Tendu

Abstract

Tendu or Kendu tree (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) belonging to Family Ebenaceae, which is endemic to Indian subcontinent. Locally it is known as temburini. It is drought and frost hardy but sensitive to water logging. It is also one of the important lesser known fruits which is available during summer in the localmarket of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa state and used as a delicacy. The fruits are highly nutritive and rich source of phenols and fibre. The tribal of these regions are using this fruit to protect them from loo or hot wind during summer. The generic name is derived from the Greek ‘dios’ (divine), and ‘pyros’ (fruit), referring to the excellent fruit of the genus. The specific name is Greek and means ‘dark wood’.