Statue of Unity – Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat Rain Forest Ektanagar

Glycosmis pentaphylla

Syn. Glycosmis arborea

IUCN Red List Least Concern (LC)

Local name

  • Gin Berry (English)
  • Ban Nimbu (Hindi)
  • Ashvashakota (Sanskrit)

Tree type

Evergreen Deciduous
Family: Rutaceae
3m

Indicated uses

Medicinal Edible Ornamental Avenue Other

Flowering & fruiting

Flowering Fruiting

Key characters

Glycosmis pentaphylla bark

Bark

The bark is thin, smooth to slightly rough, and brownish-grey.

Glycosmis pentaphylla leaves

Leaves

Leaves are imparipinnately compound, alternate, gland dotted and entire.

Glycosmis pentaphylla flower

Flower

Small, white, axillary panicles; sepals five, 1–1.5 mm, ovate-pointed and ciliate; petals five, 4–5 × 2–2.5 mm, gland-dotted; stamens 8–10, of unequal lengths; disc prominent, annular.

Glycosmis pentaphylla fruit / seeds

Fruit / Seeds

Fruits are pulpy, round berries, 1-1.2 cm across, white, turning rose-colored, containing round seeds.

Glycosmis pentaphylla

Did you know?

Known as the “Toothbrush Plant” in parts of Eastern Bengal, its frayed twigs are traditionally chewed to clean teeth and freshen breath.

Distribution

World map showing distribution

Indian Subcontinent to China (SW. & S. Yunnan), W. & Central Malesia, Pakistan