Bengal Quince or Bael

Description:

This thorn bearing tree can grow quite tall. It has straggly branches. The leaf has three leaflets. Fruit has a hard shell somewhat like a coconut (but no fibrous coir-like covering). The pulp inside is golden and has seeds envelope in extremely sticky and thick transparent gum.

Habitat:

Quite common, usually near temples as it is considered a holy tree in Hinduism. Sometimes in gardens as the fruit is considered to have medicinal properties. this was in the backyard of a house.

Notes:

Also called golden apple, stone apple, or wood apple or Bilwa. Leaves are used in worship. Flowers are so inconspicuous that even those with the tree growing in their backyards did not recognize it when I posted a photo on Facebook!