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Aesculus indica Indian horse chestnut Deciduous tree (1 Page of 5) The Aesculus indica plant species is found in E. Asia - Northwestern Himalayas. It is a member of the Hippocastanaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Indian horse chestnut. Some home gardeners know the variety as Pavia indica. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Aesculus indica Common Name: Indian horse chestnut Family: Hippocastanaceae Author: (Wallich. ex Camb.)Hook. Known Hazards: The seed is rich in saponins[20, 65]. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisible to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K]. Mature Height: 30 Mature Width: 12 Habitat: Wet temperate forests and shady ravines to 3,000 metres[51, 243].
Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep loamy well-drained soil but is not too fussy[1, 11, 200]. Succeeds on chalk[11]. Dislikes dry soils[11].
This species does very well in southwest England, growing best in areas where the minimum temperatures do not fall below about -5°c[200]. Young shoots in the spring can be cut back by late frosts in low-lying districts[11, 126].
Trees cast quite a dense shade[194].
Most members of this genus transplant easily, even when fairly large[11].
For further Aesculus indica gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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