Question

Dry fruit ‘Chilgoza’ is
(a)Fruit of Cycas
(b)Seed of Cycas
(c)Fruit of Pinus gerardiana
(d)The seed of Pinus gerardiana

Answer 1

Hint: The plants producing chilgoza are usually found in the Himalayan terrain which is the home for various types of trees belonging to the plant family Pinaceae of the division Pinophyta.

Complete Answer:
Chilgoza is recognized for its pine nuts that are edible. There are few seeds of plants that are highly nutritious and available for human consumption. One such seed is the seed of the pine tree “Pinus gerardiana" commonly known as chilgoza pine. These are rich in proteins and carbohydrates and are also said to have a varied range of health benefits from being a rich source of zinc, iron, and magnesium to helping in preventing diabetes, binge eating habits, and also promoting good skin and heart health.

Additional information:
-These trees are usually found in eastern parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and in the north-western Himalayas.
-They grow at elevations between 1800m to 3350 m.
-They are classified as “near threatened” under the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) conservation status.
-It is one of the most important cash crops for the tribes residing in Kinnaur, Pangi valley, and chamber district of Himachal Pradesh.
-The leaves of these trees are needle-like, with a glossy green sheen, and blueish-green stomata lines on the inner face. The cones are 10 to 18cm long and about 10 cm wide. The seed itself is 17 to 23 mm in length, with a thin shell and a rudimentary wing.

So, the correct answer is, ‘The seed of Pinus Gerardiana’.

Note: Chilgoza also has some medicinal properties like it is highly anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, antiseptic, anti-hypertensive, and also possesses diuretic properties. The seed oil is highly beneficial to treat ulcers and wounds.