The history of this tree has been traced to Vedic period (2000 BC – 800 BC). The plant is
also known by different names as stone apple or wood apple, bili, bilva patra and it has been mentioned as Tripatra in ancient Indian scriptures such as Yajurveda and Mahabharata.
Bael tree is held sacred by Hindus and offered in prayers of deities Lord Shiva, the God of health and Parvati and thus the tree is also known by the name Shivaduma.
In the ‘Upavna Vinoda’, a Sanskrit treatise on silviculture and in the ‘Brihat Samhita’, mention was made of bael fruit. It has been said that this tree indicates the presence of underground water.
The Chinese Buddhist pilgrim, Hiuen Tsiang, when came to India in 1629 A.D., and he noticed the presence of this tree in India. Due to mythological importance the tree is cultivated throughout India and it is mainly grown near the temples.
Three reaches about 40 feet in height and its fruit are generally about 2 to 5 inches across. The Portuguese called them marmelos because they gave the flavor of marmalade and can be eaten raw.
Garcia d’Orta who resided in India as physician to the Portuguese viceroy at Goa in the 16th century, wrote an account of the fruit under the name of Marmelos de Benguala, describing its use in dysentery.
History and origin of bael fruit
