સીતાફળ

• From seed: sow in individual pots no deeper than 2cm at 21°C; seeds usually breed true to type and germinate within 2-4 weeks, with seedlings ready to plant out after 6 months.
• The hard seedcoat benefits from scarification first: pour a small amount of near-boiling water over the seeds (careful not to cook them) and soak for 12-24 hours in warm water.
• If they haven't swollen after that, nick the seedcoat carefully without damaging the embryo and soak another 12 hours before sowing.
• Other methods: semi-ripe cuttings; budding at the start of the growing season when sap flows freely (cleft-grafting is the more common technique); or air-layering.

• The fruit is eaten fresh or turned into sherbet, ice cream, and jellies.
• Beyond the fruit, nearly every part has a traditional use: crushed leaves treat ulcers, a leaf-and-oil poultice treats scalp disease, leaves are tucked under children's pillows to help them sleep through the night, and powdered seeds work as a vermifuge.
• Research has found anticancer activity in plant extracts.

These uses are documented for information only and are not medical advice. Always verify the species and the plant part before use.

• indiaflora-ces.iisc.ac.in
• plantuse.org
• gujarativishwakosh.org