Chironji (Char) Plants (Buchanania lanzan) are medium-sized deciduous trees native to the Indian subcontinent. These plants are cultivated for their edible seeds, known as chironji or charoli, which are highly valued in Indian cuisine for their nutty flavor and used as a substitute for almonds. Besides their culinary uses, chironji seeds and other parts of the plant have various medicinal applications in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Characteristics of Chironji Plants

1. Size and Growth Habit:

   • Chironji trees are medium-sized, growing up to 15-20 meters (50-65 feet) in height.
   • The tree has a spreading canopy with a straight, cylindrical trunk and smooth, greyish bark that becomes fissured with age.

2. Leaves:

   • The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate or elliptical in shape, with a leathery texture.
   • They are dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the underside, with prominent veins