Madhuca longifolia is an Indian tropical tree found largely in the central, southern, north Indian plains and forests, Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It is commonly known as madhūka, Butter Tree or mahua.
The mahua flower is edible and is a food item for tribals. They use it to make syrup for medicinal purposes.
Mahua 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 drink mahua, a country liquor.
Isn’t it any wonder the fruit bats just love them, especially in the evening?
Managed to capture a few shots with a torchlight and the built-in flash in the camera of some of these bats enjoying their drink at the Mahua tree next door.
