Monkey fruit -- Barhar, badahal

Monkey fruit/Badahal

 Barhar/Badahal/Badahar is a peculiar fruit in a way that no two fruits have the same shape. There are irregular bulges on the outside. It is edible when riped. Common English name is Monkey Jack or Monkey fruit and the scientific name is Artocarpus Lacucha. 

 

Monkey jack fruit tree
बड़हर का पेड़

     It's tree is big and gives deep shade which is very comforting in the months of April, May and June when the heat-wave or "loo" is common in the northern parts of India. The leaves are similar to the Sal tree leaves and dark green in color. Riped fruits fall down to the ground and eaten by animals. Some people eat the fruits. It is believed to have medicinal properties. So you may find it in some rural markets in the season. Barhar and Mango both have the same season, Summer.

Badahal fruit on a branch

      The Barhar wood is also valued. The trunk looks like Jackfruit tree but is more straight. It is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. So it may be called a "Desi" tree.
         Live Barhar plant with pot is available at Amazon at this link,
https://amzn.to/3g6vHUx
              

Badahar fruits

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