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Aesculus indica
Indian horse chestnut
Deciduous tree
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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].
General Uses: Saponins in the seed are used as a soap substitute[169]. The saponins can be easily obtained by chopping the seed into small pieces and infusing them in hot water. This water can then be used for washing the body, clothes etc. Its main drawback is a lingering odour of horse chestnuts[K].
Wood - soft, close grained. Used for construction, cases, spoons, cups etc[145, 146, 158].
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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'.
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