Plants are packed and shipped by Tapobon Nursery.

Elephant Apple Chalta Dillenia Indica Fruit Plant

Product Features and Variety

The Elephant Apple tree (Dillenia indica), also known as Chalta, is a handsome, medium-sized evergreen tree native to tropical and subtropical Asia. This offering is a resilient plant well-suited for cultivation across various Indian climates and soil types. The plant is likely propagated via layering or grafting to ensure true-to-type characteristics and promote earlier maturity.

• Botanical Name: Dillenia indica.
• Type: Evergreen Fruit Plant/Tree, suitable for growing in both the ground and large containers. The plant size is approximately 1.5-3 Feet Height.
• Suitability: Can thrive in almost all Indian climates and soil conditions.

The Fruit: Elephant Apple (Chalta)

The Elephant Apple is a distinctive, large, round fruit, technically an aggregate of carpels enclosed by persistent, fleshy sepals.

• Appearance and Taste: The fruit has a greenish-yellow skin and features a mildly sweet, refreshing, and exotic flavor.
• Culinary Use: It is traditionally used in culinary preparations such as pickles, jams, and curries in various parts of India and Southeast Asia.

Essential Care Guide for Indian Climates

Sunlight and Climate Needs

• Sunlight: Prefers a location that receives full to partial sunlight (at least 4-6 hours a day) for healthy growth and fruiting.
• Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, which cover most of the Indian subcontinent.

Watering and Soil

• Soil: Plant in well-draining, fertile soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but performs best in moist, slightly acidic soil.
• Watering: Requires regular and consistent watering, especially in the growing season, to maintain soil moisture without becoming waterlogged.
• Packing: The secure paper core packing method used for shipping plants helps ensure protection and ventilation during transit.