Abstract
The genus Madhuca (Sapotaceae) comprises of economically important plants and is represented by five species in-the Indian sub-continent. These species viz. Madhuca longifolia, M. latifolia, M. butyracea, M. neriifolia and M. bourdillonii have been well known for their wide variety of uses since ancient times (1-3). Madhuca is commonly known as mahua or mowrah in north and illipi in south India. The name is derived from the sanskrit word madhu, meaning honey. The exceptionally sugar-rich (66-72 per cent of dry weight) mahua flowers are used in folk medicine and for the preparation of strong intoxicating liquor. The economic importance of Madhuca is also apparent by its mention in ancient sanskrit literature (Vedas, Ayurveda) and travellogues of foreign travellers (Ibn Batuta, 1334 A.D.). The tree was named Darakht-i-gulchakan by the Persian invaders due to the deciduous nature of its flowers (3).
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