KHIRNI

(Manilkara hexandra)

A tree of khirni

Family: Sapotaceae

Synonym: Mimusops hexandra

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Khirni is a small to medium sized tree evergreen tree, 3-4 m high, with a spreading crown and straight massive bole.  It is very commonly found growing wild in the dry evergreen forests in Central India and the Deccan Peninsula of India. 

            Khirni bears small 1-2 seeded fruits which turn yellow at maturity.  The fruits are 1x1.5 cm and round to ellipsoid in shape.

    Developing fruits of khirni

            Khirni fruits are very sweet and liked by people.  Khirni is therefore cultivated on a small scale in gardens, especially, near big cities where there exists a good market for the fruits.  In fact, khirni fruits are considered to be a seasonal delicacy and sell at fairly high price in Indian metros.

            Seeds of khirni contain 25% oil which is considered demulcent and emollient.

            Khirni has a strong and dense timber that is put to several uses in villages.  Leaves are used as a fodder for cattle.             

            Khirni tree also yields a gum.  The bark contains 10 per cent tannins and can be used for tanning

 purposes.  It is also used in fevers and as a general tonic.  The bark also retards the fermentation the fermentation of toddy (a wine made from palm sap in Indian villages).

            Khirni is used as a rootstock for sapote in India.