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Dominica Botanic Gardens
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Selected Trees and Shrubs
Dillenia indica , Common name: Elephant Apple, Simpoh


Plant Family: Member of the Dilleniaceae family; other members include the Malaysian Shrubby Simpoh (Dillenia suffruticosa)

Description: A handsome, medium-sized, evergreen or seasonally deciduous tree, up to 15 m tall (50 ft); simple leaves are large, ellliptic- oblong and wrinkled, with serrated edges and 23-30 cm long (9-12 in); tree bears very large, attractive, solitary white flowers, 13-18 cm across (5-7 in), with numerous stamens; produces a profusion of large, round, green fruit, 10-15 cm in diameter (4-6 in), formed by the much enlarged, closely packed, fleshy sepals; fruit is juicy and very acid.

Natural Habitat: Tropical and semi-tropical regions with light to moderate rainfall; propagated by cutting or seed, but seeds do not store well.

Origin & Distribution: Indigenous to India and Sri Lanka, and found in Tropical Asia generally.

Uses: Primarily ornamental; juicy, acid fruit edible raw, but usually cooked; in India, also used for making jelly, a cooling drink and vegetable curries.
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References:
H.F. Macmillan. Tropical Planting and Gardening, Macmillan, London 1956
William C. Kennard and Harold F. Winters. Some Fruits and Nuts of the Tropics. USDA, Washington, DC 1960
Robert A. DeFilipps. Useful Plants of the Commonwealth of Dominica, West Indies. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 1998


​​Gardens Introduction

​

Preface - How it Began
Introduction to Website
A Brief History
Plan of Gardens 
Contemporary Commentary​
​Trees, Shrubs, Birds

​
​
Selected Trees and Shrubs
Medicinal Plants
​
Gardens Activities
  Florida's Fairchild Garden
Parrot/Animal Sanctuary
Birds of the Gardens
Garden Views

​
​
Three Virtual Tours
Panoramic Views Today
Early Panoramic Views
 
Hurricane David's Ravages
Future Developments
Curators/Administrators
Reports and Documents
  
Getting Involved
Related Links
Sub-sites

​

Honorees
Island Scholars
Cabinet Photos
​​Treasures of the Cathedral

​Diaspora Policy Paper
​

Visit the DAAS  Website
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Copyright © -  Davison Shillingford, Clayton Shillingford and (the late) Raglan Riviere