Phenological Characteristics of Chironji (Buchanania lanzan) Fruits at Chotanagpur plateau region

Abstract

Chironji, Char or Achar (Buchanania lanzan Spreng; family Anacardiaceae) is an important non – wood tree species found in deciduous forests throughout the greater part of India. In central India, it is a common associate of teak, sal and mixed forests. It is a small to moderate sized tree, generally attaining a height up to 18 m and girth 1.5 m. The bark is dark gray or black, regularly divided into small rectangular plates, somewhat resembling a crocodile hide and reddish inside. Chironji is a multipurpose tree and very important plant for rural and tribal economy. It is used for environmental conservation and in Agro-forestry/Agro-horticulture system. It is used as a fuel, fodder (especially for buffaloes), alternative host for Kusmi lac insect, and also used in cosmetic items and soaps. Its wood is very cheap compared to other timbers. The wood is used in making boxes and cheap furniture. It is also suitable for match industry. Its bark contains about 13.4% of tannin. Its gum is soluble in water that exudes from the wounds in the stem and it is used in textile business (Tewari, 1995). Seeds/kernel are nutritional, palatable and used as a substitute of almonds in confectionery. Flowers appear from January to March and their colour is greenish-white. Fruits ripen in the months of May–June (Troup, 1986). The fruit collection starts from mid April and ends by mid June, but its harvesting is generally finished in 15–20 days only. The harvesting period may vary with the purpose of fruit collection in different agro-climatic zones. Early harvesting result into low fruit/seed setting and poor seed germination. In forests, its natural regeneration is very scanty due to unscientific and pre-mature harvesting of its seeds and site degradation on account of growing biotic pressure.