Terminalia bellirica, commonly known as Baheda or Behada, is a large deciduous tree that is part of the Combretaceae family. It is native to the deciduous forests of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. Typically, it reaches a height of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) with a canopy spread of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters). The tree has a straight, buttressed trunk and a rounded crown with elliptical leaves. The flowers are yellow to white, appearing in spikes during the spring season, and are not particularly showy. The fruit is a rounded drupe, yellow to brown in color when ripe, and is notable for its medicinal properties.

Baheda is valued for its shade and is often used as an avenue tree in tropical climates. It is also appreciated for its role in traditional medicine and for the high oil content of its seeds, which are explored for biodiesel production. The tree is easy to maintain, requiring minimal care once established, and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to part shade. In Ayurvedic medicine, the fruit is a key component of Triphala, a herbal remedy. Despite its beneficial uses, the tree is sometimes associated with negative superstitions, such as being inhabited by demons in Northern India, which can affect its local popularity.CC BY-SA 4.0