Aegle

Aegle is a name used for several distinct things, including a small genus of flowering plants in the citrus family (Rutaceae). The best-known species is Aegle marmelos, commonly known as wood apple or bael, native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. In some classifications, this species has been placed in the genus Feronia; however, Aegle marmelos is widely recognized under the genus Aegle.

Aegle marmelos is a tree that can reach several meters in height. It has pinnate leaves with three leaflets, white to pale yellow flowers, and large round fruit with a hard rind that turns yellow-brown as it ripens. The pulp inside is aromatic and pale orange, and it is used in beverages, jams, and traditional medicine. The rind and other parts of the plant feature compounds valued in Ayurveda and Unani medicine, though scientific evidence varies by application.

Culturally, the bael tree holds significance in South Asia. The leaves, known as bilva leaves, are sacred to the Hindu god Shiva and are often offered during worship. The fruit is used in religious and culinary contexts and is associated with certain festivals and rituals in the region.

In Greek mythology, the name Aegle is attributed to several minor figures; accounts vary and details are fragmentary.

The term Aegle may also appear in other contexts, including as a given name or in various scientific or cultural references.