Kumbh / कुंभ / Wild Guava / Careya arborea Roxb.

  • Local Name: Kumbh / कुंभ
  • Common Name: Wild Guava
  • Botanical Name: Careya arborea Roxb.

Status & Habitat

  • Habitat: Tree

  • Occurrence: Forests and grasslands

  • Season of Availability: Rainy season

  • Geography: Indian subcontinent

  • Method of Propagation: Seed propagation

  • Part used for Propagation: Seeds

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Bark

  • Can be Eaten Raw: Fruits, yes.

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: Yes

  • Ripe: Yes

  • Both Raw & Ripe: Yes

  • Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw rest of plant

  • As Food: Ripe fruits eaten raw; seeds are roasted and eaten.

  • As Medicine: Bark decoction is prepared to help heal snake bites; bark powder is sprinkled over wounds to heal them; fruit decoction is taken to promote digestion.

  • Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Roasting seeds

  • Boiling Before Cooking: Not required

  • Pickling: No

  • Brining: No

  • Fermenting: No

  • Drying for later Consumption: Yes, Seeds

  • Overall Method: Ripe fruit may be eaten raw; otherwise used for medicinal purposes.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: High water and energy content.

  • Medicinal Benefit: Snake bites, Antiseptic for wounds and cuts, Treats Sinus issues, Colic, Ulcers, Tumors

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Bark decoction is prepared to help heal snake bites; bark powder is sprinkled over wounds to heal them; fruit decoction is taken to promote digestion.

Recipes / Usage

  • Tribal Recipe / Usage: Mix dried flowers and flower buds with honey and take to relieve cough.