Coastal Boodyarra Fruit Plant (Aglaia roxburghii): A Rare Evergreen Treasure with Nutritional and Medicinal Value

Description:
Explore the Coastal Boodyarra Fruit Plant (Aglaia roxburghii), a rare evergreen tree valued for its cherry-sized fruits, medicinal uses in Ayurveda, and ornamental charm. Learn about its cultivation, health benefits, and cultural significance.

Introduction: A Hidden Jewel of the Tropics

The Coastal Boodyarra Fruit Plant (Aglaia roxburghii), also known as Droopy Leaf or Priyangu, is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Meliaceae family. Native to a wide stretch of tropical Asia and the western Pacific, it thrives in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, northern Australia, and Pacific islands.

With its graceful drooping foliage, valuable timber, and sweet-acidic edible fruits, this plant is not just a botanical curiosity but a prized addition for gardeners, herbalists, and fruit lovers alike.

Plant Characteristics and Growth Habit

• Botanical Name: Aglaia roxburghii

• Common Names: Coastal Boodyarra, Droopy Leaf, Priyangu

• Family: Meliaceae

• Growth: Evergreen shrub or tree growing 5–10 m tall (sometimes up to 20 m in the wild).

• Foliage: Elegant drooping leaves that give the tree its ornamental appeal.

• Bloom & Fruiting Time: Begins bearing fruits in 4–5 years after planting.

• Maintenance: Moderate; requires basic care, suitable for tropical and subtropical gardens.

Fruit Description and Taste

The fruits of Coastal Boodyarra are small, oval to round berries, usually around 20 mm long and 15 mm wide, containing up to two seeds.

• Flesh: Thin, white, and gelatinous.

• Flavor: A refreshing sweet-acid taste, reminiscent of tropical cherries.

• Consumption: Mostly eaten fresh and raw, straight from the tree.

This balance of sweetness and tang makes the fruit a delightful seasonal treat.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

The fruit and plant parts of Aglaia roxburghii are recognized in traditional medicine and modern studies for their health-promoting qualities:

• Rich in Vitamin C: Strengthens immunity and supports collagen production.

• Astringent Properties: Helps tone body tissues and relieve inflammation.

• Cooling Effect: Used in Ayurveda for fever management and body heat reduction.

• Digestive Aid: The gelatinous pulp aids in soothing the digestive tract.

• Urinary Health: Seeds are traditionally used for relieving painful urination.

• Antioxidants: Protect the body from oxidative stress, slowing down cell damage.

Culinary Uses

Though not widely commercialized, the fruit is cherished locally in the regions where it grows:

• Fresh Consumption: Enjoyed raw for its cooling sweetness.

• Flavor Enhancer: Can be added to fresh fruit salads or tropical desserts.

• Fermentation: Occasionally used in making light, fruity beverages.

Its rarity makes it a special culinary treasure for those fortunate enough to cultivate it.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

The Ayurvedic system of medicine has long valued Coastal Boodyarra for its therapeutic properties:

• Fruit: Astringent, cooling, recommended for inflammation and fevers.

• Seeds: Used in treatments for urinary discomfort.

• Bark & Leaves: Traditionally applied to wounds and inflammations.

• Other Uses of Aglaia Species: Extracts employed as natural bactericides, insect repellents, and perfumery ingredients.

This dual role as both a nutritive fruit and a natural remedy adds cultural depth to its cultivation.

Cultivation and Care Guidelines

For gardeners looking to grow this exotic rarity, here are key points:

• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm, humid conditions.

• Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with good organic matter.

• Watering: Requires regular watering but avoid waterlogging.

• Light: Grows best in full to partial sunlight.

• Fertilization: Organic compost or balanced fertilizer enhances fruiting.

• Time to Fruit: Begins to produce within 4–5 years, rewarding patient growers with seasonal harvests.

Environmental and Ornamental Importance

• Ornamental Value: Its drooping foliage gives gardens an elegant, tropical appeal.

• Sustainable Choice: Growing Aglaia roxburghii supports biodiversity and preserves traditional plant knowledge.

• Timber Use: In native regions, the wood is valued for carpentry and household use.

Why Coastal Boodyarra is a Trending Choice

As plant enthusiasts seek rare, medicinal, and ornamental exotics, Aglaia roxburghii is gaining traction for several reasons:

• Exotic appeal in home orchards and tropical gardens.

• Medicinal heritage rooted in Ayurveda and folk medicine.

• Cherry-like fruits with a unique sweet-acid balance.

• Dual-purpose use as a fruit bearer and ornamental tree.

Conclusion: Add a Rare Treasure to Your Garden

The Coastal Boodyarra Fruit Plant (Aglaia roxburghii) is more than just an exotic tree—it is a living heritage of nutrition, medicine, and beauty. Its pearlescent white pulp, cooling properties, and Ayurvedic uses make it a must-have for fruit lovers and collectors of rare plants.

 At Veliyath Gardens, we proudly offer this remarkable species to enrich your fruit plant collections and exotic gardens. With patience and care, this tree rewards you not only with delightful fruits but also with the pride of nurturing a plant valued across cultures for centuries.