chalta.
Leaves oblong with pointed apex and toothed margin; the upper part of the leaf as well as the veins beneath is covered with hairs.
Flowers large, 5-8 in. wide, white, fragrant and solitary.
Utilization:
Ripe fruits are gathered at maturity. Fleshy sepals form the edible portion. Though the fruits contain enough sugars, still these taste pleasantly sour due to predominance of acid. These are also made into jams and jellies. The juice is sweetened with sugar to make a cooling and refreshing drink.
Indian Chalta achar is very testy .
The fruit is said to possess tonic and laxative properties, and is used for abdominal pains. The bark and leaves are astringent.