Aesculus indica

Aesculus Indica is a deciduous broad-leaved species in the Sapindaceae family. It’s also known as the Indian Horse-chestnut and Himalayan Horse Chestnut.

Description

Aesculus indica is an attractive tree growing to 9-12 m (30-40 ft) with a spread of about 11-15 m (35-50 ft). It is hardy to -18 degC (0 degF), USDA zones 7-9. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in October. The flowers are hermaphroditic and with plentiful white blossoms during May and June pollinated by bees. Its large leaves 10-20 cm (3.9-7.9 in) long by 2-6 cm (0.79-2.36 in) wide are also ornamental and the mature tree forms a beautiful round canopy.

Uses

Its leaves are used as cattle fodder in parts of Northern India. Its seeds are dried and ground into a bitter flour, called tattawakher. Saponins are responsible for the bitter taste. This is washed off by thoroughly washing the flour before it is made. The flour is often mixed with wheat flour to make chapatis and also to make a halwa (Indian sweetmeat) and sometimes is served as a dalia, (a type of porridge or gruel) during fasting periods.

It is used in traditional Indian medicine to treat some skin conditions, rheumatism, and as an astringent and acrid narcotic. Also, it can be used to relieve headaches.

Because of its large leaves and flowers, it is suitable for large-sized bonsai.

In the UK, the cultivar ‘Sydney Pearce” has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.

Distribution

It is common along the Himalayan Lowlands, between Kashmir and Western Nepal at elevations between 900 and 3,000 metres. It is popular in the British Isles, where it can be found in many parks and estates that it was introduced in the middle of the 20th century. It is also found in many parts of the USA. The commercial collection of its seeds for flour production seems to have impacted on the natural distribution of this species.^{[citation needed]}