58 | June - 2024 greenaria.in Volume 02, Issue 06, 2024 ISSN: 2584-153X Article ID: G-24-0618 An Agricultural Monthly e-Magazine TENDU: A WILD EDIBLE FRUIT OF SOUTH INDIA Nagaraju Vankadavath 1* , Jadala Shanakaraswamy 2 and Ram Bhaskar Wagh 1 1 Ph.D. Scholar, Division of Fruit Science, Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, 190025 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Fruit Science, COH, Mojerla, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, Mulugu, Telangana. *e-mail: nagarajvankadavath111@gmail.com INTRODUCTION South India's rich tapestry of biodiversity includes the indigenous fruits of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamila Nadu and other regions western ghats. These indigenous fruits are known for their cooling and astringent properties, and have a deep affinity for these fruits. Tendu, also known as Malabar ebony, Coromandel ebony, East Indian ebony, and most popularly Tendu in Hindi, Kendu, and Tuniki in Telugu. It is a lesser-known fruit found in local markets in these southern states of India. Diospyrous melanoxylon Roxb. in the family of Ebenaceae and native to India and Srilanka. Mostly found in Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other central and southern Indian states, it is well-liked by the tribal communities. Despite competition from exotic imports, these indigenous fruits remain popular in local markets. ORIGINS, DISTRIBUTION, AND AVAILABILITY The Tendu, a flowering tree native to India and Sri Lanka, is a characteristic tree in dry deciduous forests throughout India. Originating from Coromandel, it covers the entire Indian peninsula and extends up to Nepal in sub-Himalayan tracts. The plant is also found on the Nilgiris and Serawalli hills in the south. It belongs to the Ebenaceae family, with over 400 species worldwide. Tendu plants, native to tropical and subtropical regions, are found in dry deciduous forests and mixed forests. They are primarily used for Bidi leaves, but no systematic fruit production has yet been established. BOTANICAL INFORMATION Tendu is a medium-sized, subtropical deciduous, or evergreen tree that grows up to 25 meters in height. It is tolerant to frost and drought but sensitive to water logging conditions. The bark is pelican in color and the leaves are opposite or alternate, up to 35 cm long. Tendu bears three types of flowers: pistillate, staminate, and hermaphrodite, with sometimes dioecious situations. The tree bears flowers in February-April and fruits ripen in May-June. The fruit is olive green, ovoid, or globose, with 1-8 seeds. The edible portion of the fruit is yellow pulp, with a sweet and mild aroma. Tendu flowers start after 5-7 years of planting and flowering occurs on new growth. The fruit is a drupe, developed from the superior ovary, and the pulp is yellow, soft, and sweet. NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS Tendu fruit is a nutritious and low- calorie snack that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is known for its high vitamin C content, making it an excellent choice for immune health. The fruit is rich in sugar, fiber, protein, and ascorbic acid, as well as phenols, carotene, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponin, and tannin. It ripens in May-June and