# Mahura flower

The Mahura flower is the blossom of Madhuca longifolia, or the Indian butter tree a tropical tree native to India, particularly in the central belt. The Mahura flower (Madhuca longifolia), also known by various names such as Mahua, Mhowra, Mohua or Mahuva, is a tree species in the Sapotaceae family. This tree is highly valued for its cultural, medicinal, and economic significance, particularly the use of its flowers in making alcoholic (spirit) beverages.

## Botany (Description of Mahura Flower)

The Mahura flower is typically white or pale yellow and blooms in large clusters. The flowers have a distinct fragrance, which is both sweet and aromatic. The petals are delicate and waxy, and they grow in a star-like formation.
Mahura flowers are rich in total sugars, out of which reducing sugar are present in high amount. The flowers are also fermented to produce the alcoholic beverage also known as mahura spirit., Tribals in the central belt of Indian such as of Dahanu, Maharashtra, Surguja and Bastar in Chhattisgarh and peoples of Western Orissa, Santhals of Santhal Paraganas (Jharkhand), Koya tribals of North-East Andhra Pradesh and Bhil tribals in western Madhya Pradesh consider the tree and the mahura drink as part of their cultural heritage. Mahura is an essential drink for tribal men and women during celebrations.
Mahura fruit are an essential food of Maharashtra, Western Odisha and the people of the central belt of India. The tree has a great cultural significance. There are many varieties of food prepared with its fruits and flowers. Also in Maharashtra, Western Odisha people used to pray to this tree during festivals. The spirit produced from the flowers is largely colourless, opaque and not very strong. It is inexpensive and the production is largely done in home stills.

## Economic and cultural importance
### Alcoholic Beverage

The flowers of the Mahura tree are traditionally used to make an alcoholic beverage, often referred to as Mahura, Mahua, or Mohua spirit. This drink is popular among communities in Maharashtra and the central belt of India. The beverage is considered auspicious an integral part of festivals and celebrations.

### Medicinal and food use

In addition to being used for alcoholic drinks, Mahura flowers are also edible and are a food source for tribal communities. The flowers are harvested and made into syrups, which are used in traditional medicine. In some regions, the dried flowers are ground into flour to make breads and other foods.

### Cultural significance

The Mahura tree holds significant cultural value in tribal societies, especially in Maharashtra, where it is known as the Kalpavriksha or "wishing tree." It is believed to grant wishes and bring prosperity.

### Other Products

The fruit and flowers of the Mahura tree are also used to make jam, particularly in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, where co-operatives manufacture and sell the product. The seeds of the tree are also used to produce oil, which is exported to various countries.

## Notable locations

* Mahura, Maharashtra: A village in Dahanu, Palghar District with cultural and economic ties to the Mahura tree.
* Mahua, Bihar: A town in Vaishali District, known for the presence of Mahura trees.
* Mahura, Gujarat: Another region in India where Mahura trees are significant.