2024, Vol. 12, Issue 3, Part A

Butter tree Madhuca longifolia (L.) J.F Macbr. Locally known as Mahul is a boon for the poor people of Western Odisha. It is a plant well known for its medicinal and economic value. It is widely used by the local people of Western Odisha (India) as food and medicine. It also serves as a source of income for tribals and other rural people in Western Odisha. The Mahul tree plays an important role in social and religious life of tribals and some other non-tribals. It occurs in forests, non-forest areas and suburbs of villages. The present paper seeks to provide Ethnobotanical, economic and food value as well as social and religious importance of this plant species.